“We commit to help build, support and sustain a
vibrant, healthy and viable community”
- A livable community where lifelong learning, employment opportunities, quality health care and affordable housing are attainable for all residents
- A diverse community where culture, arts, physical infrastructure and the natural environment have high appeal
- A benevolent community known for continuous involvement of all residents in the vital circle of giving and receiving
This is the vision of the Pinellas Community Foundation
Founded in 1969, the Pinellas Community Foundation receives its funds from local area citizens, businesses and organizations that are committed to making the Pinellas County community a better place to live. Through the generosity and dedication of our donors, advisors, community leaders, board and staff, we serve the community in the following roles:
- Serve donors who seek knowledge of community needs and of effective charitable giving vehicles
- Support non-profit organizations so they may continue to provide effective and productive programs that benefit the community
- Engage institutions, businesses and individuals to advance positive community change
- Manage programs to deliver grants and scholarships, support educational endeavors, and address priority community needs
- Expand Philanthropy to increase the giving of money and time to improve the common good
We invite you to explore our website and learn more about the Pinellas Community Foundation. We hope you will be inspired to give in a meaningful way!
Pinellas Community Foundation in
Top Philanthropic Tier Nationally
Local Organization Meets Rigorous Standards for
Quality and Accountability
Pinellas Community Foundation recently received notification that it has met the nation’s highest philanthropic standards for operational quality, integrity and accountability. The notice comes from the Council on Foundations, a national professional association based in Washington, D.C.
 “This is similar to the Good Housekeeping Seal for community foundations,” said Steve Gunderson, Council on Foundations president and chief executive officer. “It says that Pinellas Community Foundation has demonstrated a commitment to operational quality, integrity and accountability.”
The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations Program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking and administration. With over 200 community foundations already confirmed in compliance nationwide, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.
“This is critically important to our donors,” said Julie Scales, Pinellas Community Foundation Executive Director. “When people make a charitable bequest, establish a fund or set up an annuity, they are putting their trust in us. They are counting on us to manage the investment wisely, honor their charitable wishes and, in some cases, provide lifetime income to a loved one. The National Standards confirmation says our house is in order.”
Pinellas Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause such as education or the environment, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs or recommend individual grants. In addition to affirming the organization’s
Philanthropic services, the confirmation validates Pinellas Community Foundation’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.
“Some say it’s easier to create wealth than to give money away wisely,” said Ms. Scales. There’s some truth in that. Grantmaking is a lot like investing… we need to assess risks, weigh potential gains, diversify assets, monitor performance and operate fairly. When you see the National Standards Seal, you can be assured that we’re committed to meeting the highest standards for grantmaking as well.
The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations program is the first of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States.
Through philanthropic services, strategic investments and community leadership, Pinellas Community Foundation helps people support the causes they care about, now and for generations to come.
The Council on Foundations is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit membership association of more than 2,000 grantmaking foundations and corporations, with assets totaling more than $280 billion. The Council provides the opportunity, leadership and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good. For more information on the Council, visit its website at www.cof.org.
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