Supporting Tampa Bay’s Universities and Colleges in Hurricane Relief Efforts

At Community Foundation Tampa Bay (CFTB), we understand that the impact of a hurricane reaches beyond immediate damage, with long-lasting challenges that ripple across every part of our community. Colleges and universities, vital centers of learning and growth in our region, are not immune to these disruptions. In light of the recent severe storms, Community Foundation Tampa Bay is providing support to local educational institutions, knowing that students, faculty, and staff face unique challenges during the recovery process.

Through the commitment of over $3 million in hurricane relief funds, CFTB has distributed $1.7 million so far to support crucial recovery efforts, including targeted grants to several universities and colleges in the Tampa Bay area. The $125,000 in funding for colleges and universities aims to assist institutions like the University of South Florida, Hillsborough Community College, Pasco Hernando State College, St. Petersburg College, and Stetson University College of Law. These grants will help alleviate the unexpected expenses that arose due to the storm’s impact on students, faculty, and staff.

Helping Students Overcome Challenges

“When hurricanes disrupt lives, students often experience financial strains due to sudden evacuation expenses, loss of essential supplies, housing displacement, and food insecurity,” said Jennifer Libby, Director of LEAP Tampa Bay.  

“Transportation challenges can also complicate students’ ability to attend classes and maintain a sense of stability in their lives. Community Foundation Tampa Bay’s hurricane relief grants to local universities and colleges are designed to ease these burdens, so students can focus on their studies and their recovery journey.”

According to a source at one university, many students were reluctant to seek support for their own needs, feeling their situations weren’t as urgent compared to friends who had lost everything in the hurricanes. Our grants help to ensure that more students will receive the support needed to continue their education and rebuild, leaving no one overlooked.

How to Get Involved: Critical Needs List

Local colleges and universities were able to submit urgent, hurricane-related requests for support through Community Foundation Tampa Bay’s always-active Critical Needs List. To donate to these entities or learn about other urgent needs from nearby nonprofits, view the Critical Needs List here.

The need for ongoing support—whether campus repairs, basic household and dorm supplies, or transportations services for students—will persist even after the initial relief efforts begin to wane. We invite you to join us in providing resources for local colleges and universities. Your contributions will impact the lives of students in need of support.