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What We Do
WHAT WE DO
The CFY Story & Our Focus
Since 1972, CFY has helped provide athletic grants, educational scholarships, and water safety programs for Pinellas County youth. Each year, we serve more than 17,000 children, ensuring cost is never a barrier to participation. Every donation helps expand access to youth athletics, educational opportunities, and life-changing experiences.
Committed to youth athletic and art programs in the last decade
Youth served annually in Pinellas county
Annually in CFY postsecondary commitment to education in 2026
K-2 students life saving water safety lessons in 2025
FOCUS AREA
Youth Athletic Grants
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Through our grant program, CFY provides access, equipment, and funding to a wide range of youth programs, supporting organizations across the county. Our grants cover thousands of participant registration fees, fund equipment upgrades and safety measures, and provide assistance to qualified athletes competing at regional and national levels. This program fosters community-based support for organizations that serve underserved youth across Pinellas County.
We currently fund:
FOCUS AREA
Education
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CFY currently supports 146 students with a total of $500,000 in post-secondary education funding.
Our impact includes:
53 Students Supported by Take Stock in Children Partnership
57 Seniors Supported through the ROJ Scholarship Program
FOCUS AREA
Fred Fisher Water Safety
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Launched as a pilot program in 2022, the Fred Fisher Water Safety Program provides life-saving water safety lessons to Title 1 elementary schools. Drowning remains a leading cause of death among young children, making accessible water safety education absolutely crucial. By eliminating barriers like transportation and cost, CFY ensures that more Pinellas County children gain the skills they need to stay safe in and around water.
Our impact in 2025:
BY THE NUMBERS
Breaking Down Community Investment
CFY has an endowment that offsets administrative costs, allowing 100% of funds raised to support educational scholarships, athletic grants, water safety programs, and youth development initiatives across Pinellas County.
Youth Athletic Program Giving
Education
Water Safety
Arts & Culture
GRANT IMPACT
Pinellas County Sheriff PAL
Boxing Program
CFY has expanded into South County through its support of the Pinellas County Sheriff PAL Boxing Program. Over the past three years CFY has provided $100,000 in athletic grant funding to help local youth build confidence, discipline, and life skills through boxing. CFY is also thrilled to continue talks with former welterweight champion Keith Thurman about future involvement with the foundation and this program.
POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE
Coaching Workshops
In partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance, CFY helps youth athletic programs grow by providing coaches with access to impactful coaching workshops. These sessions allow coaches to connect, learn from one another, and with the best practices needed to create positive experiences for young athletes.
We are deeply appreciative of Karen Aungst Family and The Halladay Family Foundation for their generous support in making these workshops possible. Their investment in coach development helps strengthen athletic programs and youth development initiatives across Pinellas County. Together with Positive Coaching Alliance, CFY is committed to building a stronger culture of leadership, character, and positive youth development through sports.
Positive Coaching Alliance workshops are a required training component for all CFY-supported athletic programs, ensuring coaches align with CFY's commitment to leadership, character development, and positive youth experiences.
Click here to view upcoming PCA workshops. To register for a workshop, please contact eric@cfypinellas.org
KEEPING KIDS IN THE GAME
42% of Families of Middle & High School Students Who Do Not Participate in Sports Cite Cost as their Main Reason
Providing access to youth athletics and athletic grants creates benefits that extend far beyond sports. Studies show that physically active children perform better academically and develop important leadership, teamwork, and life skills. Through its network of community partners, CFY helps remove financial barriers so that Pinellas County youth can participate in sports, educational opportunities, and youth development programs, regardless of their economic circumstances. By expanding access for at-risk youth, CFY helps foster positive peer mentorship and supports efforts to reduce youth crime rates in our community.
Donate Today and See the Difference Your Contribution Makes
Choose from a range of contribution options to support educational scholarships, athletic grants, and youth development programs for Pinellas County youth.