May 13, TAMPA, Fla. – Community Foundation Tampa Bay hosted a night of festivities and celebration to mark two major milestones— 35 years of impact and $1 billion in philanthropic funds committed to our region's future.
The event brought together fundholders, nonprofit leaders, corporate partners, and community changemakers to honor the Foundation’s rich history and historic growth, while expressing gratitude and unveiling a bold new vision for the years ahead.
Meeting a Bold Challenge
Board Chair Oscar Horton began the evening by reflecting on the challenge he posed to the board just two years ago: to grow the Foundation’s philanthropic commitment from $600 million to over $1 billion.
“At the time, this was a bold goal,” Horton said. “But not because of the number. It was bold because of what it represented: a deeper, wider, and longer-lasting impact on our community. And today, I’m proud to say—we did it.”
The $1 billion milestone is not just a number. It is the culmination of decades of trust, generosity, and collaboration.
Founded in 1990 with a single $100 donation, Community Foundation Tampa Bay is now the largest community foundation in Florida and one of the largest in the nation—stewarding more than 1,200 charitable funds and 129 family foundations. In 2024 alone, the Community Foundation awarded over $32 million in grants to more than 1,200 nonprofits.
Those Who Made It Possible
Horton, alongside incoming Board Chair Linda Simmons, honored past and present board members, staff, and nonprofit partners whose contributions shaped the Foundation’s success.
“Philanthropy is not just about dollars—it’s about what we do with them,” Simmons said. “And with your continued support, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together.”
Celebrating Our History and Partnerships
The celebration included heartfelt moments of gratitude, musical performances by members of The Florida Orchestra (generously underwritten by Community Foundation Tampa Bay board member Barry Alpert, along with his wife, Judith Alpert, and remarks from the Orchestra’s President and CEO, Ignacio Barrón Viela.
“Community Foundation Tampa Bay and its fundholders have been longstanding and generous supporters of The Florida Orchestra, the largest professional orchestra in Florida, now wrapping up our 57th season,” Barrón Viela said. “Such support helps us expand access to music, education, and cultural enrichment across Tampa Bay.”
The evening concluded with a champagne toast led by the Community Foundation’s President & CEO, Marlene Spalten, honoring the legacy of the past 35 years and raising a glass to the next era of bold, compassionate, community-driven philanthropy.
"This success is a true reflection of our community working together,” said Spalten. “It’s a reflection of the philanthropic spirit that lives and breathes in Tampa Bay."
Looking Ahead
As the Tampa Bay region—Hillsborough, Pinellas, Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus counties— continues to grow and evolve, so too does its leading philanthropic institution. From housing and education to workforce development and the arts, Community Foundation Tampa Bay is committed to shaping a bright future for coming generations.
As Spalten noted, “This is not a finish line—it’s a foundation for what’s next.”
To learn more about the Community Foundation’s impact over the past 35 years and how you can be part of the next chapter, visit cftampabay.org/35-years.
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