Advancing Economic Opportunity: 2025 Annual Competitive Grants Recipients

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Community Foundation Tampa Bay recognizes that economic stability and upward mobility are cornerstones of a thriving community. To help our community grow in this area, we have included Economic Opportunity as one of our five strategic focus areas.

Based on recent findings in the 2025 Regional Competitiveness Report, nearly 46% of Tampa Bay households are classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or living in poverty. While we have seen modest improvements in overall poverty rates and household incomes, the gap between household earnings and the cost of living is still significant.  

Our grantmaking efforts this year reflect our commitment to closing that gap by funding innovative programs that promote adult education, workforce readiness, financial literacy, and career access.  

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2025 Grantees Advancing Economic Opportunity

In this year’s competitive grant process, we awarded over $345,000 to nonprofit organizations leading promising initiatives designed to empower economic opportunity in our region. The following examples represent some of the innovative projects funded this year:  

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I Rise FL, Inc.

• Project: Trauma-Informed Workforce Development Program

• Award: $24,585

• Counties Served: Hillsborough (North), Pasco, Pinellas

• Summary: This program provides a trauma-informed workforce training model specifically designed for individuals navigating systemic barriers to employment. The program includes 120 hours of financial literacy, soft and hard skills training, and psychoeducation for employment readiness.

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AmSkills Apprenticeship Foundation, Inc.

• Project: Community Engagement and Workforce Development Project

• Award: $20,000

• Counties Served: Pasco, Pinellas  

• Summary: AmSkills connects youth and adults to high-demand career pathways through hands-on learning and industry partnerships. This grant supports outreach and engagement to increase participation in apprenticeship programs—especially among those who are unemployed or underemployed.

To see a complete list of the grants awarded in 2025, please visit our Past Grants Awarded page, here.

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Continued Growth and Development

“In the 2025 Annual Competitive Grants Cycle, we received a wide range of innovative applications that reflect both the complexity of needs in our community and the thoughtful work of local nonprofits to expand economic opportunity,” said Brandi Sanchez, Senior Director of Community Impact at Community Foundation Tampa Bay.  

“We are proud to continue investing in these nonprofits who are working to ensure that economic mobility in Tampa Bay continues to grow.”  

Community Foundation Tampa Bay remains committed to creating a region where everyone—regardless of background—has the opportunity to thrive financially and build a better future.

Our next competitive grant cycle is currently under development, and dates will be announced soon. Visit cftampabay.org/annual-competitive-grants and follow us on social media for updates.