Flanzer Trust Expands Matching Grant Program In 4 Counties

The Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust (Flanzer Trust) announced the expansion of the Flanzer Philanthropic Trust Matching Program (Matching Program).

Launching the Matching Program on January 25, 2020, the Flanzer Trust sought to encourage broad-based, grassroots support of social service, social welfare, K-12 education, and health care non-profits by matching dollar-for-dollar donations of $5-$500 up to $500,000 this calendar year. Interest in the Matching Program and disbursements has exceeded initial projections; in just over four months, the Flanzer Trust has processed matching contributions from 1,955 donors benefiting 84 agencies in Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto and Charlotte Counties.

In the program’s next phase, the Flanzer Trust will seek contributions from private donors in addition to their $500,000 in annual matching funds, with a goal of increasing the total annual match and making the program sustainable and available year-round. In a few short weeks, they have received $155,000 in private donations for a total of $655,000 in match dollars so far this year.

Individual and organizational funders who have made donations include Edward Milstein; Graci and Dennis McGillicuddy, All-Star Children’s Foundation; John Hart, CEO, Sarasota Private Trust Co., and Emigrant Bank of New York City led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Howard P. Milstein. Emigrant’s investment in Sarasota over the past few years includes establishing the Sarasota Private Trust Company with other local investors and acquiring the BMO Harris Bank Building.

“We launched the matching program pre-COVID-19 to bring awareness to and encourage community support of people in need through small yet important donations,” said Eric Kaplan and Dr. Dean Hautamaki, Flanzer Trust co-trustees. “During the pandemic, people who never expected to seek assistance and never have before, found themselves in dire need. For so many, one incident of unexpected misfortune or lost income can make a profound difference. We seek to grow the Matching Program so that whether it’s an unexpected emergency like a pandemic or hurricane, or routine support, our partner non-profits will have resources to make a difference” they added.

“We appreciate the Flanzer Trust’s leadership in shining a spotlight on the importance of grassroots fundraising and small donations to make a meaningful difference in our community,” said Arthur Lerman, JFCS of the Suncoast interim CEO. “The Matching Program has allowed us to make important investments in our COVID-19 relief efforts and seniors’ support programs to make an impact during this critical time,” Lerman added.

“Our family has longstanding ties to the Sarasota community dating back to the 1970’s when our beloved aunt and uncle, Gloria Milstein Flanzer and Lou Flanzer first came to Sarasota,” said Howard P. Milstein. “Over the years, we also came to appreciate the beauty of the Sarasota community and its needs. We are excited to join in the Flanzer Trust’s matching gift program and to participate in the continuing growth of the Sarasota community,” Milstein added.

To learn more about the Matching Program or make a donation, visit www.flanzertrust.org or contact Eric Kaplan at (917) 915-0404.