SARASOTA, FL – As its 25th anniversary season comes to a close, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is honored to receive affirmation of its work and support for the coming year through a recent significant foundation grant. WBTT has been awarded an Empowering Arts Grant of $50,000 from Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast), made possible through the Helen Hamilton Fund.

The funding from Gulf Coast will support WBTT’s 2025-2026 theatre season; its Fall Gala (November 15, 2025) and April Fête (April 16, 2026); and outreach education programs, including Stage of Discovery, the free summer musical theatre intensive for students ages 11-18, and Jazzlinks, WBTT’s in-school integrated arts experience to help illustrate – through music and theatre – the role, struggles and contributions of African Americans in U.S. history.

The Empowering Arts Grant Program reflects Gulf Coast’s commitment to helping cultural organizations reach their highest potential. Formerly known as Arts Appreciation Grants, the program’s evolution emphasizes empowerment over recognition, offering flexible funding that reduces administrative burdens for cornerstone arts organizations like WBTT. To date, WBTT has received $315,000 in total support through this initiative.

“Our region’s arts and cultural institutions are economic engines and essential storytellers,” said Kelly Borgia, Director of Brand Engagement of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “By removing unnecessary barriers and providing unrestricted funding, the Empowering Arts Grant allows organizations like Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe to do what they do best – inspire, educate, and elevate.” 

"We are so fortunate to enjoy this significant support from such a distinguished funder – it serves as affirmation of our important work, which ensures greater diversity in professional theatre offerings, training and performance opportunities for rising artists of color, and education outreach programs for students and adults,” added WBTT Executive Director Julie Leach. “Without these types of grants, we could not fully achieve our mission. Many thanks to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for its ongoing generous support.”

For more about WBTT, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org or call 941-366-1505.

About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is to produce professional theater that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience; engages a broad base of patrons and audiences; supports the development of a dynamic group of aspiring artists; and builds confidence in youth of color. Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org for more information.

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 $605 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.