The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of Tampa Bay’s most underserved populations by providing educational scholarships, supporting grassroots organizations, and creating financial assistance programs like the Spirit of Humanity Award.
Debartolo Family Foundation Inc’s giving shows a strong Tampa Bay orientation, with multiple six-figure-scale community awards centered on local human services, schools, and youth supports. A $50,000 grant to Gary Sinise Foundation and another $50,000 award to Ensworth sit alongside repeated large gifts to Tampa-area nonprofits such as Frankie's Friends, Hillsborough House of Hope, and Frameworks of Tampa Bay Inc. The foundation also funds individual students through one-time scholarships for Tampa Bay area high school seniors and offers a separate Spirit of Humanity Award for local nonprofit organizations making a community impact. Its program mix points to a family foundation that combines direct aid to individuals with operating support for nonprofits. Scholarships are explicitly tied to college access for students who have achieved academic excellence despite obstacles, while community grants and the award program support organizations serving underserved populations in the Tampa Bay area. Animal welfare, veterans services, education, youth development, and grassroots community development all appear in the grant record, showing a broad but locally focused pattern of support. Recent grants also include sizable awards to schools and specialized service organizations, indicating that the foundation funds both program delivery and named local initiatives. The result is a grantmaker that works across education, family support, and community services rather than concentrating on a single issue area.
In education and youth development, Debartolo Family Foundation Inc backs college access through one-time scholarships for Tampa Bay area high school seniors, including a $12,500 scholarship to the University of Florida. It also funds schools directly, as seen in grants to Mort Elementary School for $28,000 and Dover Elementary School for $19,159 and $12,965. The foundation’s community-support work extends to human services and family stabilization. It gave $25,000 to Hillsborough House of Hope and $20,000 to Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, both tied to support for people in need in the Tampa Bay community. A separate $25,000 grant to Frameworks of Tampa Bay Inc reflects the same local service orientation. Animal welfare is another visible thread. Recent support includes $40,000 and $26,000 to Frankie's Friends and $19,700 to Jolly Tails Animal Sanctuary. Veterans services also appear through a $50,000 grant to Gary Sinise Foundation.
$1.2M
$7.3M
$1M
$1.5M
Most grants fall between $1K and $5K, with a median of $3K.
25th Percentile
$1K
Median
$3K
75th Percentile
$5K
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Typical grants are modest, even though the foundation occasionally makes much larger awards: the grant-size distribution is $1,000 at the 25th percentile, $2,500 at the median, and $5,000 at the 75th percentile. The record shows both one-time scholarship awards and recurring support to organizations over multiple years. Frankie's Friends received grants in 2024 and 2025, and Dover Elementary School also appears in both years. The foundation is structured as a family foundation and funds individuals as well as nonprofits. It offers some programs that accept unsolicited requests, including scholarships and community grants.
Giving is overwhelmingly local and concentrated in Florida, with 87% of grants going to recipients in the foundation’s HQ state. Tampa is the most frequent recipient city, followed by other Tampa Bay locations such as Brandon, Clearwater, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Dover, Thonotosassa, and Seffner. Outside Florida, recipient locations in the recent grants include Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee; Denver, Colorado; and Memphis, Tennessee. The country distribution is entirely U.S.-based.
The foundation funds individual students through scholarships and also supports nonprofit organizations delivering program services. Its active programs include scholarships for Tampa Bay area high school seniors, community grants for grassroots organizations, and the Spirit of Humanity Award for local nonprofits serving the Tampa Bay community.
The grant-size distribution is $1,000 at the 25th percentile, $2,500 at the median, and $5,000 at the 75th percentile. The recent record also shows larger awards, including $25,000, $40,000, and $50,000 grants.
Yes. The foundation’s giving is local, and 87% of grants go to recipients in Florida. Tampa is the most frequent recipient city, with additional grants to Brandon, Clearwater, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Dover, Thonotosassa, and Seffner.
Yes. The scholarship programs and Community Grants accept unsolicited requests. The scholarship awards are one-time college scholarships for Tampa Bay area high school seniors, and Community Grants are available to grassroots organizations and nonprofits aligned with the foundation’s mission and vision.
The recent grants reflect education, youth development, community development, grassroots organizations, animal welfare, and veterans services. Specific examples include support for schools, scholarships, human services organizations, animal rescue groups, and a veterans-related grant to Gary Sinise Foundation.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Debartolo Family Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Organizations must share the Foundation’s mission and vision. Only program-related requests are accepted. Proof of 501(c)(3) status, audited financials, and the most recent Form 990 are required.
Deadline: No deadline stated; organizations may submit an inquiry by email.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WOODBRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | TAMPA, FL | $39,234 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| JOLLY TAILS ANIMAL SANCTUARY | SEFFNER, FL | $36,250 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| PIERCE MIDDLE SCHOOL | TAMPA, FL | $30,575 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| GARY SINISE FOUNDATION | FRANKLIN, TN | $30,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| THE SKILLS CENTER | TAMPA, FL | $25,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| OUR CHILDREN HAVE RIGHTS ORG INC | CLEARWATER, FL | $25,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| FRANKIE'S FRIENDS | TAMPA, FL | $25,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| CHILDREN'S NETWORK OF HILLSBOROUGH | TAMPA, FL | $25,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| CHILDREN'S CANCER CENTER | TAMPA, FL | $17,500 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| OPERATION CODE VET | TAMPA, FL | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| JEWISH EDUCATIONAL LOAN FUND | SANDY SPRINGS, GA | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| FREDDIE SOLOMON LEGACY FOUNDATION | WESLEY CHAPEL, FL | $12,600 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| FAMILY ENRICHMENT CENTER | TAMPA, FL | $12,040 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF TAMPA BAY | TAMPA, FL | $12,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| BLOOD CANCER UNITED | NEW YORK, NY | $12,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| ONE COMMUNITY NOW | ELFERS, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| MIKAYLAS MIRACLES & BLESSINGS | KALISPELL, MT | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN | FORT LAUDERDALE, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| STARTING RIGHT NOW | TAMPA, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| REACHUP | TAMPA, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION | NASHVILLE, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY | DALLAS, TX | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| CHILD PROTECTION CENTER | SARASOTA, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| SURVIVOR VENTURES | TAMPA, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| WHERE LOVE GROWS | LITHIA, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| VETERANSPLUS INC | CRYSTAL RIVER, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| FORGOTTEN ANGELS | VALRICO, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| CLEARWATER FOR YOUTH | CLEARWATER, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| CLEARWATER FREE CLINIC | CLEARWATER, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| ST JOSEPH'S CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL | TAMPA, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| THE PACE CENTER | TAMPA, FL | $7,500 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | GAINSVILLE, FL | $7,500 | 2026 | SCHOLARSHIP |
| RYAN NECE FOUNDATION | TAMPA, FL | $7,500 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| BRANDON SUCCESS CENTER | SEFFNER, FL | $7,500 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| EQUALITY FLORIDA INSTITUTE | TAMPA, FL | $7,500 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL | TAMPA, FL | $6,750 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| WHEELCHAIRS 4 KIDS | TARPON SPRINGS, FL | $6,500 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| ANGEL FLIGHT SOUTHEAST | LEESBURG, FL | $6,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| SOUNDING JOY INC | ST PETERSBURG, FL | $6,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| EMPOWER HER NETWORK | NEW LONDON, CT | $6,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| BROOKS DEBARTOLO COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL | TAMPA, FL | $5,814 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| DIRECTIONS FOR LIVING | CLEARWATER, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| EMPOWHERMENT | CLEARWATER, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| A NEW GENERATION | SPRING HILL, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| GRACEPOINT FOUNDATION | TAMPA, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| FEAST FOOD PANTRY | PALM HARBOR, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| SMALL BUT MIGHTY HEROES | VALRICO, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| DEBRA MITCHELL EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS | TAMPA, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| MIND OVER MATTER OF HILLSBOROUGH INC | SEFFNER, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
| SPEAK UP LETS TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH | TARPON SPRINGS, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SERVICES |
WOODBRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
$39,234PROGRAM SERVICES
JOLLY TAILS ANIMAL SANCTUARY
$36,250PROGRAM SERVICES
PIERCE MIDDLE SCHOOL
$30,575PROGRAM SERVICES
OUR CHILDREN HAVE RIGHTS ORG INC
$25,000PROGRAM SERVICES
FRANKIE'S FRIENDS
$25,000PROGRAM SERVICES
CHILDREN'S NETWORK OF HILLSBOROUGH
$25,000PROGRAM SERVICES
OPERATION CODE VET
$15,000PROGRAM SERVICES
FREDDIE SOLOMON LEGACY FOUNDATION
$12,600PROGRAM SERVICES
FAMILY ENRICHMENT CENTER
$12,040PROGRAM SERVICES
MIKAYLAS MIRACLES & BLESSINGS
$10,000PROGRAM SERVICES
REACHUP
$10,000PROGRAM SERVICES
SURVIVOR VENTURES
$10,000PROGRAM SERVICES
WHERE LOVE GROWS
$10,000PROGRAM SERVICES
VETERANSPLUS INC
$10,000PROGRAM SERVICES
FORGOTTEN ANGELS
$10,000PROGRAM SERVICES
CLEARWATER FOR YOUTH
$10,000PROGRAM SERVICES
THE PACE CENTER
$7,500PROGRAM SERVICES
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
$7,500SCHOLARSHIP
RYAN NECE FOUNDATION
$7,500PROGRAM SERVICES
BRANDON SUCCESS CENTER
$7,500PROGRAM SERVICES
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL
$6,750PROGRAM SERVICES
ANGEL FLIGHT SOUTHEAST
$6,000PROGRAM SERVICES
SOUNDING JOY INC
$6,000PROGRAM SERVICES
BROOKS DEBARTOLO COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL
$5,814PROGRAM SERVICES
DIRECTIONS FOR LIVING
$5,000PROGRAM SERVICES
EMPOWHERMENT
$5,000PROGRAM SERVICES
A NEW GENERATION
$5,000PROGRAM SERVICES
GRACEPOINT FOUNDATION
$5,000PROGRAM SERVICES
FEAST FOOD PANTRY
$5,000PROGRAM SERVICES
SMALL BUT MIGHTY HEROES
$5,000PROGRAM SERVICES
DEBRA MITCHELL EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS
$5,000PROGRAM SERVICES
MIND OVER MATTER OF HILLSBOROUGH INC
$5,000PROGRAM SERVICES
SPEAK UP LETS TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
$5,000PROGRAM SERVICES
