Tampa Bay Children’s Nonprofits: 6 Organizations Supporting Local Youth

Families and community supporters looking for children’s nonprofits in Pinellas County have many organizations to choose from, with each one supports local youth in a different way.

Some focus on youth development and after-school programs, while others provide mentorship, scholarships, water safety education, recreation, or support for children facing serious illnesses.

Understanding those differences can make it easier to find an organization that aligns with what a child, family, or community supporter is looking for.

Here are six Pinellas County organizations supporting children and young people through different programs and services:

There is no single type of organization that supports every child in the same way. Learning what each nonprofit focuses on can help families and community members find opportunities or causes that fit their needs.

1. CFY Pinellas: Supporting Youth Through Athletics, Education, and Water Safety

CFY Pinellas supports children and young people throughout Pinellas County through a combination of youth athletics, educational opportunities, water safety programs, and youth development initiatives.

Since 1972, CFY has worked to expand access to opportunities that help local children learn, play, and grow. As the leading advocate for youth athletics in Pinellas County, CFY serves more than 17,000 children annually and focuses on reducing financial barriers that can prevent children from participating in youth programs.

CFY’s programs include:

• Youth athletic grants that help organizations reduce registration costs and provide equipment, safety improvements, and other resources
• Richard O. Jacobson Education Program that help Pinellas County graduating seniors pursue postsecondary education
• The Fred Fisher Water Safety Program, which provides water safety education and swim instruction to eligible young students grades K-2 during their PE classes
• Youth development and enrichment opportunities supported through community partnerships

CFY's athletic grants are designed to help youth-serving organizations make participation more accessible, while its scholarship programs provide financial support for students pursuing different postsecondary paths.

The Fred Fisher Water Safety Program is another important part of CFY's work. The program partners with schools and community organizations to provide water safety instruction to young students and address barriers such as transportation and access to lessons.

For families and supporters looking for an organization that addresses several areas of youth opportunity, CFY brings athletics, education, and water safety together under one mission.

Learn more about CFY Pinellas.

2. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay: Youth Development and Afterschool Programs

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay focuses on creating places where young people can learn, build relationships, develop skills, and work toward their futures.

The organization was formed through the merger of Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, bringing together a long history of youth programming throughout the Tampa Bay region.

For families, Boys & Girls Clubs can be particularly relevant when looking for ongoing youth development and structured programs outside of the traditional school day.

Programs and opportunities can include:

• After-school programming
• Summer programs
• Academic support
• Leadership and character development
• Opportunities to build relationships and community
• Safe, structured environments for children and teens

The organization’s primary focus is creating supportive environments where young people can build skills, confidence, and connections.

For families seeking consistent youth programming before or after school, Boys & Girls Clubs may be a useful community resource.

3. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay: Mentoring Relationships

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay takes a different approach to youth support by focusing on one-to-one mentoring relationships between young people and caring adult mentors.

The organization serves children across several Tampa Bay-area counties, including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, and surrounding communities. Its programs are designed to create meaningful relationships that can support young people as they grow and work toward their goals.

Mentoring opportunities include:

• Community-based one-to-one mentoring
• Site-based mentoring at schools or community locations
• Sports Buddies and other structured mentoring options
• Long-term relationships between mentors and young people

Families interested in enrolling a child can review eligibility requirements directly with the organization. Big Brothers Big Sisters currently serves children beginning in kindergarten through age 13, with eligibility based on the family's county of residence and other program requirements.

For families looking specifically for mentorship and a consistent relationship with a caring adult, this type of program offers a different form of youth support than sports, scholarships, or recreational programs.

4. YMCA of the Suncoast: Sports, Swimming, and Youth Programs

YMCA of the Suncoast offers a broad range of programs for children, teens, and families throughout the region.

Its youth programs include sports, swimming, summer camps, before- and after-school care, and other activities focused on healthy development and community connection.

Families may turn to the YMCA for:

• Youth sports such as soccer, flag football, volleyball, gymnastics, and tennis
• Swim lessons and water safety education
• Summer camps
• Before- and after-school programs
• Teen leadership opportunities
• Academic and career preparation programs

Water safety is also an important part of the YMCA of the Suncoast's programming. The organization offers swim lessons and community water safety classes designed to help children and families develop skills and confidence in the water.

For families looking for recreational programs, swimming, sports, or structured activities throughout the year, the YMCA offers a broad range of options.

Because programs vary by location, families should check with their local YMCA for current availability, ages, and registration requirements.

5. Children’s Dream Fund: Supporting Children Facing Serious Illnesses

Children’s Dream Fund supports children in a very different way.

The Tampa Bay-based nonprofit creates personalized dream experiences for children ages 3 to 21 who are living with life-threatening illnesses. The organization works with children and their families throughout West Central Florida to create meaningful experiences and lasting memories.

Its work is focused on:

• Creating personalized dream experiences
• Supporting children living with life-threatening illnesses
• Giving families meaningful experiences together
• Providing continued support before and beyond each dream

For families affected by serious childhood illness, the organization provides a type of emotional and family-centered support that differs from traditional youth development programs.

6. Pinellas Education Foundation: Scholarships and College Readiness

Pinellas Education Foundation focuses on helping students prepare for educational and career opportunities.

Its college and career readiness work includes scholarships as well as Take Stock in Children, a mentoring program that connects participating students with college readiness coaches and volunteer mentors while providing the promise of a college scholarship when program requirements are met.

Programs can help students with:

• College and career preparation
• Scholarships
• Mentoring
• Postsecondary planning
• Long-term educational goals

For students and families primarily looking for educational support, scholarship opportunities, and college preparation, education-focused nonprofits can provide resources tailored to those needs.

Supporting Children Across Pinellas County

Each of these organizations supports children and families differently, from mentoring and recreation to scholarships, youth development, and support during serious illness. Together, they reflect the range of resources available to help young people across Tampa Bay learn, grow, and thrive.

CFY Pinellas contributes to that larger network through a broad mix of youth athletics, educational scholarships, water safety education, and youth development initiatives. By working with community partners, CFY helps reduce barriers and expand access to opportunities for children throughout Pinellas County.

When communities invest in children, they create opportunities that can have an impact far beyond a single program or season.

Help Create More Opportunities for Pinellas County Youth

Community support helps make these opportunities possible. If you would like to help expand access to youth athletics, education, and water safety programs, learn more about how you can support CFY Pinellas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Nonprofits in Tampa Bay

What are some children’s nonprofits in Tampa Bay?

Tampa Bay is home to nonprofits that support children through many different types of programs, including youth athletics, education, scholarships, mentoring, recreation, water safety, and family support.

CFY Pinellas, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, YMCA of the Suncoast, Children’s Dream Fund, and Pinellas Education Foundation are examples of organizations serving different youth needs.

What types of programs do nonprofits helping children provide?

Children’s nonprofits may provide programs such as youth sports, after-school care, scholarships, mentoring, swimming and water safety education, summer camps, academic support, and family assistance. Each organization has its own eligibility requirements, service area, and program focus.

Which Tampa Bay nonprofits support youth sports?

Several local organizations support youth athletics and recreation. CFY Pinellas provides athletic grants directly to non-profit youth organizations that help reduce participation costs and fund equipment, safety improvements, and other resources. The YMCA of the Suncoast also offers youth sports programs, including soccer, flag football, volleyball, gymnastics, and tennis.

Are there Tampa Bay nonprofits that provide scholarships?

Yes. Several local nonprofits provide scholarships or educational support for students. CFY Pinellas offers multiple scholarship programs for eligible Pinellas County students, while the Pinellas Education Foundation supports scholarships and college and career readiness initiatives. Other organizations, including the DeBartolo Family Foundation and Think Big for Kids, also offer scholarship opportunities to eligible Tampa Bay students.

What organizations provide water safety programs for children?

CFY Pinellas provides water safety instruction through the Fred Fisher Water Safety Program in collabration with Pinellas County Schools, while the YMCA of the Suncoast offers swim lessons and community water safety programs. Families should check each organization's current program availability, eligibility requirements, and registration information.

How can I support children’s nonprofits in Tampa Bay?

Community members can support local nonprofits through donations, volunteering, sponsorships, partnerships, and sharing information about available programs. The best way to help depends on the organization's current needs and the type of impact you want to make.