Learn about major legacy gifts changing the future, visionary community builders, unique collaborations, and other ways we’re working together to serve our Keys community.
CFFK’s challenge grant of $10,000 to support emergency housing assistance was immediately matched by a $10,000 generous gift from the Edward B. and Joan T. Knight Foundation.
CFFK’s grants are helping nonprofits provide assistance to residents in need. See how they’re helping the Keys.
Help make a difference! CFFK has collected the most pressing nonprofit needs related to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for potential funding opportunities. See the “wish list” now.
Laura is CFFK’s first board member from Key Largo and joins our governing board for a three-year term.
CFFK is pleased to announce the election of civic leader Dr. Susanne Woods as Chair of its Board of Governors. Read more about Susanne and the newly elected officers.
Ann Reynolds retired from the CFFK Board of Governors in June 2020. Read about her dedication and legacy.
Great job to the teachers and students who recently received $111,500 in academic awards and scholarships from CFFK and our generous funding partners.
Grants to 20 nonprofits will help Keys residents with food, housing, rent assistance, health care services, and more.
Meet the incredible volunteers who are making a difference in the Keys.
Sold Out! The annual celebration honoring our community’s remarkable Unsung Heroes.
Jennifer McComb is now heading CFFK’s administrative, fundraising and community leadership and outreach efforts.
Thank you to the Key West Marriott Beachside, and especially the Spottswood Family, for its long-time participation as our Business Partner in Paradise. Through the program, one dollar from every guest staying at the resort throughout the year benefits CFFK programs throughout the Keys.
Download the PDF file . September 13, 2017
We’re pleased to announce the reappointment of Ron Burd as Chair of CFFK’s Board of Governors for 2019-20. Ron, who has served as Board Chair this past year, is a retired executive vice president of Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and his entire career has been devoted to the leadership of nonprofit organizations. “I’m honored to continue to…
CFFK and its generous partners recently awarded $105,000 to further education opportunities, teaching and academic pursuits in the Florida Keys. The awards recognize inspirational teachers and also boost Keys students through scholarships which are investments in students’ futures and help put them on the path to successful careers and lives. “The Teachers of Merit Awards and…
CFFK has received accreditation by meeting the nation’s highest standards for philanthropic excellence. This significant recognition comes from the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations and demonstrates CFFK’s commitment to transparency, quality, integrity and accountability in local giving. Recognized in the top tier of community foundations nationwide, CFFK has been accredited since 2005. The National…
[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”] Check out all the fun from this year’s festivities — photos of the 2019 Unsung Heroes Celebration [/av_textblock] [/av_one_full]
Download the PDF file . January 30, 2019 Special thanks to our event sponsor, the Lower Keys Medical Center, and to our community partner, the Citizen newspaper, for their contributions and support of this event.
CFFK has now provided a total of $1.4 million for relief and recovery efforts since Hurricane Irma struck the Keys last September. The latest round of grants totals nearly $235,000 and supports 34 nonprofits throughout the Keys for ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts. The grants are thanks to generous donations to the Florida Keys Emergency Relief Fund and the Landau…
We’re pleased to announce that Ron Burd has been appointed Chair of our Board of Governors for 2018-19. Ron is a retired executive vice president of Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and his entire career was devoted to the leadership of nonprofit organizations. “I’m honored to serve as Chair of the board and play a leadership role in…
CFFK is one of three partners providing support for construction of the first Keys Cottage on Big Pine Key, which will be offered as a rental to a family whose home was destroyed in Hurricane Irma. A $22,500 grant from CFFK, along with $22,500 from United Way of the Florida Keys and a matching grant...
How charitable are Americans? Donations from America’s individuals, estates, foundations and corporations grew 5.2% last year, contributing $410.02 billion to U.S. charities, according to the recent Giving USA 2018 Annual Report. Charitable giving from individuals, foundations, corporations and bequests all increased in 2017. Individuals accounted for 70% of all giving (with donations increasing 5.2%), Foundations...
Twelve Florida Keys nonprofit organizations have been awarded a total of $61,360 in grants from the Community Foundation. The grants, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 each, are part of the 2018 Grant Program funding arts, music, theater, historical and cultural projects, and will positively affect thousands of residents and visitors from Key West to Key Largo. Projects…
CFFK and its generous partners have awarded $81,000 in teacher awards and student scholarships to further education, teaching and academic pursuits in the Florida Keys. Eight Key West High School (KWHS) teachers received a total of $40,000 through the distinguished “David Wolkowsky 2018 Teachers of Merit Awards.” Key West philanthropist and businessman David Wolkowsky gives…
Download the PDF file . April 27, 2018
Congratulations to the 2018 Unsung Heroes -- our nonprofit partners who have worked so hard to help our community recover following Hurricane Irma. The groups were honored Friday, Jan. 26th at the KW Marriott Beachside. Thank you for all you do for our wonderful Keys community. Special thanks to our event sponsor, the Lower Keys...
Download the PDF file . January 2, 2018
Grant recipients from Key West and the Lower Keys with CFFK Board Members Rosi Ware and Chair Susanne Woods (holding banner). Download the PDF file . November 14, 2017
Another $100,000 has been distributed to four nonprofits to continue to address urgent relief needs in the Keys following Hurricane Irma. The grants were awarded from the Florida Keys Emergency Relief Fund and the Landau Family Hurricane Relief Fund for the Upper Keys to provide much-needed relief for teachers, families, students and individuals from Key West to Key Largo. The four nonprofits…
Download the PDF file . October 13, 2017
[av_two_fifth first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”] [av_image src=’https://cffk.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Community-Foundation-of-Florida-Keys_Yandle-300×200.jpg’ attachment=’10539′ attachment_size=’medium’ align=’center’ styling=” hover=” link=” target=” caption=” font_size=” appearance=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ animation=’no-animation’ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_image] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”] CFFK Chair Susanne Woods, Panthers Player Keith Yandle, and CFFK President/CEO…
Download the PDF file . October 3, 2017
We’re pleased to welcome three new members to our Board of Governors. Business leaders Jodi Weinhofer, Jason Koler and Lauretta (Retz) Reeves have joined the board for a three-year term. “These community leaders bring incredible local business expertise to our board along with an in-depth knowledge of the Keys” said Roger Heinen, CFFK Board Chair. “They will be…
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”] Twelve Florida Keys nonprofit organizations have been awarded a total of $65,034 in grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, through the 2017 Grant Program funding arts, music, theatre, historical and cultural projects. The grants will positively affect more than 4,600 residents from Key West to Key Largo. Projects will provide arts opportunities for…
American individuals, estates, foundations and corporations contributed an estimated $390.05 billion to U.S. charities in 2016, according to Giving USA, the annual report on philanthropy published by Giving USA Foundation. Total giving rose 2.7 percent in current dollars (1.4 percent adjusted for inflation) from the revised estimate of $379.89 billion for total giving in 2015....
Download the PDF file . August 30, 2017
Individuals, families and businesses are helping advance educational opportunities for our community’s youth. This month, CFFK donors awarded nearly $40,000 to 10 deserving Key West High School students through scholarships to continue their education and awards in recognition of their academic or artistic achievements. Congratulations to the following 2017 recipients: …
Eight Key West High School (KWHS) teachers have been awarded a total of $40,000 through the distinguished “David Wolkowsky 2017 Teachers of Merit Awards.” Key West philanthropist and businessman David Wolkowsky gives the awards annually to teachers who go the extra mile in their passion for teaching and dedication to students. The eight 2017 Teachers…
See photos from the event here. Congratulations to the recipients of our inaugural Partners in Paradise Awards who were honored at a celebration on April 2nd for their significant contributions and inspiration to others in our community: Individual: John Padget, entrepreneur, education advocate and philanthropist. John’s leadership and passionate commitment to advancing education has significantly impacted the Keys…
Nine Florida Keys nonprofit organizations have been awarded a total of $60,000 in grants, ranging from $2,650 to $10,000. The grants are part of CFFK’s 2017 Grants Program funding initiatives in the areas of Health and Human Services, Environment and Recreation and will positively affect more than 5,000 residents from Key West to Key Largo. Projects will…
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”] The 2017 Unsung Heroes celebration was held Friday, January 27th at the Key West Marriott Beachside. Check out all the photos from this year’s celebration here. [/av_textblock] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”] The Community Foundation honored the outstanding work of 96 volunteers for nonprofits throughout the Florida Keys at the 17th…
Download the PDF file . January 20, 2019
Recognized in the top tier of community foundations nationwide, CFFK has met the nation’s highest standards for local giving. This significant recognition comes from the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations and demonstrates our commitment to transparency, quality, integrity and accountability. “The National Standards accreditation says our house is in order,” said Dianna Sutton, President and…
Download the PDF file . November 14, 2016
Charitable donations hit record for second year in a row, at estimated $373.25 billion. Donations from America’s individuals, estates, foundations and corporations reached an estimated $373.25 billion in 2015, setting a record for the second year in a row, reports Giving USA 2016: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2015. In 2015, total...
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”] Nine Key West High School (KWHS) teachers have been awarded a total of $65,000 through the distinguished “David Wolkowsky 2016 Teachers of Merit Awards.” Key West philanthropist and businessman David Wolkowsky gives the awards annually to teachers who go the extra mile in their passion for teaching and dedication to students….
Community Foundation donors awarded $33,500 to nine deserving Key West High School graduating seniors through scholarships to continue their education and awards in recognition of their academic or artistic achievements. Congratulations to the following 2016 recipients: Floy V. Thompson Community Awareness Scholarship — $20,000 scholarship to Sydney Hamilton. The Scholarship was established in 1992 to…
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”] Congratulations to the 21 nonprofit leaders who graduated from this year’s Leadership Success Academy (LSA). The group joins the more than 400 leaders who have graduated from the Community Foundation’s signature program since it began nine years ago. The training program uses best practices to teach new leadership and governance skills. 2016…
Download the PDF file . March 22, 2016
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”] Vision 20/20 Round One Grants: Congratulations to Eleven Nonprofits Receiving $60,000 for Health Initiatives Congratulations to the eleven Florida Keys nonprofit organizations that are receiving a total of $60,000 in grants from the Community Foundation through the 2016 “Vision 20/20” Grant Program as part of our 20th anniversary year celebration. Funding for the grants is made possible by gifts…
The Community Foundation honored the tremendous efforts of 90 of our nonprofit’s volunteers at the 2016 Unsung Heroes/Volunteers of the Year Luncheon on Jan 29th. Congratulations to these honorees and a big thank you for all you do for our community. (Photos by Peter Arnow, Spectrum Imaging) Click here to see all the photos from…
Congratulations to this year’s Unsung Heroes! The Community Foundation celebrates the good deeds 89 volunteers have done this year for our nonprofits in the Florida Keys. Read about this year's honorees and all they do for our community (published in the Key West Citizen on January 24th, 2016). Download the PDF file . February 4, 2016
Dr. Shirley Freeman was honored recently with a “Champion of Service” Award from Volunteer Florida, the state’s lead agency for volunteerism and national service. Dr. Freeman was recognized for her “lifetime achievement” in volunteerism. The Champion of Service Award is given by the state to honor individuals for “strengthening our state with significant and meaningful…
KW Mayor Craig Cates and City Commissioners recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Community Foundation with a Proclamation. In making the presentation, Mayor Cates said, “By this proclamation we hereby join in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, supporting the generous giving spirit of our community and believing…
Grants from CFFK funds are helping support important programs and services that benefit the community. Bill and MaryCarlin Porter Fund recently awarded a grant from their donor advised fund at CFFK to VNA/Hospice of the Florida Keys for their Nurse Education Program. VNA/Hospice recently became affiliated with Haven Hospice to access greater resources in providing comfort,…
CFFK is now accepting applications for the 2016 Leadership Success Academy (LSA), which offers best practices in leadership development and governance skills for nonprofit board members. The ninth year of the LSA will begin March 3, 2016 and includes four half-day training sessions through April. Application forms and more information is available here. CFFK’s signature program…
Download the PDF file . November 9, 2015
Connecting people with causes that matter is what CFFK is all about. For the past 19 years, we’ve been helping individuals and families achieve their philanthropic goals and maximize their charitable giving. You're in good company when you make a gift to CFFK because you're joining others who care about this community. Working together, we’re making the Florida Keys an...
Seven Florida Keys nonprofits are the recipients of grants through CFFK’s 2015 Performing and Visual Arts Grant Program. The program awarded a total of $34,000 for innovative projects that will utilize music, performing or visual arts to address and impact issues of community concern. The grant recipients and their funded programs are: Bahama Village Music Program –…
