Since the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay was founded in 1990, we’ve awarded more than $210 million in grants in our community – covering Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties. The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay works to build a better community through creative and innovative philanthropy, vision and leadership.
Community Foundation of Tampa Bay – Builder
Ex-offenders need training for jobs that pay more than minimum wage to support their families. Meanwhile, construction companies need skilled labor.
Some of the ways that we help provide opportunities for everyone in our region to prosper and thrive include:
- Bring together leaders and resources for positive change.
- Help donors meet their charitable goals and make inspired gifts.
- Create efficient and effective strategies for gifts to have a lasting impact.
- Support the work of nonprofits by awarding grants and providing endowment management and activities.
- Leverage and grow charitable gifts.
We’re continuously innovating in order to have a lasting impact on our region, and we work closely with local leaders to stay on top of emerging issues and potential solutions. For example, we’ve created a Big Idea Grant to fund creative projects with impact in our community and joined Social Venture Partners in presenting its Fast Pitch Competition to help local nonprofits create social enterprises.
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The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay worked with six other local nonprofits to set up the Tampa Bay Disaster Relief Fund before Hurricane Irma in 2017
After the hurricane, ABC Action News hosted a telethon that raised $45,000 for the fund and local relief efforts.
Community Foundation of Tampa Bay telethon
Second Chance Tiny House Manufacturing Company
THE NEED: Ex-offenders need training for jobs that pay more than minimum wage to support their families. Meanwhile, construction companies need skilled labor.
THE OPPORTUNITY: Tiny houses are the next big thing in housing. They provide options for affordable housing for the homeless, elderly and others who may be living in substandard homes. The Community Foundation awarded $50,000 to Pinellas Ex-offender Re-entry Coalition (PERC) for its Second Chance Tiny House Manufacturing Company. The 2017 Big Idea Grant focused on social enterprises, which help nonprofits build a sustainable revenue stream.
THE RESULT: A year later, PERC has agreements with the city of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County and others for tiny houses. The first tiny houses will go to homeless veterans.
The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay worked with six other local nonprofits to set up the Tampa Bay Disaster Relief Fund before Hurricane Irma in 2017 to allow it to provide immediate support to local nonprofits that would aid in local relief and recovery efforts. After the hurricane, ABC Action News hosted a telethon that raised $45,000 for the fund and local relief efforts.
Fast Pitch Tampa Bay
THE NEED: Many nonprofits struggle with sustainable funding.
THE OPPORTUNITY: In 2017, the Community Foundation joined forces with Social Venture Partners to help nonprofits develop social enterprise ideas and strategies with Fast Pitch Tampa Bay. The Fast Pitch program includes a free two-month training and mentoring program led by local experts and culminates in a Shark Tank-style pitch night. The winner receives thousands for their social enterprise. ECHO of Brandon, a nonprofit working to end hunger in southeastern Hillsborough County, won the 2017 Fast Pitch Competition. Its idea was ECHO Handmade where ECHO’s clients turn used clothing donations into accessories like purses, key chains, and jewelry. The accessories are sold online and through local retailers.
THE RESULT: ECHO Handmade’s sales increased approximately 400 percent between 2017 and 2018, thanks in large part to the grant seed money and the strategic financial plan developed throughout the Fast Pitch program.
