Continued Commitment to The Bay Creates New Match for Private Donors

Even amid a pandemic that has so far defined the decade, the team at The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC) has continued working diligently to bring to life the community’s vision for Sarasota’s next great cultural asset. Thanks to their efforts, 53 acres of city-owned land are being transformed into The Bay, a signature public park on Sarasota Bay accessible, free, and welcoming to people of all ages.

The Bay’s commitment to inclusiveness aligns seamlessly with The Patterson Foundation’s tenets and its mission to strengthen people, organizations, and communities. That alignment has guided The Patterson Foundation’s long-time support for this initiative, which began in 2016 during the outset of the master planning effort. This support has eclipsed $5 million total in strategic consulting and catalytic funding in the years since, including the recent successful completion of a matching challenge that raised $20 million from private sources for Phase 1 of The Bay’s master plan, the first 10-acre enhancement at the site.

The achievement of The Patterson Foundation’s full match less than two years after it was announced is even more remarkable when we consider the global COVID-19 pandemic emerged midway. Many of these private donors made their contributions while simultaneously coping with the turmoil of COVID-19. Their steadfast commitment to realizing the possibilities inherent in The Bay is a testament to The Bay Park Conservancy’s commitment to living its vision and guiding principles.

This success has also inspired the continuation of The Patterson Foundation’s own commitment to this once-in-a-generation community initiative — through a new matching challenge that is now open to private donors. Here is how the community can tap into the potential of this latest match:

• When private philanthropy donates $5 million toward Phase 1 through 2023, The Patterson Foundation will provide a $1 million match.

• The Patterson Foundation is contributing up to $4 million total through this matching challenge.

• When the full matching challenge has been achieved, it will result in a $24 million investment into The Bay.

With this matching challenge, The Patterson Foundation aspires to catalyze support for The Bay Park Conservancy as it continues to build momentum for Phase 1 and revitalize a neglected waterfront into an environmental and aesthetic jewel for all to enjoy. The Patterson Foundation encourages you to join the effort to make this a reality for this generation and generations to come by supporting The Bay at thebaysarasota.org/show-your-support.