Our Branch has three endowed funds which are used for scholarships and other philanthropic purposes.

The Elizabeth Parker Scholarship Fund was a gift from her family in her memory and in 2017 held about $56,000.  All the interest must be used for scholarships.

The AAUW/Sarasota Branch Scholarship Fund is from monies raised by the Branch over many years, mostly through annual books sales.  In 2017 it held about $13,000.  All the interest must be used for scholarships.

The Norma Heeps Fund was given as a bequest by a long time member of our branch.  In 2017 it held about $195,000. The interest is designated for educational and charitable purposes including scholarships and donations to 501(c)3 non-profits, but may not be used for Branch operations or programs.

All three funds are administered by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County which manages the investment of the funds, identifies worthy recipients for the scholarships, and disburses the agreed-on amounts.  Currently we spend annually approximately 4.5% of the proceeds from each fund.

The recipients of the scholarships are selected by the Community Foundations.  Twice a year they solicit scholarship applications from adult learners, women 24 years or older.  The Foundation reviews all applications, and forwards applicants to a committee for review.  Each applicant is reviewed by at least three committee members.  The scholarship manager then reports the committee selections to the Foundation’s Board of Directors for approval, thus assuring that our scholarships are awarded to worthy recipients.