OUR STORY

Building a Foundation of Equality
Established in 1969, the Pinellas Community Foundation (PCF) was the brainchild of the late Clearwater banker and attorney Ralph Richards. A visionary leader and civil rights champion, Richards initially sought to bridge the gap in social services available to African-Americans stemming from Florida’s history of segregation.
Hailing originally from Minnesota, Richards modeled PCF after other successful community foundations he had seen enrich the lives of those living in northern states.
Every bank in Pinellas County with a trust department signed an agreement to serve as a PCF trustee. Over the years, the names of the original banks may have changed, but their commitment to meeting your charitable goals remains steadfast.
The original trust agreement required the Board of Governors to be appointed by a diverse range of public and civic organizations, establishing a system of careful checks and balances to safeguard the integrity of PCF’s fiduciary responsibilities. Today, the board of governors remains an appointed body of trusted advisors dedicated to ensuring your gift continues to grow and fulfill your personal philanthropic goals for generations to come.
Humble Beginnings Paved the Way for Extraordinary Outcomes
Joel Hunter, MD, provided the first gift of $150 in 1969 to cover initial operating expenses for PCF. By the late 1970s, PCF was bequeathed more than $1.5 million to establish funds benefiting the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts and St. Anthony’s Hospital. Through careful investment, these funds continue to provide a steady stream of needed support today.
PCF has been helping the community for over 50 years. Having weathered significant social and economic changes, PCF remains a beacon of fiscal fortitude with more than $120 million under our management, providing unwavering support for our community’s most deserving charities.
See how decades of generosity have positioned PCF to ensure our community’s charitable organizations (over 200 in the last year) remain vital to those who depend on their services.

Ralph Richards, Pinellas Change-Maker
Known for his generosity and unwavering commitment to social justice, Richards disdained any form of prejudice or discrimination. Among his many laudable professional achievements, including founding Clearwater Savings and Loan, Richards left an indelible mark on Pinellas.
A History of Giving
1969
September

September 1969
First Organizational Meeting
PCF IS ESTABLISHED
First organizational meeting held at the Howard Johnson’s restaurant in Clearwater.
1971

1971
PCF is Granted Tax Exempt Status
TAX-EXEMPT STATUS GRANTED
1974

1974
UCF Scholarship Fund Initiated
PCF’s FIRST OFFICIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Our first scholarship fund established to assist students attending the University of South Florida.
1978
PUBLIC CHARITY DESIGNATION CONFIRMED
1980

1980
Ralph Richards Dies At 86
FOUNDER RALPH RICHARDS, NOTABLE CLEARWATER BANKER AND COMMUNITY ACTIVIST, DIES AT 86.
1984

1984
PCF Membership Program Begins
MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM INITIATED
Membership program initiated allowing PCF to accept gifts of all sizes.
1984

1984
10-Year Scholarship Fund Begins
10-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP FUND
A 10-year scholarship fund assists 10 students with annual tuition for St. Petersburg Junior College Clearwater.
1990
PCF RECEIVES LARGEST GIFT TO DATE
PCF receives its largest gift to date: $5.6 million. Annual charitable grant recipients climb from 15 to 25.
1992
PCF’s FIRST HUMANITARIAN MEMBERSHIP
Betsy Liedtke’s $10,000 donation marks the first PCF Humanitarian membership.
1994
COMPETITIVE GRANTS INTRODUCED
Competitive grants for special projects are introduced, now known as Capital Improvement and Equipment grants.
1995

1995
Largo Central Park Performing Arts Center
LARGO CENTRAL PARK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Construction begins on the Largo Central Park Performing Arts Center thanks to a sizable PCF endowment.
1998

1998
The Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals
NEW FUND CREATED
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals establishes a fund.
1999
FLORIDA ORCHESTRA FUND CREATED
Anonymous donor establishes a fund to provide annual income to The Florida Orchestra.
2001
$2 MILLION RECEIVED TO SUPPORT PINELLAS COUNTY ANIMALS
PCF receives a new bequest of more than $2 million to support needy Pinellas companion and marine animals.
2002

2002
Warren J. Bowman Fund
WARREN J. BOWMAN MEMORIAL FUND ESTABLISHED
Selma Graham establishes a Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of Warren J. Bowman to support Pinellas County high school graduates pursuing careers in law and medicine.
2003
JULIE SCALES BECOMES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tom Bruckman retires from nearly 23 years of service as PCF’s executive director. He is succeeded by Julie Scales.
2006
TPCCF BECOMES PCF
The Pinellas County Community Foundation shortens its name to the Pinellas Community Foundation.
2015
TOM BRUCKMAN RETIRES
PCF provides competitive grants to 65 Pinellas-based charitable organizations and support for 12 scholarship funds.
2016

2002
Duggan Cooley Named CEO
DUGGAN COOLEY NAMED CEO
Duggan Cooley named CEO following Julie Scales’ retirement.
2017

2017
FEAST FOOD PANTRY
PCF AIMS TO END CHILDHOOD HUNGER IN PINELLAS
Campaign to end childhood hunger in Pinellas County begins.
2018
SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICES ESTABLISHES NEW FUND
Senior Citizens Services establishes $10 million donor-advised fund at PCF.
2019
PCF CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY
PCF celebrates its 50th anniversary of support and service to the Pinellas County community.
2020

2017
20 Million in Relief During Pandemic
100 NONPROFITS FUNDED DURING THE PANDEMIC
PCF provides $20 million for pandemic relief to 100 nonprofits.
2021

2021
GLADYS DOUGLAS PRESERVE
GLADYS DOUGLAS PRESERVE SAVED
PCF helps community reach $10 million goal to save the Gladys Douglas Preserve in Dunedin.