TAMPA, Florida (April 23, 2014) The Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have passed a resolution honoring Florida’s community foundations for “their service to communities all across the state.” The resolution was introduced by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam at the Cabinet meeting on April 22 in Tallahassee, and approved by Governor Rick Scott, Commissioner Putnam and the other members of the Florida Cabinet, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater.
The resolution also congratulated the community foundation field on its centennial anniversary. The first community foundation was created in Cleveland, Ohio in 1914.
In the resolution, the Governor and Cabinet acknowledged the valuable role that Florida community foundations play to connect “people who care with causes that matter to make a difference in their communities.” The resolution went on to note that thanks to Florida’s community foundations, “local residents who have an in-depth understanding of their communities’ issues and needs are able to combine their charitable funds and the future earnings from those gifts for the benefit of all, improving the quality of life in those areas.”
In introducing the resolution, Commissioner Putnam praised the state’s community foundations for making a “powerful impact in our communities.” He expressed his appreciation for community foundations providing “extraordinary leadership and valuable support for all the causes that people find worthwhile,” calling them the “salt and light in our society.”
“We are humbled and honored to receive this resolution,” said David Biemesderfer, President & CEO of Florida Philanthropic Network, who accepted the resolution at the Cabinet meeting on behalf of Florida’s community foundations and the broader philanthropic field. “We’d like to thank Governor Scott, Commissioner Putnam and the entire Florida Cabinet for acknowledging the important work of Florida’s community foundations to help donors meet their philanthropic goals and help philanthropy flourish in our state.”
Florida is home to 29 community foundations that cover every county of the state. Community foundations in Florida have grown over the past 10 years from $589 million to more than $1.84 billion in total charitable assets. They gave grants of $161 million in 2012 alone, making them among the largest vehicles for community good in the state. More information on Florida community foundations can be found at www.communityfoundationsfl.org.
Florida Philanthropic Network is a statewide association of grantmakers working to build philanthropy to build a better Florida. FPN’s nearly 110 members are community foundations, private independent, corporate and family foundations, and corporate giving programs—from Miami to Jacksonville; Naples to Pensacola—who hold over $7 billion in assets (excluding members located outside Florida) and invest over $500 million annually to improve the quality of life for our residents and communities. Our members share a commitment to promoting philanthropy, fostering collaboration and advancing public policy by Florida, in Florida.