How CFY’s July 2026 Grant Cycle Is Creating More Opportunities for Pinellas County Youth

During the July 2026 grant cycle, the fourth of six grant cycles planned for the year, the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay (CFY) awarded $220,435 to youth athletic programs throughout Pinellas County.

This record-breaking investment represents more than double any previous grant distribution in CFY’s history and reflects CFY’s continued commitment to ensuring children have access to opportunities that help them learn, grow, and succeed.

This milestone comes alongside new state funding through the 2026 Florida budget, which will help CFY Pinellas expand access to youth athletics, arts programs, and water safety education for more children throughout the community.

Through the support of donors, community partners, and public leaders, CFY continues to provide critical resources to youth programs across Pinellas County. These investments help children participate in athletics and arts programs, receive the equipment they need, and access opportunities that may not otherwise be available to them.

CFY’s July 2026 grant cycle marks the largest single distribution in the organization’s history, helping more children participate in safe, accessible youth programs.

The CFY Pinellas Girls' Youth Softball Team 

The Safety Harbor Little League Team Holding a Grant Check for CFY Pinellas

The CFY Pinellas Football Team Playing a Game

The CFY Pinellas Cheer Team

July 2026 Grant Cycle Impact

• $220,435 awarded to youth programs across Pinellas County
• Approximately 55 youth programs supported annually
• 35% of registered children receive registration assistance
• Nearly $35,000 awarded for facility improvements
  
  

Expanding Access Through State Support

• 10 Title I schools will receive water safety instruction through CFY’s partnership with Pinellas County Schools
  
  

   

CFY Awards Record $220,435 to Support Local Youth Programs

As CFY has grown throughout Pinellas County, its grant program has continued to expand, supporting approximately 55 youth programs each year, with that number continuing to grow.

The July 2026 grant cycle provided funding to organizations that serve children through youth athletics and community programming, including:

• Eight football and cheer organizations receiving support to strengthen their programs.
• Registration assistance for families, with CFY covering all or part of registration fees for approximately 35% of registered children.
• Essential safety equipment and uniforms, including helmets, shoulder pads, and other resources needed for participation.

For many families, the cost of registration, equipment, and participation fees can create challenges that prevent children from joining a team or activity. CFY’s grants help ensure that financial circumstances do not determine whether a child has the opportunity to participate.

Every grant represents an opportunity for a child to join a team, build confidence, develop friendships, and experience the benefits of youth programs.

Apply for a CFY Grant now.

Support CFY’s Mission to Expand Youth Opportunities

CFY’s grant programs are made possible through the generosity of donors and community partners who believe every child deserves access to meaningful opportunities.

Every donation helps create opportunities for Pinellas County youth by removing barriers and ensuring children have access to programs where they can learn, grow, and succeed. Those who would like to help expand access to youth athletics, education, and water safety programs throughout Pinellas County can support CFY’s mission through donating.

Turning Grant Funding Into Meaningful Community Impact

CFY’s grant support goes beyond helping children register for programs. These investments provide organizations with the resources they need to create safe, welcoming environments where children can participate, learn, and grow.

Helping Families Access Youth Athletics

Participation in youth sports provides children with more than physical activity. It helps them build teamwork, leadership skills, discipline, and connections within their communities.

Through CFY’s support, youth programs can reduce financial barriers by helping families with registration costs. This allows more children to participate and gives local organizations the ability to welcome athletes from across Pinellas County.

By helping cover participation costs, CFY allows more children to experience the benefits of organized youth programs.

Providing Equipment and Facility Improvements That Last

CFY also supports programs by providing resources that improve safety and strengthen community facilities.

The July 2026 grant distribution included nearly $35,000 in Facility Enhancement Grants supporting:

• One Little League organization.
• One grassroots baseball program.
• New batting cages that will benefit young baseball and softball players for years to come.

Facility improvements create lasting value by giving children access to better spaces, safer equipment, and stronger programs.

Facility Enhancement Grants allow CFY’s impact to extend beyond one season by improving resources available to future generations of young athletes.

Bring More Opportunities to Your Youth Program

CFY partners with youth-serving organizations across the community to help reduce barriers and strengthen programs.

Youth-serving organizations interested in learning more about available funding opportunities can review CFY’s grant requirements and submit an application to receive support for their programs.

State Support Helps CFY Expand Access to Athletics, Arts, and Water Safety

In addition to the July 2026 grant cycle, CFY was awarded state funding through the 2026 Florida budget to help expand access to youth athletics, arts programs, and water safety education throughout Pinellas County.

This funding will support CFY’s continued mission of providing opportunities for children regardless of their family’s financial circumstances and will help more students participate in programs that support their development.

One key initiative supported through this funding is CFY’s partnership with Pinellas County Schools to provide two weeks of water safety instruction at community pools for students from 10 Title I schools.

Through this partnership, students will have access to lifesaving swim education while CFY works to address common barriers, including transportation challenges and access to affordable instruction.

Water safety education provides children with essential skills that can help protect them in and around the water.

Help Expand Water Safety Education in Pinellas County

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills. Community support allows CFY to continue bringing water safety education to more students throughout Pinellas County and helping children gain confidence in and around the water.

CFY extends its sincere appreciation to Governor Ron DeSantis for his support, as well as Senator Ed Hooper, Senator Nick DiCeglie, and Representative Kimberly Berfield for their continued commitment to expanding opportunities for children throughout the community.

This support reflects the power of collaboration between public leaders, donors, community organizations, and local partners working together to strengthen youth programs across Pinellas County.

Help CFY Create More Opportunities for Pinellas County Youth

CFY’s July 2026 grant cycle demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together to support children. From helping families afford registration fees, to providing safer equipment, to expanding water safety education, every contribution helps create more opportunities for local youth.

By supporting CFY, community members help provide children with access to programs where they can build confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting connections. Through continued community support, CFY can strengthen youth programs and expand opportunities for children throughout Pinellas County.

Together, we can help more children join a team, learn a new skill, and build confidence for the future.

Organizations interested in learning more about CFY’s grant opportunities can apply for support through the CFY Grant Program, while community members with questions about CFY’s mission, partnerships, or programs can contact CFY Pinellas today to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About CFY Grants and Community Impact

How much did CFY award during the July 2026 grant cycle?

CFY awarded $220,435 to youth athletic programs throughout Pinellas County during its July 2026 grant cycle. This was the largest single grant distribution in CFY’s history.

What do CFY grants support?

CFY grants support youth-serving organizations through registration assistance, safety equipment, uniforms, facility improvements, arts programming, and other resources that help children participate.

Who is eligible to apply for a CFY grant?

CFY grants are available for eligible families who need financial assistance to help their children participate in youth programs.

What were the Facility Enhancement Grants used for?

Nearly $35,000 in Facility Enhancement Grants supported batting cage improvements for one Little League organization and one grassroots baseball program, benefiting young baseball and softball players.

How will state funding support CFY programs?

State funding will help CFY expand access to youth athletics, arts programs, and water safety education throughout Pinellas County, including a partnership with Pinellas County Schools to provide water safety instruction for students from 10 Title I schools.

How can I support CFY’s mission?

Individuals and organizations can support CFY by donating, becoming community partners, or helping spread awareness of programs that provide opportunities for children throughout Pinellas County.