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Sarasota African American Cultural Center Director of Development The Director of Development will be responsible for creating and implementing acomprehensive development strategy to support SAACC’s mission and growth. This roleinvolves cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors, securing major gifts, planningfundraising events, developing and overseeing an annual fund program, and managing grantapplications. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in fundraising, excellentcommunication skills, and a deep commitment to the mission of SAACC. SAACC’s goal is tobuild a development team capable of broadening its donor base to sustain operations. The quietphase of a capital campaign will be launched in 2026. This key position will lead the fundraisingteam. Key ResponsibilitiesFundraising Strategy:– Develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan to meet annual revenue goals.– Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.– Develop and implement an annual fund program.– Plan and manage fundraising campaigns and events.Donor Relations:– Build and maintain

The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition recently began planting a new butterfly and pollinator garden at the historic Leonard Reid House, with help from students at Precious Jewels Academy. The garden will support local pollinators and honor influential Black leaders through a legacy walkway. Another planting day is set for July 31 with Girls Inc. and Star Lab students. Community members can get involved by donating supplies or volunteering. Donations will be accepted on June 21 and July 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Read Original Story Here

Thanks to the efforts of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition preservation project, Sarasota has become the second city ever to win the Stewards of Heritage Award as it is recognized as the largest historic African American district in the State. This July Sarasota received the Stewards of Heritage award from the Florida Archaeological Council. Based on the number of contributing resources, The Newtown district is now the largest Black historic district in Florida and joins St. Augustine as the only other city in the state to receive this award in its 50 years of existence. Since 2015 Vickie Oldham, the president and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, has been documenting the history of Newtown. At the start little information was readily available about the city’s historical Black community, meanwhile it it has seen a massive outgrowth. For instance, it has captured the attention of Steven High, executive director of the John and