Community Foundation for Brevard Marks 40 Years

Forty years ago, a group of community leaders gathered together because they wanted to do something more for our community. Something bigger. They each gave of their time and treasure to start what would become the Community Foundation for Brevard. Little did they know the impact they would have four decades later.

Over the course of the past 40 years, with careful investing, continued contributions from its community of fund holders, and the dedication of its volunteer board of directors and staff, the Community Foundation has granted more than $21 million into Brevard and beyond. The grants and scholarships awarded have touched thousands of lives, and their impact will last for generations. The founders’ initial vision has turned into hundreds of individuals, families and corporations partnering with the Community Foundation to create customized charitable funds or who have joined our Legacy Society and will leave a gift to the foundation after their lifetimes. 

The 40th Anniversary Celebration of Philanthropy event was held on December 7 and featured keynote speaker, Peter Kageyama, author of For the Love of Cities: The Love Affair Between People and Their Places and Love Where You Live: Creating Emotionally Engaging Places. Peter speaks all over the world about bottom-up community development and the amazing people who are making change happen. 

“Each and every one of our community partners – past and present – serve as integral building blocks for all we have accomplished,” shared Theresa Grimison, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Brevard. “Individually, we drive our community forward. Collectively, we have the power to make it even better, forever. 2021 was a year of thanks and celebration for what has been achieved so far. But more importantly it was about the future and how we build Brevard together.” 

Also, during the celebration, current Board Chair Amanda Smith recognized founding members Bill Potter and Joel Boyd who were in attendance, as well as many Community Foundation fund holders, directors emeritus, and other community leaders and stakeholders. 

Looking toward the next 40 years, the Community Foundation in poised for growth and invites anyone who lives and works on the Space Coast to explore giving opportunities that maximize your philanthropic impact on the causes you care about most. Visit CFBrevard.org to learn more.