What is a Community Foundation?

As a public charity, a community foundation offers numerous advantages over private foundations and is defined by several unique attributes.

How a Community Foundation Differs From a Private Foundation

As a public charity, a community foundation offers numerous advantages over private foundations and is defined by several unique attributes:

  • Public Charity: Accessible to all who wish to contribute
  • Tax Advantaged: Donations are tax-deductible up to the amount allowed by IRS rules*
  • Geographically Defined: Serves a specific geographical community
  • Local Support: Donations come from community citizens
  • Community Driven: Supports the betterment of the community through grant-making
  • Grant-making: Supports operations, development and innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life in the community
  • Board of Community Leaders: Local governing board with expertise in charitable giving
  • Financially Sound: Fund structure designed to be sustainable into perpetuity

*Consult your tax advisor for your individual tax advantage.

Keeping Your Gift Local

You have the opportunity to make a lasting investment in your community. When you give to the Pinellas Community Foundation (PCF), you can still support your favorite charities. Rather than making a one-time gift to a charity, your donation is carefully invested to ensure the charity or causes you care about most receive continuous annual contributions.

Providing an Anchor of Support

The Pinellas Community Foundation is a steady beacon of hope for those in need, providing reliable annual grants to nonprofit social services, educational and cultural agencies. Since its founding in 1969, more than $42 million in grants has been awarded to deserving Pinellas-based charities.

PCF remains steadfast in bridging the widening economic gap to ensure nonprofit organizations serving our most vulnerable residents can continue their work to build a brighter future for every Pinellas County resident.