Education & Philanthropy

The University of South Florida secured a record $738 million in research funding during fiscal year 2024, marking a nearly 7% increase from the previous year and a 35% rise since 2022. The funding total includes contributions from federal agencies, private partnerships and state and local entities. Federal sources accounted for 58% of the total,

Metropolitan Ministries is teaming up with GODIVA to assist families in need, across Tampa Bay, this holiday season; as the community continues its hurricane recovery efforts. GODIVA is contributing to the effort with a $25,000 donation and plans to distribute chocolate truffle samples to volunteers and families on December 15, when its iconic Pink Truck

The Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have announced the creation of the Glazer Family Small Business Fund, pledging $1 million to support small businesses in Tampa Bay and West Central Florida, as they recover from the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This initiative builds on the Glazer family’s previous contributions, which

Feeding Tampa Bay and The Skills Center have been selected as Bank of America’s 2024 Neighborhood Builders, an honor that includes $200,000 in flexible funding and leadership training for each nonprofit. The program, celebrating its 20th year, aims to bolster local organizations addressing critical community needs. Feeding Tampa Bay plans to use the funding to

Muma Children’s Hospital at Tampa General Hospital has partnered with jewelry designer Kendra Scott for a holiday fundraiser to benefit pediatric care. The effort highlights 10-year-old Keetzally Baca, who worked with the jewelry company to design pieces that will support young patients, like her. Keetzally, who was born with serious kidney problems, underwent numerous surgeries

The Museum of Science & Industry has announced plans to debut the second-largest digital dome planetarium in the United States, in 2025, transforming its current dome into a state-of-the-art STEM learning destination. Joined by local officials, MOSI leaders unveiled the ambitious multi-million-dollar renovation project during a community event. The revamped Dome Theatre will serve as

St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation has announced a $1 million donation from the Dutkowsky family, of Tampa, to fund a renovated lobby at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, marking the facility’s 50th anniversary. The updated space, now named the Dutkowsky Family Lobby, is a five-story atrium that welcomes patients, and their families, to the facility. Lorraine Dutkowsky,

Grey Bull Rescue and Costa Sunglasses delivered hurricane relief supplies and Thanksgiving food to Metropolitan Ministries this week. The donation drive, which ran throughout November was a collaborative effort with Grey Bull Rescue and Costa, which collected items at their retail locations. It resulted in 494 pounds of food and 60 boxes of clothing and

St. Petersburg College and Veterans Florida have partnered, for a second year, to offer the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program, designed to help veterans transition to business ownership. The 8-week program provides veterans with the skills and resources needed to launch and grow a business including workshops, online training, mentoring and networking opportunities. The program, funded

Haven will hold a month-long fundraising event, in December, to support the Florida Giant Dog Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming large dog breeds in need. From Dec. 3 through Dec. 31, the restaurant will donate 20% of proceeds from two new menu items—the holiday-themed Santa Paws cocktail and Brasstown Beef Hotdog—to

As Thanksgiving approaches, Metropolitan Ministries is facing a 23% drop in donations compared to last year, while the number of families needing assistance has increased by 20%. With just days left to help, the organization is calling for support to ensure 1,800 families in need are served, through its Holiday Tents. How You Can Help:

In response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Hillsborough Education Foundation and Pinellas Education Foundation have raised a total of $2.8 million to support schools, students and educators affected by the storms. HEF launched a Hurricane Relief Fund and, with help from donors and community partners, raised over $1.2 million. The funds are being used