Sarasota, FL – Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to announce a transformative grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County through the Athena Progressive Giving Circle. This grant will enable the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s  Promise Fund to provide critical financial assistance to economically disadvantaged girls in Sarasota County. This funding will ensure access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), a proven model for building courage, confidence, and character in girls.

The Athena Progressive Giving Circle’s grant will empower K-5 grade girls to develop essential skills, including self-reliance, self-esteem, and self-advocacy. Through the GSLE, girls will engage in hands-on, girl-led, and cooperative learning opportunities designed to inspire them to discover their strengths, connect with their communities, and take action to make the world a better place.

“This grant from Athena will open doors for girls in Sarasota County to participate in Girl Scouts, regardless of their economic background,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “The Girl Scout Leadership Experience transforms lives, and with this support, we’ll continue to shape the next generation of confident, empowered leaders.”

The GSLE emphasizes:

• Girl-Led Learning: Girls take the lead, from choosing their activities to achieving their goals.
• Hands-On Discovery: Interactive experiences help girls build resilience and confidence.
• Collaborative Growth: Teamwork and mutual respect foster a sense of belonging and shared success.

Athena Progressive Giving Circle’s mission is to fund impactful programs that improve the lives of women and girls in the community. By supporting Girl Scouts, Athena is investing in a sustainable, measurable approach to enhancing young girls’ self-worth and leadership potential.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.: Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council has a membership of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members. GSGCF is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves girls in ten counties including: Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. The council is governed by a volunteer board of directors who represent the geographic, ethnic, and social demographics of the council’s jurisdiction. For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit www.gsgcf.org.