Suncoast Nonprofits Warn of Amendment 3 Cuts
Local nonprofits say Florida's Amendment 3 could reduce government funding for the mental health and community services they provide.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Would you support Amendment 3 if it meant fewer local nonprofit services?
Suncoast nonprofits warn that Amendment 3, which will be on the ballot on Election Day, could reduce local government funding and the services that rely on it in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The measure would provide property tax relief for some Florida homeowners.
Why it matters
Florida residents face a choice on Amendment 3 that could affect local budgets and the nonprofits that serve people in need. Nonprofit leaders say demand for their services is already rising while government funding may shrink.
NAMI Central Suncoast is already near capacity while relying on funding from Sarasota and Manatee counties, which could shrink if Amendment 3 passes. The exact dollar impact on local nonprofit budgets has not been quantified.
The players
NAMI Central Suncoast
A local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness serving Sarasota and Manatee counties with free peer support and education.
United Way Suncoast
A regional nonprofit that funds and coordinates community health and human service programs across the Suncoast area.
Kourtney Sanchez
The chief executive of United Way Suncoast, who warned that nonprofits could face reduced government funding.
The details
NAMI Central Suncoast provides free peer support, education classes and outreach, and United Way Suncoast CEO Kourtney Sanchez said nonprofits could face less government funding. Neither organization has taken a position on Amendment 3.
Timeline
2020: Jennifer Propsem first turned to NAMI when her daughter was struggling with serious mental health challenges.
November 3, 2026: Amendment 3 will be decided by voters on Election Day, when polls open in about 12 hours from the time of reporting.
Philanthropy Context
Local governments in Sarasota and Manatee counties have funded nonprofit partners such as NAMI Central Suncoast for mental health services, a pattern that Amendment 3 could disrupt. Philanthropy alone is unlikely to replace lost public dollars for these services.
If Amendment 3 passes, Florida homeowners may see property tax relief while residents who rely on free nonprofit mental health services in Sarasota and Manatee counties could face fewer support groups and classes. Families seeking help may find longer waits or reduced availability.
The takeaway
Amendment 3 is a decision with consequences beyond property taxes, since it could shape how much support nonprofits can offer families across Florida. Voters may want to consider how local services are funded before Election Day.
What happens next
Amendment 3 will be decided by Florida voters on November 3, 2026, which will determine whether local government funding for nonprofits changes.
Further reading
Explore more on how nonprofits are funded in Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mysuncoast.
Live Poll
Would you support Amendment 3 if it meant fewer local nonprofit services?
