At Community Foundation Tampa Bay, we are dedicated to maximizing the impact of philanthropic giving through a variety of matching opportunities. These matches come in different forms and channels, allowing both fundholders and nonprofits to strategically enhance their contributions by leveraging matching funds. With our support, every dollar stretches further, amplifying the reach and effectiveness of philanthropic efforts in our community.
Types of Match Opportunities
Endowments – In an effort to increase long-term, sustainable support for nonprofits, we encourage the establishment and growth of nonprofit endowments. This type of endowment is a dedicated fund set aside to support a nonprofit’s long-term stability and mission. The principal amount is invested, and only a portion of the earnings—usually a set percentage—is used each year to fund the nonprofit’s programs and operations. This approach allows the endowment to generate ongoing income while preserving the original funds, helping to ensure the nonprofit’s financial health for years to come.
Each year, the Community Foundation offers a match of $25,000 for endowments created with $100,000 or more dedicated to the nonprofit(s) or fields of interest. This match opportunity enables endowment dollars to stretch further, amplifying even greater long-term impact for the nonprofit and the community. Because there are a limited number of these matching opportunities each year, we encourage individuals or organizations interested in establishing an endowment to reach out to Denyve Boyle, Associate Vice President of Philanthropy at dboyle@cftampabay.org, soon to learn more.
Critical Needs List – The Critical Needs List is our always-active list of unbudgeted, unexpected, and urgent needs submitted by Tampa Bay nonprofits. The list serves as a resource for both nonprofits seeking support and donors looking to meet the most pressing needs of the region. When donations are made through a donor advised fund or family foundation at the Community Foundation to a nonprofit request on the Critical Needs List, we provide a one-to-three match ranging from $250 to $5,000. If you are interested in funding a critical needs request or want information about a specific nonprofit, please contact Nicolette Rea at nrea@cftampabay.org, Director of Donor Relations.
Fuse Scholarship – Established in 2017, the FUSE Scholarship supports low-income students in the FUSE transfer program between the University of South Florida and eight Florida state colleges, including Hillsborough Community College and St. Petersburg College. The scholarship was launched with a $500,000 gift from USAB Foundation, matched by a $1 million contribution from Helios Education Foundation, which will continue to match future gifts up to $1.5 million during the first two years.
This partnership aims to increase the number of individuals with post-secondary education by supporting select students who transfer from local state colleges to the University of South Florida. Donors to the FUSE Scholarship Fund can take advantage of the one-to-one matching opportunity provided by Helios Education Foundation, maximizing the impact of their contributions. If you would like more information about the Fuse Scholarship, please contact Lindsey Tindall, Scholarship Director, at ldindall@cftampabay.org.
First Look – The First Look event takes place each year as a way for fundholders to learn of high impact requests from local nonprofits, carefully vetted through our annual competitive grants cycle. This exclusive opportunity allows our fundholders to gain early access to top-tier nonprofit initiatives that are addressing critical community needs. By participating in the First Look experience, fundholders have the chance to co-invest with the Community Foundation and other donors, pooling resources to support innovative, high-impact programs that can make a real difference. This collaborative approach not only magnifies the effectiveness of each individual contribution but also helps ensure that the most promising solutions to local challenges are fully funded and can thrive. Invitations are sent to all fundholders each spring for the events. If you have questions about First Look, contact Brandi Sanchez, Senior Director Community Impact, at bsanchez@cftampabay.org.
By taking advantage of match opportunities, you can have a more profound impact on Tampa Bay’s most urgent and long-term needs. Whether you’re helping to support a variety of nonprofits through an endowment, supporting students’ education, or meeting critical community needs, your contribution goes further with a match. Reach out to Community Foundation Tampa Bay today to learn more about how you can maximize your philanthropic efforts and create lasting change.
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