Philanthropist donates $3.5M to Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee has announced a new gift of $3.5 million from philanthropist Larry Greenspon that will help complete the development of sports facilities at the 32-acre Greenspon Campus for Jewish Life on McIntosh Road. 

This is the second major gift from Greenspon, who donated $4.2 million in 2018 to redevelop the existing Jewish Federation campus.  

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The new gift will accelerate plans for the Greenspon Sports Facilities, providing recreational opportunities for campers and community members including tennis and pickleball courts, and establishing a tennis program for underserved youth.

An accomplished tennis player, Greenspon has competed several times in the Maccabiah Games, an international event for Jewish athletes held every four years in Israel.

Greenspon also is involved in connecting young people in Israel through the work of Israel Tennis and Education Centers.

According to a news release announcing the gift, Greenspon said it was motivated “by the accomplishments of Federation leadership — past and present — many of whom have become my dear friends. 

“Now, the Federation can look towards creating meaningful programs through the sports facilities to ensure that our youth learn valuable skills and come together in common purpose instead of being divided.”

In 2019, the federation launched a capital campaign to support the redevelopment of the front 16 acres of the 32-acre campus. With Greenspon’s latest gift, the Capital Campaign has raised more than $31 million, with more than $13 million in the past 12 months.