Community Foundation Tampa Bay has reached $1 billion in philanthropic funds committed to the region, a milestone that aligns with the organization’s 35th anniversary.
Founded in 1990 with a single $100 donation, the foundation now manages more than 1,200 charitable funds and 129 family foundations, making it the largest community foundation in Florida and one of the largest in the country. Since its inception, the organization has awarded over $450 million in grants, according to a statement.
“This achievement is only possible because of the thousands of people who have helped us along the way,” said Marlene Spalten, who became the foundation’s president and chief executive officer in 2012. “This is only the beginning of what we plan to achieve.”
Under Spalten’s leadership, the foundation’s assets have grown from $140 million to $1 billion, with funding focused on nonprofits and causes throughout Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.
In 2024 alone, the foundation distributed more than $32 million in grants to 1,231 nonprofits. One of the beneficiaries is Enterprising Latinas, which promotes economic mobility among women.
Spalten said the foundation’s focus remains on meeting today’s needs while investing in long-term sustainability through endowments and donor-advised funds.
“This is not a finish line; it’s a foundation for what’s next,” she said.