President and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys Elizabeth Brown joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the orgainzation.
The foundation has grown from a small local initiative into a major philanthropic resource, distributing tens of millions of dollars in grants while helping residents make lasting investments in the Florida Keys.
“We’re celebrating 30 years this year,” Brown said. “This community has definitely proven that there has been support here, and it’s continuing to grow. It’s amazing to see how passionate people are about this community.”
Community foundations help individuals, families and businesses maximize charitable giving through tax-advantaged donations, estate planning and investment management while also reducing administrative burdens for nonprofit organizations.
“We help donors with tax-advantaged giving, with estate planning and making sure that their wishes for this community continue into the future,” Brown said. “I always tell our nonprofit partners, I never want you to turn down the right gift for the wrong reason.”
The foundation can facilitate gifts of appreciated stock, real estate and even artwork that might otherwise be difficult for nonprofits to accept.
Brown noted that many Florida Keys nonprofits have experienced a strong year despite concerns over uncertainty surrounding public funding.
The Community Foundation is partnering with Ocean Reef Community Foundation and United Way of Collier and the Keys to host its fifth annual Nonprofit Day in September.
One highlight of this year’s event will be a presentation from the Florida Nonprofits Alliance detailing the economic impact of nonprofit organizations statewide, including new county-level data for Monroe County.
“I think that is going to be a really exciting thing,” Brown said. “I think for our nonprofits and for our community here to hear about really what the nonprofit sector is bringing to our Florida Keys community.”
As hurricane season continues, the foundation remains prepared to respond quickly if disaster strikes. Over the years, the organization has distributed more than $3 million in disaster-related funding following hurricanes and other emergencies.
“We want people to know that we are ready and we’re prepared,” Brown said.
The foundation maintains both immediate response and long-term recovery funds that can begin providing assistance almost immediately following a disaster.
“If something were to happen tomorrow, we can get some stuff out tomorrow,” Brown said.
The foundation is also updating emergency procedures this year by collecting electronic payment information from nonprofit partners to ensure funds can be distributed quickly even if traditional banking systems are disrupted.
“We always do this planning hoping that we overplan and overprepare, and then we don’t have to use these plans,” she said.
The Community Foundation’s annual grant cycle opens Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 30.
Grant funding is primarily distributed through the Florida Keys Future Fund, while donor-advised funds are matched with projects that reflect individual philanthropic interests.
“We’re expecting again that the grants will open Sept. 1 and close Sept. 30,” Brown said. “We’ve really seen success with that model the last two years.”
Individuals considering charitable giving should contact the foundation before the end of the year, particularly those interested in donating appreciated securities or establishing legacy gifts.
“It’s really an opportunity to dream and dream big about the hope that we have, the things that we want to make positive investments in, and to ensure that those are going to continue,” Brown said.
Brown also highlighted the foundation’s support for community organizations, including the Hemingway Look-Alike Society’s scholarship fund, and encouraged residents and visitors to participate in Hemingway Days festivities.
More information about grants, charitable giving and the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys is available at cffk.org.