Corbett Family Charitable Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4,179,104 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (Invitation only)
• Decision Time: N/A (No public applications)
• Grant Range: Varies widely (from thousands to millions)
• Geographic Focus: Tampa Bay area, Florida (primary); National (secondary)

Contact Details

• Website: None available
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Email: Not publicly listed
• Address: 509 Guisando De Avila, Suite 201, Tampa, FL 33613
• Application Method: No public application process - invitation only

Overview

The Corbett Family Charitable Foundation Inc (EIN: 59-3548652) is a private independent foundation established in 1998 by Richard A. "Dick" Corbett and Cornelia G. Corbett. With assets exceeding $58 million and annual grants of over $4 million, the foundation is a significant force in Tampa Bay philanthropy. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, focusing on organizations where the Corbetts have direct involvement and established relationships. Their philanthropic philosophy centers on "making a difference for children," with major support for education, arts and culture, children's services, and environmental conservation. The Corbetts are known for transformative gifts, including a $28 million donation to the Tampa Museum of Art and $35 million to the University of Notre Dame.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have formal grant programs with public applications. Grants are made at the discretion of the board to preselected organizations.

Priority Areas

• Education: Universities, preparatory schools, educational programs
• Arts & Culture: Museums, cultural institutions
• Children & Family Services: Child abuse prevention, family support programs
• Environmental Conservation: Wildlife and habitat preservation
• Community Development: Tampa Bay area civic initiatives

What They Don't Fund

• Unsolicited requests
• Organizations without pre-existing relationships with the foundation
• Organizations outside their established network

Governance and Leadership

Richard A. "Dick" Corbett - President and Director

• University of Notre Dame graduate, Harvard MBA
• Former presidential aide in Kennedy administration
• CEO of Concorde Companies (real estate investment)
• Chair of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Cornelia G. Corbett - Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Director

• Active philanthropist focused on children's causes
• Quote: "One hundred percent, where I've given I've been involved first. You see the reasons for the need before you make the contribution."

Additional Directors:

• Heather Corbett
• Lamara Heartwell
• Alyda M. Porter

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states they only make contributions to preselected charitable organizations and do not respond to unsolicited requests for funds. Grants are made by invitation only based on the Corbetts' direct involvement with organizations.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and the Corbetts' philanthropic approach:

• The Corbetts are deeply involved in Tampa Bay civic life through board memberships and volunteer work
• Dick Corbett serves on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, indicating involvement in environmental circles
• Cornelia Corbett has stated she only gives where she's been involved first, suggesting hands-on engagement is crucial
• Organizations that have received support typically have multi-year relationships with the family
• The Corbetts attend major Tampa Bay cultural and philanthropic events

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation only

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation does not accept public applications, traditional success factors don't apply. However, based on their documented giving patterns:

• The Corbetts prioritize organizations where they have personal involvement
• Multi-year relationships appear essential before major funding
• Organizations serving children and families in Tampa Bay align with their stated mission
• Transformative projects that create lasting community impact receive major support
• The foundation values organizations with strong leadership and clear vision
• As Cornelia Corbett noted: seeing "the reasons for the need" through direct involvement precedes contributions

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Do not submit unsolicited proposals to this foundation - they will not be considered
• The foundation operates entirely through pre-existing relationships and board discretion
• Focus on building authentic relationships through shared board service or volunteer work in Tampa Bay
• The Corbetts are most responsive to organizations addressing children's needs, education, and arts
• Major gifts typically follow years of smaller support and deepening engagement
• Consider connecting through established Tampa institutions where the Corbetts are already involved
• This is a relationship-driven foundation requiring long-term cultivation, not a transactional grant maker

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF data for Corbett Family Charitable Foundation (Accessed March 2024)
• Cause IQ Foundation Profile - Financial and grant data analysis (Accessed March 2024)
• Tampa Museum of Art press releases - $28 million gift announcement (2021)
• University of Notre Dame - Corbett Family Hall dedication and endowment announcements
• Registry Tampa Bay - "In It to Win It: The steadfast philanthropy of Cornelia Corbett" article
• Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida - Richard A. Corbett biography
• USF Athletics - Corbett Soccer Stadium dedication information (2011)
• Crisis Center of Tampa Bay - Corbett Trauma Center dedication (2013)
• Champions for Children Tampa - Donor recognition lists