Suncoast Charities for Children

What Suncoast Charities for Children does

Suncoast Charities for Children, Inc. is a Sarasota, Florida-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 1985 that raises funds through community events to support ten local non-profit agencies serving children, teens, and adults with special needs across seven Florida counties (Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Escambia, Collier, Lee, and Charlotte). The organization is led by Executive Director Lucy Nicandri and Director of Special Events Lisa Baer with a lean staff of 1–10 employees and governance from a Board of Directors (Board President Greg Linehan, Vice Presidents Bob Morrison and Sam Chavers Jr., Secretary Genevieve Judge). Per its 501(c)(3) certification, the organization employs no contract solicitors and passes 100% of contributions to its partner agencies, reaching over 10,000 individuals and their families annually. It holds a Charity Navigator three-star rating and a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, and is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under Registration # CH4531.

The organization's core offering is a portfolio of annual fundraising events rather than a product or technology platform. Flagship events include the Thunder by the Bay Music & Motors Festival (28th edition in April 2026 raised $310,000; cumulative $3.3 million over 28 years), the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights co-hosted with Marina Jack (39th edition in December 2025), the Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic, the Motors & Moorings Weekend, the "Friendliest Catch" Fishing Tournament (a private event for clients of supported agencies), the Suncoast Summer Fest series, and the newly launched 2nd Annual ROCKtoberfest at UTC in partnership with Benderson Development and iHeart Radio. Technology infrastructure is minimal and largely off-the-shelf: suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org serves as the primary information and engagement hub, and online donations are processed through the third-party Harness Giving platform. There is no proprietary software, no AI/ML capability, and no disclosed patents or trademarks.

Revenue is generated entirely through donations, sponsorships, grants, and event participation rather than through pricing for goods or services. The four principal revenue streams are event-based fundraising (the primary source), corporate sponsorships (long-tenure partners include Sarasota Ford for 20+ years, FioRelli Winery, Marina Jack, and Benderson Development), foundation grants (Reinhart Foundation matching challenges, James M. Doss Charitable Foundation, and Dunkin' Joy In Childhood Foundation $10,000 grant), and individual donations via online, event, and direct mail channels. The GTM motion is event-driven, relying on community engagement across multiple annual fundraisers to attract sponsors, donors, and attendees, with proceeds distributed as grants to the ten partner nonprofit agencies.

Name

Suncoast Charities for Children

Legal name

SUNCOAST CHARITIES FOR CHILDREN, INC.

Website

https://suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Sarasota-based 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1985 that organizes annual fundraising events to support ten local non-profit agencies serving over 10,000 children, teens, and adults with special needs across seven Florida counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Charitable Fundraising & Special Needs Support Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Early Childhood Education & Childcare Nonprofits (BPAGADAA)

Keywords

• Charitable fundraising events
• Special needs support
• Community philanthropy
• Nonprofit grant distribution
• Corporate sponsorship programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Sarasota

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Event-Based Fundraising: Primary revenue source from organizing special event fundraisers throughout the year including Thunder by the Bay Music & Motors Festival, Holiday Boat Parade, Summer Fest events, and fishing tournament. Events feature sponsors, ticket sales, and donations.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Local businesses and organizations sponsor events and programs. Major sponsors include Sarasota Ford (20+ years), FioRelli Winery & Vineyard, and various corporate partners for specific events.
3. Foundation Grants: Receives grants from charitable foundations including Reinhart Foundation ($5,000 matching challenges), James M. Doss Charitable Foundation, and Dunkin' Joy In Childhood Foundation ($10,000 grant).
4. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute through online platforms, event participation, and direct mail. Holiday donation drives collected over 300 donations including toys, books, and gift cards.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Suncoast Charities for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes annual special event fundraisers—including the Thunder by the Bay Music & Motors Festival, Holiday Boat Parade, Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic, Motors & Moorings Weekend, and the Friendliest Catch Fishing Tournament—to raise money that is distributed as grants to ten local nonprofit agencies serving children, teens, and adults with special needs across seven Florida counties.

Product overview

Suncoast Charities for Children is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization operating as a single unified fundraising entity rather than a technology platform. The organization operates a portfolio of annual special event fundraisers (Thunder by the Bay Music & Motors Festival, Holiday Boat Parade, Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic, Motors & Moorings Weekend, Suncoast Summer Fest series, and the Friendliest Catch Fishing Tournament) that collectively raise funds to support ten local non-profit agencies serving children, teens, and adults with special needs across seven Florida counties.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Holiday Boat Parade Annual holiday-themed boat parade on Sarasota Bay presented in partnership with Marina Jack, featuring decorated boats, toy donations, and celebrity judges selecting winners from private and corporate sectors. Attracts approximately 5,000 spectators annually.
• Thunder by the Bay Music & Motors Festival The organization's largest annual three-day festival featuring live music, vendors, bike and car shows, motorcycle charity rides, on-site camping, and fundraising activities. Has raised over $3.3 million over 28 years.
• Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic Annual charity golf tournament held at IMG Academy Golf Club in memory of Bob Rizi, longtime board member. Net proceeds support children, teens, and adults with special needs.
• Motors & Moorings Weekend Two-day celebration featuring a luau-themed party ('Lei'd Back For A Great Cause') and a 'Big Kahuna' Dice Run by car, boat, or motorcycle. Honors Noel Speranza, dedicated board member.
• "Friendliest Catch" Fishing Tournament Private fishing tournament for clients with special needs from non-profit organizations supported by the charity. Made possible by generous boat captains who donate vessels, equipment, and time.
• Agency Funding Program Funding program that supports ten local non-profit organizations offering critical programs and services to over 10,000 individuals and families with special needs in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Escambia, Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 10,000 individuals served annually through partner organizations
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• Marina JackcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2025Co-host of the Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade. Marina Jack provides venue and facilities for the event and serves as a drop-off location for holiday donations. The partnership has enabled the parade to attract approximately 5,000 spectators annually.
• Columbia Restaurant GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerParticipates in the Community Harvest Program during September, donating 5% of guest checks from all locations (Columbia Restaurant, Cha Cha Coconuts, 1905 Family brand restaurants) to selected nonprofits. Has donated over $4.4 million to Florida nonprofits over 27 years. Provides gift certificates for Suncoast Charities raffles and auctions.
• Sarasota Tarpon TournamentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe oldest continuously running Tarpon Tournament in America (since 1930) has partnered with Suncoast Charities for 14+ years, donating over $140,500 to support children, teens, and adults with special needs. The 95th tournament donated $13,500 in 2025.
• Del Webb At Lakewood Ranch 'Making A Difference' ClubmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity group of homeowners that raises money for special needs individuals. Has contributed over $11,000 to Suncoast Charities, funding ADA-accessible ramps, sand play tables, therapy swings, sport equipment, and athlete scholarships.
• FioRelli Winery & VineyardmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerLongtime supporters John and Kristin Hokanson have been major sponsors of Thunder by the Bay festival for years. After purchasing FioRelli Winery in 2021, they continue supporting the mission through proceeds nights, product donations, and event hosting. Donated $1,152 from their Red, White & Blueberry Celebration.
• Benderson DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organized the 2nd Annual ROCKtoberfest at UTC event in partnership with iHeart Radio. Provided venue access across 7 venues at UTC shopping center, enabling the event to raise over $4,500.
• iHeart RadiocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerZ105 station partnered for ROCKtoberfest and National Radio Day celebration, providing live radio broadcasts, concert ticket giveaways, and promotional support that amplified event reach and fundraising.
• Sarasota FordcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor sponsor of Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival for 20+ years. Under Matt Buchanan's leadership, also supports toy drives, hurricane relief, and the 'One Community One Team' initiative recognizing local heroes. Received SRQ Magazine Good Hero Corporate Award.
• Children First, Inc.coreOthersPrimary partner nonprofit receiving funding for early childhood education programs including Full Tummies/Flourishing Minds, Family Crisis Fund, sensory items, and Head Start playground renovation.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• The Patterson Foundation: Sarasota-based private foundation supporting regional initiatives in education, community engagement, and quality of life. Comparable as a Suncoast-region grantmaker distributing funds to local nonprofits through partnerships.
• Community Foundation of Sarasota County: Local community foundation serving Sarasota County with grantmaking and donor-advised funds. Comparable as a Sarasota-based grantmaking organization that channels philanthropic dollars to local nonprofits.
• United Way Suncoast: Regional United Way affiliate covering Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Hardee counties. Comparable as a Florida-based community fundraising nonprofit that distributes funds to partner agencies serving vulnerable populations.
• Easterseals Southwest Florida: Southwest Florida affiliate of the national Easterseals disability services network, providing direct services to individuals with disabilities. Comparable as a regional nonprofit serving the same special-needs population in overlapping Florida counties.
• Manatee Community Foundation: Community foundation serving Manatee County with charitable grants to local organizations. Comparable as a Florida Gulf Coast grantmaking entity operating in one of the same counties served by Suncoast Charities' partner agencies.

Broad incumbents

• Best Buddies International: National nonprofit creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through friendship, employment, and leadership programs. Comparable as a fundraising-and-program nonprofit serving overlapping IDD populations through events and corporate partnerships.
• The Arc of the United States: National organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Comparable in mission alignment with the special-needs populations served by Suncoast's partner agencies, including Loveland Center and Inclusion Revolution.
• Easterseals (national): National nonprofit network providing disability and special-needs services across the U.S. Comparable in mission focus on disability services, but operates at far larger scale and broader geographic scope than the Suncoast regional model.

Direct peers

• Children First, Inc. Sarasota-based Head Start and early childhood education nonprofit, also a Suncoast Charities partner agency. Comparable as a regional special-needs early childhood provider reliant on community donations and grants for program funding.
• Special Olympics Florida: Statewide chapter of Special Olympics, one of Suncoast Charities' ten funded partner agencies. Comparable as a Florida-based nonprofit delivering sports programs to individuals with intellectual disabilities; receives grant funding from Suncoast and runs its own event-based fundraising.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/suncoastcharitiesforchildren
• Xx.com/scfcsrq
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/suncoast-charities-for-children-inc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Suncoast Charities for Children