SUPPORTS: Students with a flair for writing and a love for literature
SINCE 2000: 40 local students have received a Sanders Scholarship through $320,000 in awards
Brooklynite Lawrence Sanders had always possessed a remarkable talent for writing. Following his service in the U.S. Marines, he began writing for editorial magazines before transitioning into writing crime fiction — the field in which he would find great success and publish nearly three dozen novels, including the Arch McNally series about a Palm Beach private investigator.
Three of his novels were even adapted into popular films.
But as his literary career flourished, Sanders felt a deep commitment to giving back to his community. This led him to establish the Lawrence A. Sanders Foundation in 1991, marking a significant contribution to the world he cherished.
For over 25 years, the Lawrence A. Sanders Foundation has been a valuable supporter of the Community Foundation through the Lawrence A. Sanders Fund to Promote Literacy and the Lawrence A. Sanders Scholarship Fund for Creative Writing. These funds have invested more than $2 million at the Community Foundation and supported 40 student scholarships.
This generosity has helped dozens of students hone their literary skills and pursue their passion for creative writing, spreading the joy of writing, reading, and storytelling far and wide.
“Mr. Sanders was committed to using his wealth to create a lasting impact in the community,” said J. Daniel Brede, the late author’s estate planning attorney. “He was comfortable collaborating with the Community Foundation because he knew they had the staff and research ability to identify where his giving would have the greatest impact.”
“I am almost done with my last semester at FSU and currently abroad at the University of Pavia in Italy, where I am becoming fluent in the language and developing my creative writing skills in the field of Greek and Roman ancient history. I have the chance to attend master-level courses at the University of Pavia and have already learned so much. All of this would not be possible without your generosity and not a day passes that I do not feel so thankful for it.”
— Alessandra Cardelli
Sanders Foundation Scholar
Florida State University
Class of 2025
