Patterson Foundation donates $500,000 for storm relief

As the 2026 hurricane season kicks off, The Patterson Foundation has committed $500,000 to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund. The funding will support ongoing and future long-term recovery and resilience efforts in areas of Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties affected by hurricanes and other disasters.

Established in 2022, the fund identifies needs in the wake of natural disasters after initial emergency response and short-term relief efforts have concluded.

“Preparedness is more than having supplies on hand or a plan for when a storm approaches. It also means ensuring our region has resources at the ready to cover the needs that emerge long after the winds and waters subside,” said Patterson Foundation President and CEO Debra Jacobs in a news release. “The Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund has proven to be a powerful vehicle for strengthening long-term recovery across our region. With this investment, The Patterson Foundation is strengthening our collective capacity to navigate inevitable future storms with resilience.”

In addition to resilience, the fund is available to cover costs of mental and behavioral health, legal services, case management, and children and youth services as well as long-term recovery efforts to repair and rebuild homes, and replace damaged furniture and appliances. The fund directs contributions to local nonprofit organizations supporting those needs.

The Patterson Foundation supports the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund through direct contributions and donation-match opportunities to incentivize community giving. The fund has raised more than $10.7 million since 2022, including more than $4 million in total support from The Patterson Foundation.

In addition to long-term recovery, the Community Foundation meets immediate relief needs of individuals and families in the region through its Season of Sharing initiative. Donations may be made online at CFSarasota.org or by sending a check payable to Community Foundation of Sarasota County to Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund or Season of Sharing, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237. All donations are tax-deductible.