What Is Pinellas Community Foundation?

Pinellas Community Foundation (PCF) is a charitable organization that offers support, resources, and information to address the needs of the people and nonprofit organizations of Pinellas County.

PCF helps donors who want to support the community issues they care about most to develop a charitable giving plan, just like a financial advisor helps plan for retirement.

Nonprofit organizations are doing incredible work to address the needs of Pinellas County citizens. For more than 50 years, PCF has built relationships with these organizations and knows their missions, programs, services, impact, and effectiveness. These insights help PCF donors to make the right choice for charitable gifts.

Pinellas Community Foundation (PCF) is a charitable organization that offers support, resources, and information to address the needs of the people and nonprofit organizations of Pinellas County.

PCF helps donors who want to support the community issues they care about most to develop a charitable giving plan, just like a financial advisor helps plan for retirement.

Nonprofit organizations are doing incredible work to address the needs of Pinellas County citizens. For more than 50 years, PCF has built relationships with these organizations and knows their missions, programs, services, impact, and effectiveness. These insights help PCF donors to make the right choice for charitable gifts.

The Community’s Foundation

Founded in 1969, Pinellas Community Foundation 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 the availability of social services to the Black community, stemming from Florida’s history of segregation. PCF believes anyone who wants to help others should be free from barriers and appreciated for their unique philanthropic vision.

PCF Membership

Donors at all giving levels are members of Pinellas Community Foundation. By pooling funds, your gifts make a dramatic difference. Your membership donation (one-time or recurring) supports Capital Improvement and Equipment grants. These important grants fund critical infrastructure and capital improvements, such as roofs, refrigerators, and vans for nonprofit organizations. Funds are distributed to vetted organizations with successful missions and proven financial responsibility.

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Donor-Advised Funds

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a dedicated account for charitable giving to any IRS-qualified charity, and you advise how and where to distribute and invest the funds. You can contribute individually or ask friends, family, or coworkers to donate to your fund. You may also donate stock, real estate, mutual funds, property, and land.

PCF manages and distributes charitable funds on behalf of donors, which avoids significant legal costs and paperwork. There are many advantages in creating a philanthropic fund through PCF, including tax savings, a quick setup in just a day versus several months, and startup and management costs that are much lower than those of a private or family foundation.

Support to Pinellas Charities

Pinellas Community Foundation provides financial support to eligible nonprofit organizations through grants that cover general operating and equipment needs, as well as programs that help at-risk communities. Since its founding, PCF has distributed over $86 million in donor-funded grants to more than 400 charities, including social services, educational, and cultural agencies. PCF also works with nonprofit organizations to manage scholarship programs and distribute emergency relief funds on their behalf.

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Financially Sound Investments

Donations to Pinellas Community Foundation are prudently invested, growing and earning interest over time. These earnings are a sustainable source of funding, and a portion of the earnings are released annually for charitable giving. PCF is governed by community leaders with expertise in charitable giving, nonprofit management, and investment strategies.

For the Community. By the Community.

PCF Is Your Partner in Philanthropy

A key part of the PCF mission is to help donors create a charitable giving plan. As a member, you can donate to established causes or create a new fund or endowment for a cause with which you have a personal connection. Donations to PCF are tax-deductible up to IRS limits.

What Issues Are You Passionate About in Our Community?

PCF connects solutions to problems, stays informed about where help is needed, and designs charitable giving plans to make a difference.

How Can PCF Help You Give Humanity a Hand?

The PCF staff welcomes the opportunity to talk with you, your family, friends, civic organizations, and financial advisors.

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Discover Your Options

Contact a Pinellas Community Foundation giving specialist to get started.

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