Making An Impact

Making An Impact Because the 1st step to getting help,
is knowing where to find it. PURPOSE: Ensure access to community resources for those in need.

Making An Impact is an IRS designated 501 (c )(3) nonprofit organization, incorporated in the state of Florida

WEBSITE: www.Making-An-Impact.org

TEL: 941.251.5846

MAILING ADDRESS: 11161 East State Road 70, Suite 110-585,
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-9407

BOARD CHAIR: Victoria Kasdan, RN, BSN, MPH

MISSION: To reduce disparities and address

unmet needs for
disadvantaged people in our community. VISION: Equitable access to community resources, resulting in
longer, healthier, and happier lives. AREA of SERVICE: Manatee & Sarasota County, FL

CAUSES WE SUPPORT:
1) Community Advocacy
2) Community Outreach
3) Addressing Social Determinants of Health

GOALS
1. Expand Distribution & Formats of Community Connections Resource Guide
2. Translate Existing Community Resource Guide to Spanish
3. Create Additional Resource Guides Specific to Community Needs

PROGRAM
Community Connections Resource Guide available in print & online for;
1) organizations that help residents find the services they need
2) residents in Sarasota and Manatee counties who seeking basic need
services

This guide contains information on over 250 area agencies organized into 17 categories of service. Our resource guide was created by locals for locals to complement existing referral resources, address the different ways people seek information and enhance the quality and quantity of community information available to those who need it most. Today, in the midst and aftermath of a pandemic, there is no shortage of people in need. We believe the more ways communities can connect them with the resources they need, the better.

🌪️ When the Storm Comes, Will You Be Ready? 🌧️Hurricane season is a reality in our community, and preparation can mean t...
04/13/2026

🌪️ When the Storm Comes, Will You Be Ready? 🌧️
Hurricane season is a reality in our community, and preparation can mean the difference between chaos and recovery. 🌀📘

By supporting Making An Impact during the 2026 Giving Challenge, noon to noon on April 15-16th, you help place trusted, life-saving disaster guides into the hands of those who need them most,... before, during, and after the storm.

💙 Your gift ensures that when disaster strikes, information is a lifeline.
⏰ Give during the 24-hour event and make your impact count!

**🚨 JUST 100 HOURS TO MAKE AN IMPACT! 🚨**In just **100 hours**, the **2026 Giving Challenge** begins! ⏳ When disasters s...
04/12/2026

**🚨 JUST 100 HOURS TO MAKE AN IMPACT! 🚨**

In just **100 hours**, the **2026 Giving Challenge** begins! ⏳ When disasters strike, and the power goes out, **information becomes a lifeline**. Your support helps place trusted disaster preparedness and recovery guides into the hands of those who need them most ... before, during, and after the storm. 🌪️📘

Every donation up to $100 will be **matched 1:1**, doubling your impact! 💙Be ready. Be the one. Make an impact. 🙌

This One Mistake Reduces Your Credibility & Increases Your LiabilityWe’re excited to share our latest blog post:Respect ...
03/26/2026

This One Mistake Reduces Your Credibility & Increases Your Liability
We’re excited to share our latest blog post:
Respect the Source: Why Attribution is Non-Negotiable
In today’s information-rich world, credibility matters more than ever.
Attribution of copyright material isn’t just a courtesy; it’s a cornerstone of transparency, trust, ethical practice, and legal requirement.
When we clearly acknowledge where information comes from, we strengthen both our work and the community we serve.
👉 Read the full blog here: https://making-an-impact.org/2026/03/25/respect-the-source-why-attribution-is-non-negotiable/
At Making An Impact, we believe that honoring the source isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Navigating the world of prescription medications can be challenging, even for those with health insurance. Understanding how to save on prescriptions is crucial for managing costs effectively.

Shared Resources, Shared ResponsibilityCommunity resource guides don’t create themselves. They require real, consistent ...
12/22/2025

Shared Resources, Shared Responsibility
Community resource guides don’t create themselves. They require real, consistent work to build, enhance, and maintain. Behind every trusted, up-to-date guide is extensive research, verification, community collaboration, and ongoing maintenance.
As more organizations rely on Making An Impact’s Community Connections Basic Needs Resource Guide, we’re taking an important step to ensure sustainability and proper attribution of this work.
Effective January 2026, our guide will no longer be distributed free of charge without one of the following:
✔️ Partner recognition
✔️ Impact documentation (testimonial or case example)
✔️ Direct purchase
This isn’t about limiting access—it’s about protecting the integrity of shared community tools and ensuring they remain accurate, available, and sustainable for everyone who relies on them.
When we acknowledge the sources that power our work, we strengthen the entire nonprofit ecosystem.
To learn more about our Resource Use Policy, CLICK the link below:
https://making-an-impact.org/resource-use-policy/

Grateful to attend the SRQ Magazine Giving Coast Luncheon and to place Making An Impact’s wishes on the Giving Tree—help...
12/16/2025

Grateful to attend the SRQ Magazine Giving Coast Luncheon and to place Making An Impact’s wishes on the Giving Tree—helping connect neighbors to essential resources across our community. 💙🌱

Today is Giving Tuesday, and our community needs you.With the economic downturn, more people than ever are turning to ou...
12/02/2025

Today is Giving Tuesday, and our community needs you.
With the economic downturn, more people than ever are turning to our Basic Needs Resource Guide to find essential services—food, housing, medical care, and workforce support.
To keep this trusted tool free and accessible, we need your help.
💙 A meaningful gift today lightens the burden for families
💙 Facilitates workforce readiness
💙 Strengthens our entire community
Make your Giving Tuesday gift: https://making-an-impact.org/donation/


Making An Impact is a 501 (c)(3) charitable nonprofit with 100% of proceeds going directly to our organization and tax-deductible donations as allowed by law. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within Florida 1-800-435-7352. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Registration number CH 62499

From Founder to FutureCarrying the Mission ForwardNearly six years ago, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Linda Hoy...
09/16/2025

From Founder to Future
Carrying the Mission Forward
Nearly six years ago, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Linda Hoy, a retired CPA, and I pooled our personal resources to launch Making An Impact. Our vision was simple but bold: to help those who help others find local resources that meet basic needs. We believed that while no single agency could meet every need, a trusted resource guide could empower staff to redirect clients to the right organizations.
In the early days, some funders questioned whether this B2B approach to nonprofits was necessary or duplicative. But local nonprofits, faith-based groups, and law enforcement quickly recognized the gap we were filling, the value we offered, and how our guides complemented existing tools. Demand skyrocketed.
Since then, we’ve expanded our offerings to include the Disaster Recovery and Pharmacy Discount Guides, all of which are available in print, online, and in multiple languages. Today, more than 8,000 printed Basic Needs Resource Guides are in circulation, with thousands more accessed online. Seeing our work become one of Sarasota and Manatee’s most trusted and widely used tools has been deeply gratifying.
For six years, I’ve poured my time, energy, and heart into this mission. While it hasn’t always been easy, it has been worthwhile. As I step off the board and pass the baton to our first employee and new Executive Director, I do so with confidence. Making An Impact is not about one person—it’s about the mission. And that mission will carry on, stronger than ever.
# Sarasota

Congrats Renee Eppard Lifetime of Leadership Award recpient and to all three 2025 Leadership Award winners recognized by...
08/13/2025

Congrats Renee Eppard Lifetime of Leadership Award recpient and to all three 2025 Leadership Award winners recognized by Sarasota Chamber of Commerce .

We're Turning the Page & Taking It To the Next Level!
07/29/2025

We're Turning the Page & Taking It To the Next Level!

📣 We're Hiring!Making An Impact—a trusted local nonprofit helping Sarasota and Manatee residents access basic needs, dis...
06/10/2025

📣 We're Hiring!
Making An Impact—a trusted local nonprofit helping Sarasota and Manatee residents access basic needs, disaster recovery, and Rx savings—is seeking a Part-Time Executive Director to lead our mission-driven work.
Are you a passionate leader ready to make a difference in our community? Or know someone who is?
🔹 Flexible schedule
🔹 Purpose-driven impact
🔹 Collaborative, community-focused team
Learn more and apply online here before July 10, 2025. No calls:
👉 https://community.afpnet.org/afpflsouthwestchapter/career/center

He Ain't Heavy... He's My Brother
03/11/2025

He Ain't Heavy... He's My Brother

Address

11161 East State Road 70 Suite 110/585
Bradenton, FL
34202

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+19412515846

Alerts

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