The Patterson Foundation

08/29/2026

08/29/2026

History takes a walk this weekend, and admission costs nothing. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect puts the president and the abolitionist on stage together. Two men who started worlds apart, talking their way toward respect one conversation at a time.

Two evenings only: Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:30 at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center . Free, with reservations, courtesy of The Patterson Foundation.

Bring the teenager who thinks history is homework. Bring the friend who quotes Douglass. Bring yourself.

The full calendar's right here:
https://sarasotaarts.org/event/?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=cultural-coast-summer-2026&utm_content=w6-spotlight-lincolndouglass-0826

08/28/2026

Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect returns to Sarasota August 29 and 30!

The one-act play will take the stage at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center before traveling to Indianapolis for the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance’s 2026 Philanthropy Leads Conference.

Both Sarasota performances are currently fully reserved, but you can contact the Glenridge box office at 941-552-5325 or [email protected] to join the waiting list.

Admission is free as a gift to the community from The Patterson Foundation.

Learn more about A Walk to Respect or how to bring a performance to your community: https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/a-walk-to-respect.html

Aspirations to Actions

08/26/2026

Through a collaboration between The Patterson Foundation, Goodwill Manasota, and The Refurb Project, part of the Sarasota Technology Users Group, donated devices are wiped, refurbished, and placed in the hands of local people who need them.

Since 2004, The Refurb Project has helped put more than 25,000 refurbished computers into the community, and last year’s Device Drive collected more than 1,400 devices.

The annual drive runs October through January, but you don’t have to wait to make a difference. If you have an unused laptop, tablet, or phone, give it a second life by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]

CareerSource Suncoast Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. DeSoto County, FL FUNducation Inc Goodwill Manasota Goodwill Southwest Florida Multicultural Health Institute (MHI) The Women's Resource Center

08/21/2026

What if improving school attendance starts with a simple shift from "Why were you absent?" to "We missed you. How can we support you?"

When schools, families, and community partners lead with connection and empathy, attendance naturally improves and students thrive.

In this Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading blog, we explore how engaging families as true partners creates a culture where every child feels seen, supported, and motivated to show up every single day.

📖 Read the full post: https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/attendance-matters-how-engaging-families-and-communities-helps-children-reach-success.html

Charlotte County Public Schools

08/20/2026

So many leaders and groups are struggling to help their communities move forward amid the growing fragmentation and isolation plaguing our country .

That’s why, in North River Manatee County, FL, we teamed up with Bishop-Parker Foundation and The Patterson Foundation to host a Getting Started Public Innovators Lab with scores of local community members. This Lab is the first step in a years-long action phase. For our newest batch of Public Innovator alumni, it was a first step toward deepening their impact.

Here is a reflection from our newest alumni:

“The Lab revealed what small, deliberate steps and strategies we can adopt to help our communities grow and evolve.” — Julio Suarez, Vice President of Community Impact, The Patterson Foundation

Rejuvenation. Practical next steps. A renewed commitment to community. This is what you and your organization will experience when you join our October Getting Started Lab. Slots are filling up fast. Reserve yours today at https://theharwoodinstitute.org/virtual-labs

08/20/2026

Congratulations to all of the participating organizations for reaching this important milestone and leaning into the exploration, questions and possibilities that are essential to building a stronger financial future.

08/20/2026

The Patterson Foundation is gearing up for our 3rd Suncoast Digital Inclusion Month this October.

Did you know that 1 in 4 people in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties lack reliable broadband, a working computer, or the digital skills needed to thrive? Improving digital access opens doors to education, healthcare, employment, and connection.

Over the last two years, Suncoast organizations have teamed up to:
– Provide low-cost internet and free computer repairs to local Veterans
– Host hands-on device training for older adults
– Connect students and families with free laptops and Spanish-language tech workshops.

How can we make an even bigger splash this October? Share your thoughts in our quick planning survey! https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/save-the-date-and-share-your-thoughts-october-is-suncoast-digital-inclusion-month.html

CareerSource Suncoast Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. DeSoto County, FL FUNducation Inc Goodwill Manasota Goodwill Southwest Florida Multicultural Health Institute (MHI) The Women's Resource Center Maribel Martinez Consulting

Now in its third year, the Digital Access for All team at The Patterson Foundation and Digital Navigators across the region are gearing up for Suncoast Digital Inclusion Month. Every October, organizations across the country plan community outreach activities and events to raise awareness about...

08/19/2026

Have you heard about Margin & Mission Ignition through The Patterson Foundation?
Well that’s how Bulldog Corner came about! Now we sit on the MMI panel board and help the next generation of entrepreneurs succeed!

08/19/2026

A lot of board members hear “fundraising” and think one thing: I have to ask someone for money.

But that’s only one part of it.

In this clip from the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast, Rebekah Prieto of Parenting Matters shares a lesson she took from Fueling Dynamic Fundraising. Board members can support fundraising by making introductions, joining donor conversations, writing thank-you notes, and helping build relationships. Watch the podcast here: https://youtu.be/7d9EZkwpSR8


The Fund Raising School Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy