Pinellas Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10,073,251 (2023)
• Total Assets: $140,779,030
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 4-6 months (varies by program)
• Grant Range: $800 - $25,000
• Geographic Focus: Pinellas County, Florida
• Nonprofits Supported: 257 organizations (2023)
• Total Grants Awarded: 496 grants (2023)

Contact Details

Address: 17755 US Highway 19 N, Ste 150, Clearwater, FL 33764

Phone: 727-531-0058

Email: info@pinellascf.org

Grants Team: grants@pinellascf.org

Website: https://pinellascf.org

Online Grant Portal: Available through website

Newsletter: Community Matters Newsletter (subscribe for grant updates)

Overview

Founded in 1969, Pinellas Community Foundation is one of the first fifty community foundations established in the United States. With total assets of approximately $140.8 million and annual giving of over $10 million, PCF has distributed more than $140 million in grants since its inception, supporting 665+ nonprofits through 400+ charitable funds. The foundation earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator (96%), demonstrating strong financial health, accountability, and transparency.

PCF's mission is to transform lives through philanthropy by bringing together donors, nonprofits, and businesses to address critical community needs in Pinellas County. The foundation operates under a unique governance structure where board appointments are made by diverse community institutions including the Clearwater and St. Petersburg Bar Associations, the League of Women Voters, the Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, and the foundation's own Trustees Committee.

Under CEO Duggan Cooley's leadership, PCF focuses on four core funding areas: improving health, advancing education, promoting arts and culture, and enhancing quality of life. The foundation has evolved its approach to include trust-based philanthropy through initiatives like the Social Opportunity Works Fund, which provides not only monetary support but also capacity-building services to grassroots organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Operating Grants (2026-2027 Cycle)

• Organizations with budgets < $500,000: Up to $15,000 per year
• Organizations with budgets $500,000 - $2.5M: Up to $20,000 per year
• Organizations with budgets > $2.5M: Up to $25,000 per year
• Two-year grants for general operating support
• Application method: Online portal with Letter of Intent process
• Funding distributed in two equal installments annually

Senior Citizens Services Grants

• Grant range: $800 - $20,000
• Three categories: Housing, Wellness, and Senior Support Services
• Exclusively for programs serving Pinellas County residents aged 55+
• Application method: Rolling deadlines by category
• Open to 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities

Social Opportunity Works Fund (SOWF)

• Focus: Grassroots nonprofits with budgets ≤ $100,000
• Geographic focus: Specific Pinellas County zip codes (33701, 33705, 33711, 33712, 33713, 33714, 33755)
• Priority areas: STEM education, wellness-focused youth programs, social justice initiatives
• Trust-based philanthropy model with capacity-building support
• Since 2018: $700,000+ awarded to 35+ nonprofits
• Recent grant examples: $15,000-$25,000

Janet A. Huntley Arts Enrichment for Youth Grant

• Maximum award: $15,000
• Focus: Visual and performing arts education in Pinellas County Schools
• Target: K-12 students in Title I or Title II schools
• Application method: Invitation only (existing school relationships required)
• Application window: March 10 - April 15 (renewal applicants)

Special Interest Grants

• Invitation only
• Focus areas: Youth programs, environmental projects, public media, family services
• Examples: Faith Mission Fund, Environmental Grants

Priority Areas

Core Funding Priorities:

1. Improving Health: Mental health services, medical equipment, wellness programs, caregiver support
2. Advancing Education: STEM programs, literacy, arts education, youth development
3. Promoting Arts and Culture: Arts enrichment, cultural education, performing arts
4. Enhancing Quality of Life: Housing stability, food access, homelessness services, senior support

2023 Grant Distribution by Category:

• Youth/Families: $2,387,452 (largest category)
• Arts & Culture: $1,487,209
• Homelessness/Housing: $1,358,658
• Health: $1,020,158
• Food: $910,359
• Education: $876,492

Geographic Priority: Organizations must serve Pinellas County, with particular attention to under-resourced neighborhoods

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status (except government entities for Senior Citizens Services)
• Programs operating less than one year in Pinellas County
• Organizations without physical presence in Pinellas County
• Most programs do not fund capital campaigns (separate Capital Campaign Fund exists)
• Endowment building (except through separate Nonprofit Endowment program)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Governors

Chair: Erica Smith Roodhouse, Esq.

Vice Chair: Steven M. Seibert, J.D.

Immediate Past Chair: Myriam Irizarry

Board Members:

• Bo Brault
• Robin Davidov
• Isay Gulley
• Marion Rich
• Kimberly Rodgers, Esq.
• William "Bill" Sturtevant
• Kit Van Pelt
• Freddy Williams

The board appointment system ensures representation from diverse community leadership, with appointments made by local bar associations, League of Women Voters chapters, the Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, and PCF's Trustees Committee.

Staff Leadership

CEO: Duggan Cooley, CFRE

Director of Grants Management: Rebecca Hughes

Vice President of Philanthropy: Meg Lokey

Director of Finance: Bette Anthony, CPA

Senior Program Officer, ARPA: Delquanda Turner Smith

Social Opportunity Works Fund Advisor: J.A. Morton-Jones

Marketing and Communications Manager: Jacqueline Roche

Office Associate: Brittany Baldwin

Leadership Perspective

CEO Duggan Cooley on community impact: "When one family is made stronger, we're all made stronger."

On the role of philanthropy: "No amount of private philanthropy can completely cover the investments that come from the government. We can step up in cases like this. We can't continue to sustain that month after month or year after year."

On supporting older adults: "Older residents in our community provide many things to us. One of the most notable takeaways from the survey is that the economic impact of older adults in Pinellas County is astounding. In addition to the billions of dollars that are generated in wages earned, we gain just as much from their wisdom, their volunteerism and their caregiving. It's our obligation to respect them and to support them because without them our community will falter."

On cultural heritage and equity: "The African American experience in St. Petersburg and our country has too often been ignored, an afterthought, relegated to a space that limits or narrowly defines its impact rather than boldly celebrating its importance."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Online Application Portal: All applications must be submitted through PCF's online grants portal at pinellascf.org/receive/grants/

General Application Process:

1. Review grant program eligibility requirements
2. Attend preparatory webinars (highly recommended)
3. Submit Letter of Intent (LOI) during application window
4. Await LOI review and notification
5. If invited, submit full application
6. Board review and committee evaluation
7. Final award notification

Important Application Rules:

• Applications must be submitted during the specified application period
• Only online submissions are accepted
• Click the submit button before the deadline
• Do not wait until the last week to begin applications
• Questions about application content answered up to one week before deadline
• After one week before deadline, only technology questions answered

Operating Grants Timeline (2026-2027 Cycle)

• July 14, 2025: Letter of Intent window opens
• August 11, 2025: Letter of Intent window closes
• September 2, 2025: LOI decisions shared; full application window opens
• October 14, 2025: Full application window closes
• Late December 2025/Early January 2026: Final award notifications
• Distribution: Two equal installments at beginning of each calendar year (2026, 2027)

Senior Citizens Services Grants Timeline (2026-2027)

Housing Grants:

• LOI: January 5-20, 2026
• Award Notification: March 13, 2026
• Project Period: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027

Wellness Grants:

• LOI: April 14-28, 2026
• Award Notification: June 19, 2026
• Project Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

Senior Support Services Grants:

• LOI: September 29-October 13, 2026
• Award Notification: December 11, 2026
• Project Period: January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027

Decision Timeline

Operating Grants: Approximately 4-6 months from initial LOI submission to final decision

Review Process:

• LOI Review: Conducted by PCF internal team evaluating eligibility, alignment with funding priorities, and clarity of community impact
• Full Application Review: Led by Board of Governors members with volunteer community reviewers bringing diverse expertise and perspectives
• Notification: All applicants (successful and unsuccessful) notified simultaneously

Reporting Requirements:

• Most grants: Final report due one year after award
• Senior Citizens Services: Reports at 6 months and one year

Success Rates

PCF does not publicly disclose specific success rates or the number of applications received versus funded. In 2023, the foundation awarded 496 grants to 257 different nonprofit organizations.

Reapplication Policy

For Unsuccessful LOI Applicants: PCF Grants team offers an opportunity to review the Letter of Intent and receive feedback for future applications.

General Reapplication: Organizations may reapply in subsequent grant cycles. For specific programs (like Pinellas CARES in the past), applicants could reapply if deficiencies were corrected, though committee recommendations to deny funding were final for that cycle.

Best Practice: Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to contact the grants team at grants@pinellascf.org to discuss feedback and strengthen future applications.

Application Success Factors

PCF's Evaluation Criteria

Clear Story: PCF uses a unique storytelling application format to understand who is served, what challenges clients face, and the organization's role in helping. Articulate your organization's narrative clearly and compellingly, focusing on the people you serve and their lived experiences.

Solution-Oriented Approach: Demonstrate strong leadership, clear and measurable outcomes, and a reasonable plan supported by internal data or research showing impact. PCF wants to see evidence-based approaches with trackable results.

Demonstrated Community Need: The funding request must clearly support services delivered in Pinellas County and explain how the PCF award will help achieve the mission. Show that you understand the specific needs of your community and have data to support those needs.

Sound Financial Planning: Present a reasonable, cost-sensitive budget with achievable outcomes. Display all sources of funding and explain any budget variances. Financial sustainability and responsible resource management are critical.

Specific Success Strategies from PCF Guidance

1. Attend Preparatory Webinars: PCF offers webinars to help applicants understand the process. These sessions provide valuable insights into what reviewers are looking for.

2. Don't Wait Until the Last Week: Start your application early. Applications can only be submitted during the application period, and late submissions are not accepted.

3. Use the Storytelling Format Effectively: PCF's goal is to tell the stories of the community, and they believe organizations working directly with communities can best tell those stories. Focus on authentic narratives rather than jargon.

4. Show Clear Measurement: Include specific, measurable outcomes and explain how you track impact. Data-driven approaches are valued.

5. Demonstrate Alignment: Clearly show how your work aligns with PCF's four core funding priorities: improving health, enhancing quality of life, advancing education, or promoting arts and culture.

6. Review FAQs Thoroughly: PCF provides detailed FAQs for each grant program. Review these carefully before applying.

7. Ask Questions Early: Reach out to PCF staff with questions or technological problems during the application period, but remember that content questions are only answered up to one week before the deadline.

8. For SOWF Applicants: Emphasize your grassroots approach, community connections, and work in under-resourced neighborhoods. SOWF uses trust-based philanthropy, so demonstrate your deep community roots and commitment to social justice.

Recent Funded Projects as Examples

• AEDI Foundation: $25,000 for STEM programs
• Infinite Potential Learning Academy: $15,000 for playground upgrades supporting wellness
• Young Kings & Queens College Prep: Support for mentoring programs
• Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay: Operating grant for 2023-2025
• Willa Carson Health and Wellness Center: SOWF grant for health services

What Makes Applications Stand Out

Based on PCF's stated priorities and funded projects, successful applications typically:

• Tell compelling stories about real people and community impact
• Present clear, measurable outcomes with data to support them
• Demonstrate deep understanding of Pinellas County community needs
• Show organizational stability and sound financial management
• Align closely with one or more of PCF's four core funding priorities
• For smaller organizations, show grassroots connections and trust within the community served
• Address equity and access issues, particularly in under-resourced neighborhoods

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Geographic Requirement is Strict: Your organization must have a physical presence in Pinellas County and serve Pinellas County residents. This is non-negotiable for most programs.

2. Storytelling Over Jargon: PCF emphasizes authentic storytelling about community impact. Write in clear, accessible language that centers the people you serve rather than organizational accomplishments.

3. Start Early and Use Resources: Attend webinars, review FAQs, and don't wait until the last week. PCF provides substantial support to help applicants succeed.

4. Two-Stage Process for Operating Grants: The Letter of Intent is your first impression. If you're not invited to submit a full application, PCF offers feedback—take advantage of this to strengthen future applications.

5. Multiple Grant Opportunities: Beyond Operating Grants, explore SOWF (for smaller grassroots organizations), Senior Services (for aging-focused programs), and other specialized funds that may align with your mission.

6. Financial Transparency Matters: Show all funding sources and explain your budget clearly. PCF values cost-effective approaches and financial sustainability.

7. Community Review Process: Your application will be reviewed by Board of Governors members and community volunteers with relevant expertise. Write for an informed but diverse audience.

References

1. Pinellas Community Foundation Official Website: https://pinellascf.org (Accessed February 5, 2026)

2. Pinellas Community Foundation Grants Page: https://pinellascf.org/receive/grants/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)

3. Operating Grants Program Page: https://pinellascf.org/receive/grants/operating-grants/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)

4. Senior Citizens Services Grants: https://pinellascf.org/grants/senior-citizens-services/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)

5. Social Opportunity Works Fund: https://pinellascf.org/receive/grants/pcf-social-opportunity-works-fund/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)

6. Meet Our Team - Board and Staff: https://pinellascf.org/about/meet-our-team/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)

7. PCF 2023 Annual Report: https://pinellascf.org/2023-annual-report/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)

8. Charity Navigator Profile for Pinellas Community Foundation (EIN 23-7113194): https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/237113194 (Accessed February 5, 2026)

9. GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/23-7113194 (Accessed February 5, 2026)

10. "Foundation Deploys $150,000 to Help Feed Local Families," St Pete Catalyst (Accessed February 5, 2026)

11. "Duggan Cooley Profile," St Pete Catalyst: https://stpetecatalyst.com/influencers/duggan-cooley/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)

12. PCF News - Various articles on funded organizations and CEO quotes: https://pinellascf.org/news/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)

13. Trust-Based Philanthropy: Social Opportunity Works Fund: https://pinellascf.org/news/trust-based-philanthropy-through-social-opportunity-works-fund/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)

14. Nonprofit Resources: https://pinellascf.org/receive/nonprofit-resources/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)

15. Huntley Arts Enrichment for Youth Grant: https://pinellascf.org/receive/grants/huntley-arts-enrichment-for-youth-grant/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)