Thankyou,Tampa Bay
On October 2 we launched Tampa Bay Foundation in a sold-out room at The Sapphire. The next 90 days decide what it becomes.
launch
edition
Thank you for the room
Sold outOctober 2, 2026
One room.
A shared intention.
A Night of Purpose sold out. Business and community leaders, philanthropists, friends, and family filled The Sapphire for an evening of connection, celebration, and giving back, and to celebrate Sam Barrington's birthday.
Thank you to every guest and supporter, to our emcee Deanne King of WFLA, and to the team at The Sapphire. You made the first chapter of Tampa Bay Foundation real.
The work begins now
The launch was our introduction. The next 90 days decide what Tampa Bay Foundation becomes, and the supporters who join now become part of its founding story.
Formalize the foundation's structure, clarify leadership responsibilities, complete foundational documentation, and put the systems in place to responsibly receive and manage support.
Meet with nonprofit, civic, business, technology, education, and community partners to identify shared priorities and opportunities to work together.
Shape the foundation's first initiatives, donor opportunities, and partner conversations, and plan the gatherings that move us from discussion to measurable action.
Momentum is a window.
The energy from the launch is the foundation's strongest asset. Gifts made in these first 90 days fund the structure, partnerships, and first initiatives that everything else is built on.
Intention and outcome
Good intentions, moved to measurable outcomes.
Tampa Bay Foundation is building a data-driven philanthropic ecosystem that connects capital with the people, ideas, and organizations working to move the region forward.
Businesses · nonprofits · government · community leadersTogether we build
What comes next. The words on the wall at The Sapphire, signed by the people who filled the room, and now the work ahead.
10.02.26 / The SapphireFund the first 90 days
Whether you were in the room on October 2 or are joining us now, a gift of any size helps build what comes next for Tampa Bay.
- Founding and cornerstone gifts
- Corporate and community sponsorship
- In-kind contributions and services
- Partner introductions
Build what matters.
Tampa Bay Foundation is the institution. Fund What Matters is the invitation to participate. The first chapter is being written now.