Community Foundation Awards $2.2 Million to Local Nonprofits for Innovative Projects

Community Foundation Awards $2.2M to Nonprofits in Tampa Bay Area

TAMPA — In a significant boost to local initiatives, the Community Foundation Tampa Bay has announced the allocation of over $2.2 million in discretionary grants to support 84 innovative nonprofit projects across its five-county service area, which includes Citrus, Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.

This year’s grant cycle saw an unprecedented response, with a record 363 applications totaling $10 million in requests. The foundation ultimately selected 84 projects, including 17 multi-year grants from previous competitive cycles.

The grants focus on five key areas: Economic Opportunity, Environmental Resiliency and Sustainability, Physical Health and Mental Wellbeing, Quality Child and Youth Education, and Vibrant and Engaged Communities.

Notable Grant Recipients

Among the recipients, several standout projects are set to make a significant impact:

• AdventHealth Foundation received $52,000 for its Exploring Health Program, aimed at providing health screenings and educational resources for aspiring healthcare professionals in Hernando and Pasco Counties.

• Firehouse Cultural Center was awarded $55,000 for its Building Community Through the Arts Program, which will expand no-fee art workshops and scholarships for youth and low-income adults in Hillsborough County.

• Florida Audubon Society secured $25,000 for its Reducing Fishing Debris Program, which focuses on protecting waterbirds and nesting habitats in Pinellas County.

• MacDonald Training Center received $50,000 for its CommUNITY Works Program, designed to connect job seekers with disabilities to employment opportunities in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties.

• Who We Play For was granted $25,000 to expand access to preventative heart screenings for youth, supporting community health initiatives in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties.

For more information about the Annual Competitive Grants process and other funding opportunities, visit the Community Foundation Tampa Bay’s website.

Duke Energy Expands Home Improvement Rebate Program

ST. PETERSBURG — As summer heat drives up energy costs, Duke Energy is urging customers to take advantage of its expanded Home Energy Improvement rebate program. This initiative aims to enhance home energy efficiency and reduce utility bills.

Eligible customers can complete a free Home Energy Check, which provides a detailed report on their home’s energy usage and expert recommendations for improvements. After making the suggested upgrades, customers have 24 months to claim rebates on various energy-efficient measures.

Rebates for single-family homes include up to $1,000 for HVAC replacements and up to $800 for energy-efficient windows. For manufactured homes and multifamily properties, rebates range from $350 to $600.

To complete a free Home Energy Check, visit Duke Energy’s website.

Hillsborough County Seeks Public Input on Recovery Funds

HILLSBOROUGH — Hillsborough County is hosting a series of public meetings to gather community input on the allocation of over $709 million in hurricane recovery funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These funds will aid recovery efforts related to Hurricane Idalia and previous storms.

The county’s draft plan prioritizes assistance for low-to-moderate-income populations and outlines strategies for rebuilding homes and infrastructure. Public comment meetings are scheduled for June 17 and June 23, with a final plan to be presented to the Board of County Commissioners on July 16.

For more details, visit HCFL.gov.

Local Hero: Wimauma Native Serves as U.S. Navy Rescue Swimmer

PENSACOLA — Airman Wyatt Fannin, a Wimauma native, is currently training at the U.S. Navy’s Aviation Rescue Swimmer School, where he learns to perform life-saving rescues in extreme conditions. Fannin joined the Navy nine months ago, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start.

The training at Naval Air Station Pensacola equips future rescue swimmers with essential skills, including water survival training and CPR qualification.

Hillsborough Tax Office Launches Safety Month Events

TAMPA — The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is kicking off Safety Month 2025 with free vision and hearing screenings across various locations. This initiative, in collaboration with Lions World Vision Institute and Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation, aims to bring essential health services to the community.

Screenings will be available at several Tax Collector offices throughout June, with walk-ins welcome for vision screenings.

Tampa Water Project to Affect Local Customers

TAMPA — A temporary maintenance project by the Tampa Water Department will change the water disinfection process to chlorine until June 30, affecting several neighborhoods in Hillsborough County. Residents may notice a difference in taste and odor during this period.

Westchase Office Space Sold for $1.1M

TAMPA — Hold-Thyssen, Inc. has facilitated the sale of a single-story office building in Westchase for $1.1 million. The building will serve as the new location for Westchase Smiles Institute.

SHINE Program Offers Medicare Assistance

TAMPA — The SHINE program, which assists seniors with Medicare and health insurance questions, will host several events in July across local libraries. These sessions offer free, unbiased counseling to help navigate health insurance options.

For more information on any of these stories, please reach out to the respective organizations or visit their websites.