Duggan Cooley, CEO of the Pinellas Community Foundation, spoke at a Florida Economic Club event in St. Petersburg, highlighting the foundation’s charitable efforts in the Tampa Bay area. Established in 1969, the foundation aids local nonprofits by providing philanthropic guidance and overseeing investments. Cooley encouraged community members to engage positively, stating that many individuals actively solve challenges and enhance the community.
He emphasized the foundation’s role in strategic charitable giving and grant funding for youth programs, affordable housing, and food security. Cooley outlined the vetting process for organizations, which involves a review of financial documents and possible site visits.
Cooley also discussed community engagement, referencing partnerships in disaster relief after recent hurricanes and during the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned innovative initiatives like the Gladys E. Douglas Preserve Fund and the foundation’s interest in impact investment options that provide financial returns while benefiting the community.
The foundation accepts both cash and non-cash assets to create charitable funds, actively investing in major companies like Apple and Google, and focusing on affordable housing through potential charitable loans. For more information, visit the Pinellas Community Foundation and Florida Economic Club websites.
