Gulf Coast Community Foundation Supports Girls on the Run SWFL Through Miriam P. Raines Charitable Fund Grant

Punta Gorda, FL (November 2025) – Girls on the Run of Southwest Florida is pleased to be the recipient of a $5,000 grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) to support Girls on the Run: Empowerment Through Action. This grant is made possible through the Miriam P. Raines Charitable Fund, a donor established legacy endowment. The award aligns with Gulf Coast’s mission to strengthen our community and its families through expanded opportunities for growth, including the enrichment of children’s well being across the region.

Girls on the Run Southwest Florida inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through an evidence based curriculum that creatively integrates running. The after school program teaches healthy habits and critical life skills such as positive self talk, teamwork, and navigating big emotions. Volunteer coaches undergo training to create welcoming environments, support individual growth, and deliver lessons that strengthen competence, confidence, caring, character, and connection.

Each eight week season includes a team led Community Impact Project and culminates in a celebratory Girls on the Run 5K event. The 5K provides participants with a powerful sense of accomplishment and a framework for setting and achieving life goals.

“We are so grateful to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for helping us ensure access for more girls,” said Kristen Manomat, Executive Director of Girls on the Run SWFL. “Last school year we provided over fifty thousand dollars in financial aid. This support removes barriers and empowers girls to boldly show up, learn new skills, and grow in confidence.”

Gulf Coast Community Foundation is dedicated to transforming its region through strategic philanthropy, leadership, and grantmaking that uplifts families and expands opportunities. By supporting Girls on the Run SWFL, Gulf Coast will directly impact girls through scholarship access and program support that strengthens emotional well being, builds confidence, and nurtures healthy habits. Together, Girls on the Run SWFL and Gulf Coast Community Foundation are expanding opportunities for girls across Southwest Florida.

“One of Gulf Coast’s key priorities is expanding access to mental health resources, which Girls on the Run excels at by offering mentorship and fostering resilience among young women," said Jennifer Johnston, Gulf Coast's Director of Community Leadership. "We are proud to support programs that empower participants to set goals, manage stress, and develop lifelong habits that strengthen their physical, emotional, and social well-being." 

Since 2010, Girls on the Run Southwest Florida has inspired more than 9,000 girls to cross the 5K finish line with confidence. In a recent end of season survey, ninety six percent of caregivers shared that Girls on the Run was a valuable experience for their child, and ninety five percent of coaches felt they were making a meaningful difference in participants’ lives.

Additionally, a third party study surveying coaches and program site hosts found that Girls on the Run supports a positive school climate. Ninety nine percent of teacher coaches said the program encourages physical activity and helps students feel that their thoughts and ideas are valued. Ninety five percent of program site hosts shared that GOTR strengthens students’ social emotional skills and fosters greater connectedness among peers.

To learn more about the mission or how to get involved, please visit www.gotrswfl.org.

About Girls on the Run Southwest Florida
Girls on the Run Southwest Florida offers empowering after school programs for girls in grades three through eight. The nonprofit helps participants build confidence, increase physical activity, and develop essential life skills such as managing emotions, resolving conflict, and forming healthy friendships. With the support of trained volunteer coaches, girls activate their limitless potential through a blend of physical activity, engaging lessons, and a research based curriculum. Each season includes a Community Impact Project and culminates with a celebratory 5K. Learn more at www.gotrswfl.org.

About Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Since 1995, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has powered bold philanthropy and collaborative leadership to drive meaningful change across our region. Guided by values of authenticity, curiosity, collaboration, grit, and a trailblazing spirit, we work side-by-side with donors, partners, and community members to tackle our region’s biggest challenges and unlock its greatest opportunities. Together with our donors, we’ve invested more than $610 million in health and human services, education, civic & economic development, arts & culture, and the environment. Headquartered in Venice, with a second office in downtown Sarasota, Gulf Coast is nationally recognized for excellence, earning multiple “Best Nonprofits to Work For” honors and accreditation from Community Foundations National Standards®. Learn more at GulfCoastCF.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.