Tampa Bay’s skyline tells a clear story of progress. New businesses, expanding universities and record population growth show an economy gaining strength.
But behind every growing region is something just as important: a culture of generosity that supports the systems people rely on every day.
Economic growth and philanthropy are not separate forces. They reinforce each other. As businesses and residents succeed, they invest back into education, workforce development, health, housing and community resilience.
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Those investments, in turn, make Tampa Bay a place where people want to live, work and build their futures.
This connection comes into focus in the 2025 Regional Competitiveness Report, produced by the Tampa Bay Partnership Foundation in collaboration with Community Foundation Tampa Bay and United Way Suncoast.
The report shows how our economic data and quality of life indicators move together, and where new investment — public, private and philanthropic — can create meaningful impact.
A region of momentum and contrast
The latest data paints a picture of a region full of opportunity. Tampa Bay ranks #1 in net migration for the third year in a row among 19 peer and aspirational communities. The region also ranks top five for new business startups, a sign of strong entrepreneurial energy.
Advanced industry jobs — high-tech and innovation-driven roles — grew from 15.4% to 21.7% of total jobs, placing Tampa Bay among the top five regions in this category. These metrics point to a diversifying and strengthening economy.
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Yet the report also highlights gaps. Nearly 46% of households are employed but still living paycheck to paycheck or at risk of falling below the poverty line. 13% of residents experience food insecurity. Economic growth alone is not enough to ensure shared prosperity.
Why philanthropy is part of the economic engine
Philanthropy helps close these gaps. A strong nonprofit sector does more than meet immediate needs — it creates the conditions that allow people and businesses to thrive. Early learning, access to health care, affordable housing and workforce training all strengthen long-term competitiveness.
At Community Foundation Tampa Bay, philanthropy is viewed as a form of economic infrastructure. Over the past decade, the Foundation and its fundholders have invested more than $309 million in the region’s nonprofit sector, including $183.2 million toward education, employment, health, human services and housing.
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The Foundation’s work extends beyond grantmaking. By convening business, government, education and nonprofit leaders, it helps align community needs with strategic solutions. Insights from the Regional Competitiveness Report play a key role in these conversations, ensuring that philanthropic capital is deployed where it will have a measurable impact.
When philanthropy aligns with business priorities, the results are tangible. Investments in education expand the talent pipeline. Health and safety initiatives reduce barriers to employment. Affordable housing supports families and stabilizes the workforce. Investments in culture and the environment enhance livability — and help the region attract top talent.
The path forward
The takeaway is simple: philanthropy isn’t charity — it’s strategy. It is one of the most effective ways a community can turn economic success into long-term strength and resilience.
For everyone who calls Tampa Bay home, this is a moment of possibility. Growth brings the responsibility — and the opportunity — to strengthen the community we share. When giving is thoughtful, strategic and aligned with data, it turns progress into opportunity and helps more people thrive.
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Community Foundation Tampa Bay partners with businesses, individuals, families and financial advisors to connect charitable goals with community needs, transforming generosity into measurable impact.
When our community works together, we all thrive. And when each of us gives back, the cycle of growth and generosity continues — creating a stronger Tampa Bay for the future.
By Marlene Spalten, President & CEO of Community Foundation Tampa Bay.