(March 10, 2026) — Pines of Sarasota Foundation is proud to announce it has received a $25,000 grant from The Henson Fund to support The Learning Tree, the childcare program located on the Pines of Sarasota campus.
For more than three decades, The Learning Tree has provided a nurturing and stimulating environment for children ages six months to five years. The center delivers high-quality early childhood education designed to promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. In addition to serving families throughout the community, The Learning Tree also supports Pines staff by offering convenient, on-campus childcare—helping working parents balance career and family responsibilities.
Dr. Bianca Harris, Director of Programs for The Henson Fund, said the grant reflects the organization’s commitment to investing in early education. “Early childhood is one of the most critical stages of development,” Harris said. “When children have access to nutritious meals, safe learning environments, and well supported educators, they are positioned to thrive not just in school, but in life.”
The $25,000 grant will be used to enhance the center’s Gross Motor and STEM Rooms, creating more engaging, developmentally appropriate spaces that foster physical growth, problem-solving skills, and hands-on learning. STEM-based activities encourage children to ask questions, test ideas, analyze outcomes, and discover solutions—building the foundation for lifelong learning.
Funds will also provide updated classroom materials, expanded curriculum resources, and new art supplies to encourage creativity, exploration, and collaborative learning as well as access to nutritious food. These enhancements will directly impact students by broadening educational opportunities and strengthening whole-child development.
Megan Grever, Director of Child Care at The Learning Tree, said the gift is both impactful and affirming. “Serving our community comes with challenges,” Grever said. “A gift of this magnitude feels like a vote of confidence in our work. That encouragement translates directly into stronger programs and greater impact for the children and families we serve.”
Andrea Stephens, President of Pines of Sarasota Foundation, added, “We are immensely grateful to The Henson Fund for their belief that philanthropy can change lives. When donors invest in childcare, they are investing in children, families, and the long-term strength of our community.”
For more information on these organizations, please visit learningtreesrq.org, thehensonfund.org, pinesofsarasota.org, or pinesfoundation.org.
