Federal Government Shutdown: Recommended Resources for the Tampa Bay Community

During the federal government shutdown, many of our neighbors are feeling the effects — from individuals facing financial uncertainty to nonprofits experiencing increased demand for essential services. Community Foundation Tampa Bay has gathered a list of trusted local resources to help our community navigate these unexpected challenges. Whether you are personally seeking support or looking for ways to assist others, these resources offer valuable direction and guidance.  

Donor Resources

For donor resources, or to provide shutdown-related support through Community Foundation Tampa Bay, please direct funding through:

The Critical Needs List: The Critical Needs List has currently been activated to include federal government shutdown requests from nonprofits serving individuals in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties. This resource is available for nonprofits to share their unexpected, unbudgeted and urgent needs with our fundholders and the community.

Grants made through a Community Foundation fund to projects on the Critical Needs List will be eligible for 3:1 match contribution from the Foundation, up to $5,000.

The Tampa Bay Rapid Response Fund: This fund helps ensure that people and families affected by the shutdown can continue to access essential services by supporting nonprofits that are:

- Responding to a surge in requests for food, housing, and financial assistance

- Assisting federal employees and others who have lost income during the shutdown

- Bridging temporary funding gaps caused by the suspension of federal contracts or programs

Other Resources

For individuals in need of support: If you or someone you know is in need of immediate assistance, we encourage you to reach out to the following resoures.

• 211: If you are in need of immediate help, we encourage you to call 211, a free and confidential service that can connect you with local organizations offering food, shelter, medical care, and other resources. You can reach them by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.211.org.  

• Feeding Tampa Bay: Find local food distribution sites and meal programs throughout the Tampa Bay area, https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood  

• Metropolitan Ministries: Access emergency shelter, meals, and support services for individuals or families in crisis, https://www.metromin.org/get-help/

• Find Help: Search for local nonprofits providing services you need, www.findhelp.org

• United Way of Suncoast Resource Page: Explore a collection of local and national resources designed to assist individuals impacted by the federal government shutdown, https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/government-shutdown-resources/

• Thrive by Five Connects: Families with young children in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties can complete a brief questionnaire to receive a personalized list of programs and services that help children and families thrive, https://tb5tb.org/tb5-connects/

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For all other questions, please connect with a member of our staff or call 813-282-1975.  

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