News Summary
Community Foundation Tampa Bay is marking its 35th anniversary and has surpassed $1 billion in philanthropic impact, highlighting its dedication to fostering meaningful giving. The foundation has significantly grown its assets and aims to tackle community challenges through personalized philanthropy, large contributions, and strategic planning, ensuring funds aid local nonprofits and projects effectively.
Tampa – Community Foundation Tampa Bay is commemorating its 35th anniversary alongside a remarkable achievement of surpassing $1 billion in philanthropic impact. This milestone underscores the dedication of numerous individuals and organizations committed to fostering impactful giving within the community.
The transformation of philanthropic contributions into opportunities and equitable solutions has been at the forefront of the foundation’s mission. As the Chair of the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees noted, this achievement reflects a sustained effort and an ongoing commitment to community welfare. The growth of the foundation can be attributed to a combination of strategic planning and a deep understanding of the needs within the community.
Since its inception, Community Foundation Tampa Bay has seen substantial growth in its assets, evolving from $142 million in 2012 to an impressive $600 million in 2023. This considerable increase is a testament to the foundation’s ability to attract and manage funds efficiently, ensuring that donor passions align with nonprofit missions.
In the fiscal year 2024, the foundation received contributions totaling $170 million and distributed more than $31 million in grants, enhancing its capacity to support local nonprofits and community projects. This year, over $2.2 million was awarded to 84 nonprofit projects across the foundation’s service area. The record number of 363 grant applications indicates a vibrant and engaged nonprofit sector seeking support for various initiatives.
This year’s funding priorities included key areas such as economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, health and well-being, youth education, and community engagement. Significant grants included $25,000 to the Florida Audubon Society for waterbird conservation efforts and $52,000 to the AdventHealth Foundation aimed at supporting the healthcare sector.
The foundation’s approach to philanthropy emphasizes trust, strategy, and empathy, enabling fundholders to choose causes that resonate with them personally. This personalized engagement provides donors with the reassurance and support necessary to make meaningful contributions to the community.
Notable gifts included a $1 million donation by the Schoen Family to establish an endowment fund for Girls Inc. of Tampa Bay. This contribution highlights the trend of larger gifts aimed at long-term sustainability for nonprofit organizations, effectively fostering a legacy of support within the community.
As the foundation looks ahead, it aims to tackle growing challenges such as housing affordability and poverty. By forming strong connections with local families and businesses, the foundation intends to create solutions that benefit the wider community. Future donors are encouraged to contribute thoughtfully, emphasizing the importance of philanthropy in shaping the ongoing narrative of the community’s legacy.
Community Foundation Tampa Bay’s achievement of reaching the $1 billion milestone signifies not just a quantitative measure of success, but also a qualitative understanding of the transformative power of giving. The foundation is dedicated to building on this momentum to address the pressing needs of the community and continuing its impact for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- TBB Business Magazine: Community Foundation Legacy of Impact
- Wikipedia: Philanthropy
- St. Pete Catalyst: Foundation Awards $2.2 Million to Bay Area Nonprofits
- Google Search: Nonprofit Funding
- TBB Business Magazine: USF Alumni Association 2025 Awards
- Google Scholar: Community Foundation
- TBB Business Magazine: USF Athletics Launches Bulls Athletic Properties
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philanthropy
- TBB Business Magazine: Fresh Coat Painters & The No More Foundation
- Google News: Community Impact
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