Sarasota, FL – Parenting Matters is proud to announce it has been awarded an $8,000 Capacity Building Grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support a consultant-led strategic planning initiative designed to guide the organization’s next phase of growth and impact.

This funding will support the development of a comprehensive strategic plan focused on aligning leadership and board vision, strengthening organizational direction, and equipping the organization to respond to evolving community needs. The initiative comes at a critical time as Parenting Matters continues to expand its programs, staffing, and overall reach.

Funding for this project is provided in part by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
Parenting Matters will partner with Joey Brannon of Axiom Strategic to facilitate the strategic planning process. Brannon brings a longstanding relationship with the organization, having previously served as a board member and Board Chair, and has remained actively involved through his continued support and advisory role.

The strategic planning process will assess the organization’s current position, evaluate funding and external conditions, and establish clear priorities and measurable goals. The outcome will be an actionable roadmap that strengthens alignment across staff and board leadership while positioning Parenting Matters for sustainable, long-term impact.

“This investment allows us to take an important step forward as an organization,” said Katie Becker, Executive Director of Parenting Matters. “As we continue to grow, it is essential that we remain aligned in our vision and intentional in our approach. This strategic planning process will help ensure we are making the greatest possible impact for the families we serve.”

Brannon’s connection to Parenting Matters spans nearly two decades, rooted in a shared commitment to strengthening families and communities. Through his work with Axiom Strategic, he has helped guide organizations in building disciplined, results-driven strategies that translate vision into measurable outcomes.

“The planning is important, but execution is what truly makes the difference,” said Brannon. “This process is about building structure, accountability, and alignment so Parenting Matters can continue to grow its impact in a meaningful and sustainable way.”

The need for this initiative arises from Parenting Matters’ ongoing growth and the increasing complexity of supporting families in a rapidly changing environment. This effort will enable the organization to navigate challenges using a strategic framework, align priorities, and make informed decisions, all while staying responsive to community needs and ensuring measurable, lasting impact over time.

About Parenting Matters

Parenting Matters strengthens families in Southwest Florida through evidence-based parenting education and support. Since 1994, we’ve helped parents of children ages 0–17 build skills, confidence and stronger bonds with their children.

As one of only 67 nationally Accredited Child Abuse Prevention Centers, and one of just three in Florida, we deliver high-quality, personalized programs in both English and Spanish. From in-home visits to group workshops, we meet families where they are, often at no cost.

Mission: Advancing the lives of children, together with their parents.
Vision: A future where all children have the chance to succeed.

About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of $605 million in more than 1,600 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling $44.7 million last year in the areas of education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare and the environment. Since its founding, the Community Foundation has been able to grant $542 million to nonprofits in our community thanks to the generosity of charitable individuals, families and businesses. For more information, visit cfsarasota.org or call 941-955-3000.