Genspiration Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $890,840 (2024)
• Success Rate: N/A (Invitation-only)
• Decision Time: N/A (Board discretion)
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $300,000
• Geographic Focus: Tampa Bay region (primarily), Florida, New York

Contact Details

• Website: No public website
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available
• CEO: Noreen Segrest
• Application Method: Invitation-only (no unsolicited applications accepted)

Overview

Founded in 2020 and granted 501(c)(3) status in January 2018, the Genspiration Foundation Inc is a private grant-making foundation with approximately $29 million in assets. The foundation was established by Dr. Judy L. Genshaft (former University of South Florida President) and the Greenbaum family, with a mission to "promote, through strategic grantmaking, a society where individuals and families can live up to their potential and contribute back to the community, leading to a world of tolerance and mutual respect." The foundation has rapidly scaled its grant-making from one award in 2021 to seven awards totaling $890,840 in 2024, focusing on education, health, community development, and innovation, particularly in the Tampa Bay region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs but makes strategic grants in the following ranges:

• Small grants: $2,500 - $25,000
• Mid-level grants: $25,000 - $100,000
• Major grants: $100,000 - $300,000
• All grants are made through invitation-only, board-discretion process

Priority Areas

• Education (K-12 through higher education)
• Health initiatives
• Community and Economic Development
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Support for vulnerable populations (particularly foster care students)
• Workforce development and internship programs
• Student inventor recognition and support

What They Don't Fund

As an invitation-only foundation, they do not fund:

• Unsolicited requests
• Organizations outside their strategic focus areas
• Individual requests (appears to fund only 501(c)(3) organizations)

Governance and Leadership

Board Members:

• Dr. Judy L. Genshaft (Founder, former USF President)
• Steven I. Greenbaum (Board Member)
• Joel D. Greenbaum (Board Member)
• Bryan Greenbaum (Board Member)
• Amelia M. Campbell (Board Member)

Executive Leadership:

• Noreen Segrest, CEO (Compensation: $54,980)

Dr. Judy Genshaft stated: "Empowering individuals to reach their potential is a core value for the Genspiration Foundation."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Genspiration Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and explicitly does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Grants are awarded through board discretion and strategic identification of organizations aligned with the foundation's mission.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on documented grant patterns and leadership connections, organizations may increase visibility through:

• USF Connections: The foundation has strong ties to the University of South Florida through founder Dr. Judy Genshaft. Organizations partnering with USF or serving USF students have received multiple grants
• Tampa Bay EDC Network: The foundation's $200,000 grant to Tampa Bay Economic Development Council suggests engagement with Tampa Bay's economic development ecosystem
• Innovation Ecosystem: Partnership with Embarc Collective indicates interest in organizations supporting entrepreneurship and startups in Tampa Bay
• Foster Care Support Networks: The foundation specifically funds programs supporting foster care students, suggesting connections with child welfare organizations may be valuable
• National Academy of Inventors: Organizations involved with student innovation and invention programs may align with foundation priorities

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at board discretion without a public application process

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation-only foundation

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - invitation-only foundation

Application Success Factors

Since this is an invitation-only foundation, traditional application success factors don't apply. However, analysis of funded projects reveals the foundation's preferences:

• Evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes: The Embarc Collective grant achieved 40% job placement rate for interns
• Multi-year sustainability: Foundation makes 3-year commitments (Embarc Collective example)
• Leverage and partnerships: Programs that connect multiple organizations (USF, EDC, NAI)
• Focus on empowerment and independence: Aligns with Dr. Genshaft's stated core value of "empowering individuals to reach their potential"
• Innovation and entrepreneurship components: Multiple grants support startup ecosystem and inventor recognition
• Support for vulnerable populations: Specific focus on foster care students and underserved communities
• Tampa Bay regional impact: Strong preference for organizations serving the Tampa Bay area

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is an invitation-only foundation - do not submit unsolicited proposals
• Strong preference for organizations with USF connections or serving USF students
• Foundation is scaling up operations (from 1 to 7 grants between 2021-2024)
• Focus on programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes and systemic impact
• Multi-year partnerships are possible for aligned organizations
• Tampa Bay regional focus with emphasis on education, innovation, and vulnerable populations
• Building relationships with current grantees (Tampa Bay EDC, Embarc Collective, USF programs) may increase visibility

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 data for Genspiration Foundation Inc (EIN: 815168277), accessed February 2025
• Grantmakers.io Profile - Genspiration Foundation Inc profile and grant history, accessed February 2025
• Tampa Bay Economic Development Council - "Genspiration Foundation's Historic Gift to the EDC Creates Pathway for Future Economic Development Leaders" press release, August 2024
• Embarc Collective - "Embarc Collective Receives Support from the Genspiration Foundation to Increase Startup Exposure and Internship Opportunities" announcement, 2024
• USF St. Petersburg - "New grant seeks to reduce barriers to college and increase grad rates for foster care students" news release, 2024
• National Academy of Inventors - "Genspiration Awards Announced" partnership announcement, 2024
• Business Observer Florida - "Former USF President Gifts Tampa EDC" article, August 26, 2025
• Instrumentl 990 Reports - Financial analysis of Genspiration Foundation tax filings, accessed February 2025