Neighborhoods

Established in 1998, the City of Sarasota’s Neighborhood Division was created to connect with and support neighborhoods across the community. Through collaboration, resources, and meaningful partnerships, the Neighborhood Division actively works to strengthen the bonds that make each neighborhood unique and help communities grow and thrive.

Neighborhood Associations

A neighborhood association is a resident-led group dedicated to strengthening the community by addressing local concerns and fostering collaboration among residents, businesses, and government. These associations serve as vital connectors—bringing people together to share ideas, solve problems, and celebrate the unique character of their neighborhoods.

The City of Sarasota proudly recognizes over 50 neighborhoods, each with its own distinct history, cultural heritage, and character. Many of these neighborhoods have active associations that meet regularly to exchange information, build relationships, and advocate for their community’s needs. If your neighborhood does not currently have an active association, please email the Neighborhood Planner at neighborhoods@sarasotafl.com for guidance.

To support the efforts of our neighborhood associations, the City offers neighborhood grants and resources designed to empower residents and enhance quality of life.

Neighborhood Partnership Grant

The intent of the Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program is to assist and strengthen the City of Sarasota neighborhood associations and improve the quality of life within City neighborhoods. Neighborhood Partnership Grants are offered twice per fiscal year Fall and Spring. During each grant cycle, the City Commission votes to approve Neighborhood Grant applications based on recommendations from the Grant Review Committee.

In the past, Neighborhood Partnership Grants have funded the following types of initiatives: newsletters, public landscape improvements, neighborhood entry signs, meeting signs, community events and more. Neighborhood Associations are eligible to receive one Neighborhood Partnership Grant per fiscal year.

To learn more about the program and to obtain an application for the Neighborhood Partnership Grant, please send an email to Neighborhood.Grants@SarasotaFl.gov.

Community Building Grant

The Community Building grant is offered for neighborhood associations to support community gatherings, celebrations or special events. Such events have the ability to increase neighborhood pride and deepen a sense of community. A sample of eligible funding projects includes: supplies, entertainment, printing, food, beverages (excluding alcohol), and permitting fees in conjunction with neighborhood festivals/celebrations. Neighborhood Associations are eligible to receive one Community Building grant per fiscal year. There is no application deadline for this ongoing program and the maximum amount is $250.00 provided there are grant funds in the budget.

To learn more about the program and to obtain an application for the Neighborhood Partnership Grant, please send an email to Neighborhood.Grants@SarasotaFl.gov.

Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations (CCNA)

Founded in 1990, a dedicated group of neighborhood leaders formed the Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations of Sarasota, Inc. (CCNA), a not-for-profit organization committed to elevating the voices of local communities. Today, CCNA encompasses 36 active neighborhood associations who gather on the first Saturday of each month. These meetings feature guest speakers who address pressing community issues, share valuable information, and foster citywide collaboration. Public participation is welcomed, and the neighborhood leaders are approachable, eager to answer questions, and ready to offer guidance.

To find out more information about the CCNA, please follow this link to their website: https://sarasotaccna.org/

Or to find a connection to a specific Neighborhood Association under the CCNA Member page, please follow this link: https://sarasotaccna.org/member-associations-1

Sarasota County Programs

Sarasota County's RainCheck Program

RainCheck is an incentive rebate program designed to encourage homeowners to install small-scale Best Management Practices (BMPs) that improve water quality and increase stormwater infiltration, thus protecting our valuable water resources. Through the RainCheck program, Sarasota County will pay property owners up to a certain amount for eligible (tangible) items in the installation of select BMPs proven to have water quality and quantity benefits: