July 2, 2022
Gulfcoast Legal Services’ (GLS) role as a United Way Suncoast strategic community partner moves into a new era this month with the launch of a multi-year funding commitment from the venerable nonprofit leader.
United Way Suncoast kicked off its new fiscal year on July 1 by initiating the distribution of a three-year grant that will deliver $345,000 to GLS. We will use the funds to support our financial stability program in Pinellas and Sarasota Counties. The three-year vision for the program is to reduce the stress vulnerable community members feel in addressing their legal issues and to increase the efficacy of free civil legal aid in reaching client financial stability. Financial stability will change the community in many ways – reducing homelessness, domest
ic violence, and human trafficking, which low-income households are all highly susceptible to experiencing.
The GLS Grants Director expressed excitement about the support.
“United Way Suncoast has always taken the lead in convening nonprofit partners to meet urgent community needs. We are proud to join them in this three-year initiative. Along with the other community partners, we believe this program will make a tangible difference in the lives of our clients and the community at large.”
The community investment represents a first in United Way Suncoast’s 98-year history — a three-year commitment to 88 nonprofits that will total nearly $18 million by fiscal year 2025. In past years, United Way Suncoast issued annual grants. The new approach will empower GLS to boost the strategic planning behind the program and grow together with United Way Suncoast.
“Our strategic community partners requested a change to multi-year funding and the reasons are clear,” United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff said. “It’ll create trends and allow us to measure true impact; it’ll reduce the strain of the application process for the partners and UWS, and it’ll strengthen our ability to tell stories and fundraise.”
To learn more about how to give back or receive services visit gulfcoastlegal.org. You can learn more about United Way Suncoast at www.unitedwaysuncoast.org.
