The Gift That Keeps On Giving
United Way Suncoast
Impacting lives in DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas & Sarasota counties.
The Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) recently released the third and final report in its three-year study on the impact of MacKenzie Scott’s giving. Based on data from more than 800 nonprofit organizations that received gifts from the philanthropist, the report offers valuable insights into how large, unrestricted funding can transform nonprofits and the communities they serve. CEP also published a companion piece, authored by Lowell Weiss, that tells the in-depth stories of seven organizations leveraging these gifts to drive meaningful change, including Tampa-based Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America.?
?? I had the opportunity to participate in this research, contributing to the broader effort to document the effects of Scott’s philanthropy. The findings reinforce what we have seen firsthand at United Way Suncoast—transformational giving has the power to strengthen organizations, foster collaboration, and create lasting impact.?
?? Following the receipt of her gift, United Way Suncoast launched the R.I.S.E. Taskforce (Reach, Invest, Support and Empower), a collective effort bringing together nonprofits, funders, and community leaders to ensure that these unrestricted dollars lead to sustained, long-term change. The task force has focused on enhancing nonprofit capacity, investing in systemic solutions, and maximizing the impact of these resources to create a stronger future for the region. We have been tracking and sharing the tremendous impact of this work here.?
?? This transformational gift has transformed our organization and enabled us to do more in a short period of time. Mackenzie Scott tasked us with putting these dollars into action in our community and we’ve made that happen, with so many of our partners also benefiting from this work. We cannot thank her enough for her incredible philanthropy and empowering approach, as you can see it has made all the difference.?
Dunn, Neal Shine At FPN Summit?
Speaking of MacKenzie Scott, United Way Suncoast Investments and Partnerships vice president Josh Dunn and Data Analysis Director Aaron Neal, MSW recently led two sessions at the Florida Philanthropic Network Summitt. One of the sessions detailed how our organization “Democratized Data For Greatness” by infusing a part of the Scott investment to utilize data to grow the capacity of our nonprofit partners. The other session focused on how AI can be used to generate responses to grant application. Both presentations drew raves from nonprofit leaders in attendance.?
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!
Let us help with your taxes!
The United Way Suncoast Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Team recently staged Tax-A-Thons in Tampa (Feb. 15) and Sarasota (Feb. 22) and both delivered. Combined, the two events put more than $150,000 in tax credits in the hands of community members. Beyond these credits, the event had an even greater financial impact on the community, generating an additional $300,897 in refunds and saved fees. The Hillsborough Tax-a-thon successfully completed 187 tax returns, securing $141,350 in tax credits for taxpayers. Beyond these credits, the event had an even greater financial impact on the community, generating nearly $350,000 in refunds and saved fees.?
The (VITA) program continues to accept 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.
?? 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.
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.
United Way Capital Days?
More than a dozen United Way Suncoast team members and volunteers joined local United Way leaders from around the state for the annual Capital Days session on Feb. 18-19 in Tallahassee. Highlights included greeting State Senate President Ben Albritton, a presentation from State House minority leader Fentrice Driskell and numerous meetings with other legislative leaders and policy makers from around the state. Local lawmakers who took time to speak to us included House members Bill Conerly, Lindsay Cross and Michael Owen.?
?As one of 28 local United Way affiliates in the state, we collaborate with United Way of Florida to advocate for public policy that will do the most good for all Floridians. For the 2025 Florida legislative session, our advocacy involves a focus on early learning, financial security, workforce development, housing and transportation and healthcare. Visit our Advocacy Page to learn more.??
Extra, Extra. We Need Extras?
United Way Suncoast and Mad Bear Productions will shoot critical scenes for its annual video between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on March 4 at Curtis Hixon Park. We’re inviting all donors, volunteers, stakeholders and nonprofit partners to join us for what promises to be a remarkable moment. We can’t spoil it for you, but there’s going to be cameras, lights and drones. Please RSVP to Ernest Hooper ([email protected]) if you can join us.?
State of the Region
The Suncoast area's key leaders gathered at the University of South Florida's Marshall Student Center Thursday for the Tampa Bay Partnership's annual State of the Region luncheon. They walked away armed with information about where we rank among 20 like-sized cities on a range of economic, education, transportation, and civic life metrics. They're also equipped with the tools to rally the community in enhancing the positives and improve on the negatives.
United Way Suncoast, in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, proudly supports the partnerships' Regional Competitiveness Report in the on-going shared reporting with the USF Muma College of Business.
Pictured: University of South Florida president Rhea Law, Tampa Bay Partnership chair Nikki Flores, Tampa Bay Partnership CEO Bemetra Simmons, USF Muma College of Business Dean David Blackwell, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay CEO Marlene Spalten and United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff.
MARCH ENGAGEMENT: SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS
United Way Suncoast proudly serves Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties by partnering with nonprofits to support individuals and families create the lives they envision. Through collaboration, we address community needs and empower local organizations to expand their impact. United Way Suncoast's Resource Centers, located in neighborhoods of high need: Sulphur Springs, Campbell Park and North Greenwood, bring together partners to deliver services that foster financial security, support individuals and strengthen the community engagement. By uplifting our nonprofit partners and our neighbors, we create lasting, transformative change across the region. United We Rise, United We Win!
VOLUNTEER
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Corporate or civic partners are invited to sponsor and create one of the below kits as an engagement opportunity for their team of volunteers:?
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DIY OPPORTUNITIES
Community volunteers are invited to create the below kits that would be distributed in the Suncoast region.