Philanthropy is an investment in our community. The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay connects “investors” and other leaders in order to tackle our region’s most pressing issues. We’ve been in the Tampa Bay area for more than 25 years, and we’re continuously evaluating ways to make our community stronger, through projects like the Regional Competitiveness Report, and identifying the people who are best equipped to address the issues.

The Tampa Bay area is growing, and an influx of new people brings new ideas. This, combined with the strong foundation of thought leaders born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, positions us for success.

The creative, innovative thinkers who are making exciting developments in the business world are assets when it comes to philanthropy and identifying creative solutions to community issues. Philanthropy can be a great vehicle to become connected. Our community is open to new ideas, is creative, and has many who care about continuous improvement.

I’m bullish on the future of philanthropy in the Tampa Bay area because of these innovative thinkers and doers. We can create positive changes by engaging more people. I encourage every local resident – especially entrepreneurs, business owners, people who are early in their careers, and retirees – to find a way to get involved and give back. Philanthropy is simply good business.