← Back to US Funders Directory

The Spurlino Foundation

Annual Giving
$39.7M

The Spurlino Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $39,683,000 (2024)
  • Assets: Over $73 million
  • Number of Grants: Approximately 128 grants annually
  • Founded: 1986
  • Geographic Focus: Tampa Bay metropolitan area, FL (selected national organizations also supported)
  • Application Method: Invitation only - does not accept unsolicited applications

Contact Details

Address: Odessa, FL EIN: 59-6875441

Note: The foundation operates through pre-selected relationships and does not have a public contact process for unsolicited applications.

Overview

The Spurlino Foundation was established in 1986 by Cy and Joanne Spurlino and has grown into one of Tampa Bay's most significant private philanthropies, with assets exceeding $73 million and annual grantmaking of nearly $40 million. The foundation is managed by Joanne Spurlino (Foundation Manager and Trustee) along with Trustee Diana Baker, who serves as the philanthropic advisor and grants manager. The foundation operates with a philosophy described as "off the radar," reflecting the Spurlinos' preference for humble, relationship-based giving rather than high-profile philanthropy. The foundation has consistently made over 120 grants annually, demonstrating sustained commitment to Tampa Bay's nonprofit sector. Cy and Joanne Spurlino received Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg's Angel Award in 2019 and the Tampa YMCA's Red Triangle Award in 2021, recognizing their exceptional volunteer service and philanthropic leadership.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with published guidelines or amounts. Instead, grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees to pre-selected charitable organizations. Based on available data, the foundation awarded approximately 128 grants in 2022, with total annual grantmaking of approximately $39.7 million in 2024.

Priority Areas

The Spurlino Foundation focuses on three primary areas:

  1. Animal Welfare and Environmental Conservation

    • Local Humane Societies
    • Florida Wildlife Corridor
    • Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo
    • Wildlife preservation and biodiversity
    • Natural resources conservation
    • Domestic animal welfare

  2. Children and Youth Development

    • Children's services
    • Child welfare programs
    • Youth development initiatives
    • Family services

  3. Education and Community Services

    • Higher education institutions
    • Federated giving programs (United Way Suncoast)
    • Libraries and library science
    • Health organizations and services related to diseases and disorders
    • Basic and emergency aid programs
    • Shelter and residential care
    • Human services broadly

Known Grant Recipients

Organizations confirmed to have received support from the Spurlino Foundation include:

  • Metropolitan Ministries
  • Feeding Tampa Bay
  • Local Humane Societies
  • Spurlino Family YMCA (named facility)
  • United Way Suncoast
  • American Red Cross
  • Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
  • Lowry Park Zoo (now ZooTampa)

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, the foundation's pattern of giving suggests focus on established Tampa Bay nonprofits in their priority areas. As an invitation-only foundation, they do not fund organizations outside their pre-selected network.

Governance and Leadership

Joanne Spurlino - Foundation Manager and Trustee Joanne Spurlino leads the foundation alongside her late husband Cy's legacy. She is a member of the United Way's Tocqueville Society Roundtable, indicating significant philanthropic commitment (typically representing donations of $10,000+ annually). Known for preferring philanthropy "off the radar," Joanne embodies a relationship-based, humble approach to giving.

Diana Baker - Trustee and Philanthropic Advisor/Grants Manager Diana Baker serves as both trustee and the operational lead for grants management, working closely with the Spurlino family to execute their philanthropic vision.

Cy Spurlino (deceased) Co-founder of the foundation with Joanne, Cy Spurlino was deeply involved in Tampa Bay philanthropy, particularly through the YMCA (where a facility bears the Spurlino name). He and Joanne received the Tampa YMCA's Red Triangle Award in 2021 for exemplary volunteer service. The couple was also recognized with the 2019 Angel Award from Catholic Charities.

The foundation operates with a small, personal governance structure typical of family foundations, allowing for direct trustee involvement in grant decisions and relationship building with beneficiary organizations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Spurlino Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. The foundation explicitly states that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

Grants are awarded at trustee discretion to organizations with which the foundation has established relationships. There is no application portal, no published guidelines, and no open application process.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation identifies grantees through established relationships and trustee connections within the Tampa Bay nonprofit community. Given that the foundation operates on a pre-selected basis, the following funder-specific factors are relevant:

  • Geographic proximity matters: The foundation's focus on Tampa Bay metropolitan area organizations suggests trustees prioritize local knowledge and direct observation of nonprofit impact
  • Board connections: As members of United Way's Tocqueville Society and recipients of awards from Catholic Charities and YMCA, the Spurlinos have deep connections in Tampa Bay's philanthropic infrastructure. Organizations supported by or connected to these intermediary organizations may be more visible to the foundation
  • Named facility relationships: The existence of the "Spurlino Family YMCA" demonstrates that the foundation forms particularly deep partnerships with select organizations, potentially leading to multi-year or capital support
  • Shared values: The foundation's preference for "off the radar" philanthropy suggests they may be drawn to organizations with similar values around humility and community-focused work rather than high-profile causes

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion rather than through cyclical review processes.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications from the general nonprofit community.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications.

Application Success Factors

Given the invitation-only nature of this foundation, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, the following insights about the foundation's approach may be valuable:

Relationship-Based Grantmaking: The foundation operates through established relationships rather than competitive application processes. Organizations in their portfolio tend to be well-established Tampa Bay nonprofits with which the trustees have direct connection or knowledge.

Preference for Established Organizations: Known recipients like Metropolitan Ministries, Feeding Tampa Bay, United Way Suncoast, and ZooTampa are all major, established nonprofits with strong track records and community presence.

Focus on Operational Excellence: By supporting infrastructure organizations like United Way and federated giving programs, the foundation demonstrates appreciation for organizations with strong operational capacity and efficient service delivery.

Multi-Year Relationships: The depth of relationship with organizations like YMCA (resulting in a named facility) suggests the foundation values long-term partnerships over one-time grants.

Geographic Commitment: With nearly 40 years of focused giving in Tampa Bay, the foundation's trustees demonstrate deep commitment to their local community, suggesting they prioritize organizations with strong local roots and impact.

Three Core Passions: Animal welfare/environment, children and youth, and education appear consistently across the foundation's giving pattern. Organizations working at the intersection of these areas or with clear impact in one area may be more likely to attract trustee attention.

Humble Approach: The Spurlinos' documented preference for keeping philanthropy "off the radar" suggests they may be more drawn to organizations focused on mission delivery rather than high-profile fundraising or recognition programs.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This foundation does not accept applications - traditional grant writing approaches will not work. Do not send unsolicited proposals or letters of inquiry.

  • Relationship-building is the only path - Getting on this foundation's radar requires connection through Tampa Bay's philanthropic networks, particularly United Way Suncoast, Catholic Charities, or Tampa YMCA circles.

  • Geographic focus is strict - The foundation has maintained nearly 40 years of focused giving in Tampa Bay. Organizations outside the region are unlikely to be considered unless they have exceptional national relevance.

  • Substantial assets, substantial grants - With $73M+ in assets and making approximately 128 grants totaling nearly $40 million annually, this foundation makes significant investments when they do engage with organizations.

  • Three clear priority areas - Animal welfare/environment, children/youth, and education are consistent themes. Organizations outside these areas are unlikely to receive consideration.

  • Trust and track record matter - Known recipients are established, credible organizations. Newer nonprofits or those without proven track records may find it particularly difficult to gain access.

  • Board connections are key - Review the foundation's trustee connections through Tocqueville Society, Catholic Charities, and YMCA networks. Board members with relationships in these circles may be able to facilitate introductions.

References

← Back to US Funders Directory