The Future Is Now

I have a confession. I geek out on information about strategic visioning and planning. I'm giddy when I gather with United Way Suncoast leaders or board members to talk about how we continue to transform our second century of service. My excitement arises from my experience leading three different nonprofits, and my decision to attain a graduate certificate in strategic foresight from the University of Houston.?

Strategic foresight and agile planning are key to how we execute the Thriving United Way (TUW) framework, keeping us adaptable and future-ready. Through a comprehensive and inclusive process, we customized the framework to reflect our needs and our work at United Way Suncoast, allowing us to anticipate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence.

As we’ve said, “The magic about the TUW framework is how comprehensively it addresses the entire operation of our organization,” making sure every team member sees their role clearly within our strategy. Using a continuous cycle of planning, doing, studying, and executing, we stay committed to innovation and continuous improvement. With board-approved work plans and a strong vision, we’re excited to drive meaningful, lasting impact and empower our communities with real solutions.

I hope now, you're giddy too. How could you not be?

R.I.S.E. Luncheon

Join us on April 1st for United Way Suncoast’s RISE Luncheon, where we celebrate our second century of service and the lasting impact we create across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties.? Special Guest: Howard Jenkins, former Publix Super Markets executive, will share insights on leadership, legacy, and philanthropy alongside Jessica Blume .

?? Be part of the movement—connect with top community leaders and explore how we can Reach, Invest, Support, and Empower for a stronger future!

Get your ticket here.

Disaster Recovery Grants Available

United Way Suncoast is committed to strengthening our community's resilience. We’re now accepting applications for disaster recovery and preparedness grants for nonprofits, as well as grant support for small businesses impacted by the 2024 hurricane season.

?Nonprofits: Apply by February 18 to receive funding for disaster recovery efforts related to Debby, Helene, and Milton or to prepare for future storms.

?Small Businesses (50 or fewer employees): Apply by February 27 for financial assistance—no 501(c)(3) required! Eligible businesses in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties can receive support for ongoing recovery.

Visit our Disaster Resiliency page today to learn more and apply!

Check out our latest blog where we share the direct impact made to our community members.

LINC Philanthro-Party

?? Join the Ultimate Philanthro-Party! ??

Calling all young professionals!

?? On February 25th, 6:00–8:00 PM, LINC (Lead-Impact-Network-Change) is hosting a Philanthro-Party—a night of networking, impact, and fun!

? Connect with like-minded changemakers

? Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres & great company

? Assemble 150 Read Across America gift bags for young readers

Register here

Let United Way Suncoast do your taxes!

United Way Suncoast’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is accepting appointments for the 2025 tax season! If you earn $79,000 or less annually can access free, professional tax prep at sites across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties.

If you prefer to do taxes from the comfort of your own home, we offer My Free Taxes and Taxslayer FSA as options. You can access the same software that we use at VITA sites, and if you get stuck, we have remote support to help you finish your return.

?? Schedule your appointment and get all the information at uwsvita.org or call 833-897-8482. Walk-ins are welcome at select locations as availability allows.

Real Talk on Education

ICYMI: If you live in the Suncoast community, you need to know the impact created by our public school districts. The headwinds and tailwinds greeting our students, parents, teachers and administrators affect every aspect of our lives, from the economy and housing to food insecurity and health.

Watch as we hear about the successes created by the Hillsborough County Public Schools , Pinellas County Schools , School District of Manatee County , Sarasota County Schools and Desoto County Schools , and what the future holds for our students.

?? Watch the full webinar here.

Suncoast Snapshot

We live in a region where 45 percent of households exist below the poverty line or live paycheck to paycheck and stand one unexpected expense away from dire circumstances. Given this, our mission is to mobilize communities to action so all can thrive. We do this by elevating Educational Opportunity, empowering families through Financial Stability initiatives and enhancing lives through Community Resiliency, a focus on building up our nonprofits and proactively dealing with disasters and emerging issues.

We have new Mission and Vision Statements, and we've rebranded our Impact Areas, but we haven't changed the scope of our work or how we prioritize our actions. Check out this Suncoast Snapshot featuring CEO Jessica Muroff to learn more about how we continue to move into our second century of service with culture and heart.

Admiral Society Power Luncheon

For the third consecutive year, United Way Suncoast's Admiral Society Power Luncheon drew a sold-out crowd to the Tampa Club. Attendees enjoyed a dynamic presentation featuring Admiral Society chair Gary Hartfield and United Way Suncoast Jessica Muroff . The City of Tampa 's Ocea Wynn led a panel discussion about Leading Through Change with BayCare Health System Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Guy and Fifth Third Bank vice president Michael Smith . Admiral Society vice chair Matt DePasquale Esq. closed out the event by underscoring the sense of unity emanating from the event, and extended an invitation for folks to join the Admiral Society family.?

Check out the highlight video here.

February Volunteers of the Month

Meet Parker Simeone and Alexander Hamilton, two high school juniors who are proving that anyone can make an impact! ????

For three years, Parker and Alexander have dedicated their time to building bilingual literacy kits, disaster preparedness kits, hygiene kits, and more—helping students, seniors, and ALICE families across our community.

?? Why they volunteer:

? “Making a difference in my community has definitely been a motivation for me.” – Parker

? “I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much my time volunteering is appreciated and the significant impact it has.” – Alexander

These two embody the spirit of service, and we’re honored to celebrate them this month. ?? Join us in thanking Parker & Alexander for their dedication!

FEBRUARY ENGAGEMENT: UNITED WE LEARN

United We Learn is an initiative to ensure equity and access to early learning for all children. United Way Suncoast invests in and implements programming within attendance zones of selected Title I Elementary schools comprised of Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households. We concentrate on ensuring children enter kindergarten ready to learn, ensuring school-age children have the supports they need, and reducing barriers families encounter.

READ ACROSS SUNCOAST- group volunteering

United Way Suncoast invites you to join Read Across Suncoast! Throughout March and April, volunteers will visit our preschool partner sites to read to children and lead engaging educational activities. Inspired by the National Education Association’s Read Across America, this annual initiative fosters a love for reading by encouraging every child in every community to celebrate literacy. Many schools, libraries, and communities mark the occasion with special events on March 2. Opportunities are available for small groups consisting of 2-8 volunteers in all five counties that we serve: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto.

Visit this page to complete our interest form.

VOLUNTEER

• Teaching Tools Store: This program through the Hillsborough Education Foundation provides free school supplies year-round to economically disadvantaged students attending Hillsborough County Public Schools designated as Title I. View this link to learn more about volunteer tasks and to sign up.
• Sugg Middle School Urban Agriculture?Farm and FFA: Volunteers will support the growing Urban Agriculture and FFA Farm at Sugg Middle School. The garden on the premise is used to promote healthy eating habits and educate the students about sustainable farming practices. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome. View this link to sign up.
• Bess the Book Bus: Bess the Book Bus is a mobile literacy outreach non-profit dedicated to narrowing the academic achievement gap. Their Joy of Reading Pop-Up Book Fairs target schools that are located in asset-limited communities. The book fairs provide access to new books and give children the power of choice. View this link to sign up to volunteer at one of their upcoming book fairs.
• View our opportunity?calendar for other ways you can volunteer in our community. View calendar.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Corporate or civic partners are invited to sponsor and create one of the below options as an engagement opportunity for their team of volunteers.

• Preschool Learning Kits
• Read Across America?Kits

DIY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Community volunteers are invited to create the below kits that would be distributed in the Suncoast region.

• Children Mental Health Kits
• Preschool Learning Kits