RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Awards $45,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits

The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) is proud to announce that the RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (RRCF) has awarded a total of $45,000 in grants to nine nonprofit organizations serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. Each organization received a $5,000 grant to support their mission-driven programs that strengthen housing, shelter, and community well-being. Grants were presented on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at RASM South, with additional check deliveries scheduled at nonprofit offices across Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The RRCF Fundraising and Grants Committee selected the following nine nonprofit partners as 2025 grant recipients:

• American Red Cross – Provides vital disaster relief, health and safety training, and support for families facing emergencies across our region. Their grant will fund the installation of smoke alarms and battery replacements in local homes, helping prevent future tragedies.
• Freedom Houses – Offers transitional housing and support programs to help families and individuals build pathways to independence. Their grant will fund the installation of three playgrounds at safe housing facilities, creating stability and continuity for residents.
• Everyday Blessings, Inc. – Provides high-quality care and housing for children and young adults in the foster care system. With this grant, they will secure a three-year lease on a climate-controlled storage unit to preserve and organize essential donations.
• Habitat for Humanity Sarasota – Partners with families to build and improve affordable homes, creating long-term stability through homeownership. Their grant will help construct an ADA-accessible bathroom for a child with disabilities, improving safety and quality of life.
• Manatee Children’s Services – Advocates for children and provides shelter, prevention, and intervention programs to protect vulnerable youth from abuse and neglect. This year’s grant will cover the purchase of new carpeting for a group home that serves 100 children annually.
• Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) – Offers free, confidential services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence while promoting a culture of safety and equality in the community. Their grant will provide household “starter kits” for survivors transitioning into safe housing.
• Second Heart Homes – Provides housing and critical support services to homeless adults with mental illnesses, restoring dignity and stability to a vulnerable population. Their grant will supply personal hygiene items for residents as they begin their journey toward independence.
• The Crossings Ministries – Supports individuals and families through housing and wraparound services designed to break cycles of poverty and homelessness. This grant will fund painting the weather-worn exterior of their campus, creating a more welcoming environment and reinforcing their role as good neighbors.
• Turning Points – Delivers essential services, including healthcare, food, and housing resources, to individuals and families in need in Manatee County. Their grant will cover apartment application fees for 50–60 households seeking stable, long-term housing.

“These grants reflect the heart of the REALTOR® community,” said Tony Barrett, Chair of the RRCF Board. “REALTORS® don’t just help people find homes—we’re committed to strengthening our neighborhoods and supporting organizations that give families safety, stability, and hope.”

A Community Effort Powered by Members

These grants were made possible thanks to the generosity of RASM members, who raised funds throughout the year by contributing through outright donations, special events, raffles, and creative fundraising initiatives. Each dollar given was transformed into meaningful impact for families across Sarasota and Manatee counties.

“Every member who bought a raffle ticket, attended a fundraiser, or made a direct contribution played a role in making this $45,000 community investment possible,” said Barrett. “This is proof of what we can accomplish when we come together as REALTORS® to give back to the communities we serve.”

Since its founding in 2021, the RRCF has invested more than $452,000 in scholarships and community grants across Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation is the charitable arm of RASM, committed to enhancing the quality of life in the Sarasota and Manatee region by providing essential funding to individuals and not-for-profit organizations.

For more information about the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation or to contribute, visit www.myrasm.com/foundation.