Lee Wetherington Foundation

In 2002, Lee Wetherington made an initial gift of $1 million to establish the Lee Wetherington Foundation, administered by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and today has $2.8 million to award grants, primarily to those whose needs are not addressed by other governmental or charitable entities, with a focus on the less fortunate and especially on disadvantaged youth. Further, he has made a series of print and electronic ads, “Building Bridges,” to encourage others to make philanthropic contributions. Since its inception, the Lee Wetherington Foundation has donated over $2 million in grants to deserving non-profit organizations throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Suncoast Campaign For Grade-Level Reading

The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is a four-county effort in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties in Southwest, Florida, to help children from birth through 3rd grade, especially those from asset-limited families, succeed in life by ensuring they read on grade level.

We are proud to be part of the more than 390 Campaign for Grade-Level Reading communities in 44 states across the nation and in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada.

The Bill & Ann Templeton Foundation

The Bill & Ann Templeton Foundation, Inc., located in Sarasota, FL, is a not-for-profit private foundation incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida. Our focus is to continue the legacy began by our benefactors of supporting qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations focused on Judeo-Christian faith-based ministries and institutions involved in furthering God’s Kingdom.

Nelson Family Foundation

The Nelson Family Foundation supports educational and religious initiatives throughout the United States.

Our vision is our mission

The Rocket Phonics Foundation’s mission is to save lives one reader at a time.
Our organization focuses on closing the reading achievement gap through the use of the Rocket Phonics reading program.

WE FACILITATE SAFE LEARNING EXPERIENCES

We start with a person who cares enough about the children in their community to act. Next, we identify a facility to bring the kids to. This facility can be a preschool, a church, or a combination of both. Then we train the volunteers to play the games the children need.

Why Churches?

  • They all qualify as non-profit organizations

  • They usually aren’t using their facility after school and during the weekday

  • They are already part of the community

Why Non-Profit Organizations?

Grade-level reading has gathered the support of many nonprofit organizations across this country. If you have a community that needs this support then chances are good we can find a local non-profit to fund the effort.

you can BRING HOPE INTO YOUR COMMUNITY

Currently, we are active in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, but if you want Rocket Phonics in your county or even a different state we can work together to make it happen. No child should go through school unable to read his or her textbooks.