Owen Sarwatka Foundation
Courage
Compassion
Conservation
Our Missions
The Owen Sarwatka Foundation provides charitable grants to educational and/or scientific nonprofit organizations that will benefit members of our community. Grant recipients and amounts awarded are determined by the Foundation's Board of Directors based on need and benefit criteria, along with ensuring that the receiving organization's core mission supports the Foundation's values of Courage, Compassion, or Environmental Conservation. Additionally, all grants are reviewed to ensure that they are in full compliance with State and Federal laws and they adhere to the regulations that govern Private Foundations.
2024 Mission - Suncoast Primate Sanctuary
Our 2024 Conservancy mission is to support the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary.
The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is a non-profit 501(c)3 volunteer-run organization. The Sanctuary provides a home to more than 100 animals, including chimpanzees, orangutans, monkeys, reptiles, tropical birds and more
The Foundation is excited to be working with the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary to support their mission to love, support, and provide these magnificent animals with a safe haven where they can live with peace and dignity.
Pongo
2023 Mission - Owens Orchard
Our Conservancy mission is the creation of "Owens Orchard". This community based farm will use regenerative farming techniques to provide food to those in need and learning opportunities for the community in food preservation, urban gardening, and crafting.
The Foundation is excited to be working towards this conservation effort, and its future possibilities that would allow us to reinvest in our community by providing grants that advance educational and conservation efforts.
2022 Mission - South University Grant
Owen Sarwatka was a South University alumnus and graduated from South University in Tampa in 2021 with an Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree. Owen was working toward completing his Bachelor of Science in Public Health at South University in Tampa and was awarded his posthumous degree at their 2022 Graduation.
Shortly after starting the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at South University, COVID-19 forced the university to transition to a virtual setting. The professors at South University worked miracles to transition this very hands-on PTA program from a classroom setting to a virtual classroom. They gave up much of their time to ensure that they could meet with students one-on-one at their facility to ensure they received the training they required.
At the completion of his PTA program, Owen was presented the PTA Transformation Award which recognized his dedication and diligence to succeed. The 2023 Owen Sarwatka Foundation Grant will allow South University to award two scholarships up to $2,500 each to students at the Tampa South University location that are in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. The Owen Sarwatka Foundation scholarships will be awarded to students based on their merit qualifications and financial needs during the last semester of the program. Applicants will have the ability to demonstrate on how their personal contributions in life reflect on their legacy, and hopefully inspires them to continue their service to our community in future years.