Our Latest News
Selby Scholar Verne Semprevivo Reflects on Freshman Year of College
Verne Semprevivo is a 2025 Selby Scholar who took on her freshman year at University of West Florida with...
Selby Scholar Salud Villafuerte Shares Wisdom, College Experiences and Plans After Graduation
Preparing to embark on a new professional career after graduation, Selby Scholar Salud Villafuerte took the...
Four Small and Mighty Organizations Strengthened With Capital Investments
The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation's "Small and Mighty" grants provide capital support for local...
The Selbys
1
Humanity
A virtue associated with basic ethics of altruism derived from the human condition.
The Selbys demonstrated that they cared for and about people in general, and especially for those known to them. They cared about equal opportunity for all. They believed that regular acts of kindness, no matter how great or small, do make a difference in the world.
2
Humility
The state of being humble. Humble can be used to describe what is ranked low by others, as in “persons of humble origins.” … When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
The Selbys lived simply, quietly, modestly, and below their means. They did not seek recognition or fanfare in their lives or as a result of their charitable giving.
3
Social Responsibility
An ethical framework and suggests that an entity, be it an organization or individual, has an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large.
The Selbys believed in educating others to provide them with better opportunities to improve their lives and the lives of others. They believed in taking care of one’s community, especially Sarasota County and the surrounding counties.
4
Innovation
To make changes or to do something differently.
The Selbys looked for opportunities to bring about positive change in their community and were willing to invest in new methods, ideas, or products to bring about that positive change.
5
Stewardship
The act of caring for or improving with time.
The Foundation was established to reduce the Selbys’ substantial tax burden on their assets. The professionals they chose whether legal, accounting or banking, were individuals known to the Selbys and they maintained the ability to retain or terminate them according to the needs/goals of the Foundation. The Selbys expected reasonable fees for all services. The Foundation was to be administratively operated in accordance with established best practices and financial standards, and it was organized to maintain its independence and the ability to direct its future. The Foundation was clearly established to be maintained in perpetuity.
With a $37,920 investment from the Selby Foundation, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay has mobilized its DeSoto-based team more efficiently to reach clients with homes in desperate need of repairs, rehabs, and disaster recovery services in the wake of hurricanes and other storms. The new vehicle transports supplies, tools, hurricane kits and helps the team conduct home assessments and projects with greater ease across DeSoto County. The support has further empowered RTTB’s staff to keep neighbors in need housed in safe, healthy, habitable, and affordable homes for years to come.
Reflections of Manatee is a museum in Bradenton that provides educational exhibits sharing the stories of Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Florida. The Selby Foundation’s investment in new walkways has made the buildings more accessible to the nearby park and easier for visitors to navigate while learning about the history of people in our region. Learn more about the museum and visit!
For the 85 children with disabilities who attend Easterseals of SW Florida’s Lily School for Child Development--and their parents and caregivers–dedicated staff and excellent programming are a light every day. The Selby Foundation’s $50,000 investment supported new paint, new ceiling tiles, and sensory-friendly classroom lighting. Staff and teachers worked together to ensure as little disruption as possible for preschool students during the renovation, and the improvements will keep the facility clean, bright, safe, and operational for years to come.
What’s happening in our region with arts and culture? The Selby Foundation’s grant of $25,000 help to redesign a new, engaging website for the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. Spotlighting theatre, dance, visual art, teaching artists and much more, the site helps residents and visitors navigate the incredible choices to get involved in and enjoy the arts in our area. Take it for a spin at SarasotaArts.org.
The Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda honors veterans from all branches and eras of U.S. military service and helps the public better understand the contributions and experiences of American servicemen and women through authentic artifacts and individual stories. With a Selby Foundation investment of $21,653, the Museum purchased a cyclorama, multi-media wall, and other equipment to improve the visitor experience. Visit in person Tuesday- Saturday. Hours and info here.
Meals for children feed the brain, the body, and the future. StepUp Suncoast uses a whole-family approach to move people out of poverty, with programs ranging from early childhood education to energy assistance to income tax preparation. A $100,000 investment from the Selby Foundation is providing capping funds for a large project to update the organization’s commercial kitchen where 750 meals are prepared twice per day for children in Head Start programs.
The Friends of Myakka River State Park works to support the mission and goals of one of the largest and oldest Florida state parks. What a gift to have Myakka River State Park in our region! With many visitors, young and old, the park needed a way to share environmental and conservation education with guests in different locations. Thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Selby Foundation, the Friends group was well on its way to purchasing a new pop up trailer for rangers and volunteers just for this purpose.
With a beautiful 84 acre site providing free and confidential programs for survivors of abuse, first responders, and helping professionals, Resilient Retreat needed new equipment to take care of the property. Imagine the work that goes into making such a site a place of peace and respite! A $50,000 grant from the Selby Foundation helped to purchase a tractor for maintenance, cost-reduction, and clean up after storms.
The Margwine Organization (Flourishing) helps young girls reach their full potential. The Selby Foundation invested $10,000 to purchase an air conditioning unit for their first space. This is where girls receive valuable mentorship, learn new skills, and connect with each other. It’s also a space where other nonprofit and community partners can gather. Let’s make the most of this building in programs that build strength all around!