Establish
We will formalize the foundation’s structure, clarify leadership responsibilities, complete foundational documentation, launch the public landing page, and establish the systems needed to responsibly receive and manage support.
Working document / 01Tampa Bay · I-75 to I-4 Corridor
90 day vision
00 / 90
The Tampa Bay Foundation is a regional platform for philanthropy, collaboration, and measurable community impact.
Building what matters2026
BayThe first chapter is being written now.
01
Regional platform
Building what matters
Mission · VisionRegional platform
Our missionConnect
Connect
the work.
To connect resources, relationships, and strategic action to initiatives that create meaningful opportunity and long-term impact across the Tampa Bay region.
The foundation connects donors, businesses, nonprofits, civic leaders, and community partners around initiatives that strengthen Tampa Bay and the broader I-75 to I-4 corridor.
Founded by Samuel Barrington, Michael Hall, and Angel Williams, the foundation connects donors, businesses, nonprofits, civic leaders, and community partners around initiatives that strengthen Tampa Bay and the broader I-75 to I-4 corridor.
The Sapphire evening is our public introduction. The work begins there—but it does not end there.
Our visionMore people
More people
can build, lead, thrive.
A stronger Tampa Bay where innovation, culture, economic opportunity, and community investment work together so more people can build, lead, and thrive.
02What we
What we
are building
01Establishing a clear governance and operating structure
02Building trusted relationships with nonprofit, civic, business, and community partners
03Creating transparent systems for donor communication and impact reporting
04Identifying opportunities for strategic funding and collaboration
05Developing a foundation landing page, donor communication system, and future impact dashboard
06Convening leaders around practical solutions for the region
07Creating repeatable programs and events that support long-term community investment
03 / Areas of focus
01Technology and Innovation
02Arts and Culture
03Youth and Future Leaders
04Housing and Economic Mobility
05Workforce Development
06Regional Collaboration
07Philanthropic Innovation
Early priority
Technology and innovation
Technology and innovation will serve as an early priority because of its ability to create new pathways for education, entrepreneurship, workforce growth, and regional development.
04The first
The first
90 days
Connect
We will meet with nonprofit, civic, business, technology, education, and community partners to identify shared priorities and opportunities for collaboration.
Activate
We will begin shaping the foundation’s first initiatives, donor opportunities, private partner conversations, and future gatherings designed to move from discussion to measurable action.
The public introductionThe Sapphire
The Sapphire
launch
The Sapphire evening marks the beginning of this public chapter.
It brings together Sam’s birthday celebration, his return to the Tampa Bay community, and the launch of the Tampa Bay Foundation. The event is designed to introduce the foundation to donors, business leaders, civic partners, friends, family, and community members who want to help build what comes next.
Guests will experience an elegant evening of dinner, conversation, celebration, and connection. More importantly, they will have an opportunity to become part of the foundation’s founding story.
06
Meaningful outcomes
How donors can participate
Clarity · CommitmentMeaningful outcomes
Ways to participate
Founding and cornerstone contributions
Corporate and community sponsorships
Program-specific support
In-kind contributions and strategic services
Partnership introductions
Attendance at future foundation gatherings
Direct support for initiatives connected to the foundation’s focus areas
Our promise
Every relationship begins with clarity. The foundation will work to define expectations, document commitments, communicate progress, and show how support contributes to meaningful outcomes.
07 / A foundation built for collaborationStronger
Stronger
together
The Tampa Bay Foundation is not intended to operate in isolation.
It is designed to connect the work already happening across Tampa Bay—including entrepreneurship, technology, workforce development, arts and culture, education, civic leadership, and community investment.
Through relationships with organizations and initiatives connected to Sky Limit Crane, HyLo Inno, Tampa Bay Tech Week, and other regional partners, the foundation can help turn separate efforts into stronger opportunities for collaboration.
Sky Limit CraneHyLo InnoTampa Bay Tech WeekRegional partners
08 / Future campaign platform
Fund what matters
“Fund What Matters” will become a future campaign platform for the foundation’s donor and community work.
The idea is simple: bring attention and resources to the people, programs, and opportunities that matter most to the region.
The Tampa Bay Foundation is the institution.
Fund What Matters is the invitation to participate.
09 / Join the beginningThe first chapter
The first chapter
is being written now.
If you believe Tampa Bay’s future should be shaped by collaboration, innovation, opportunity, and meaningful investment, we invite you to connect with the Tampa Bay Foundation.
Connect with the foundation