Smith & Associates Real Estate Foundation has proudly announced over $100,000 in grant funding to eleven exceptional non-profit organizations in the Tampa Bay area. This annual initiative reinforces Smith & Associates’ commitment to enhancing community welfare, focusing on critical areas such as housing, community vibrancy, and education/mental well-being.

A commitment to community

Bob Glaser, CEO and President of Smith & Associates Real Estate, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s recipients. “We are delighted to stand alongside these remarkable organizations as they tirelessly work to uplift our community. Their unwavering commitment to serving others is not only commendable but truly inspiring. We aim to deepen our engagement with these grants and foster enduring connections with the non-profits we are engaged with.”

The Smith & Associates Real Estate Foundation collaborates with local non-profits, civic organizations, and community groups to drive meaningful change. The 2024 grant recipients were chosen for their dedication to addressing crucial community needs.

Grant recipients and their projects

1. CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse)
   • Mission: Domestic violence support and advocacy.
   • Project: Appliance replacement for shelters.
2. Isaiah 117
   • Mission: Supports the transitional needs of foster children.
   • Project: Construction of the Isaiah 117 House.
3. Starting Right, Now
   • Mission: Serve unaccompanied homeless youth in public high schools.
   • Project: Housing for homeless youth.
4. Friends of Joshua House Foundation, Inc.
   • Mission: Provide therapeutic support for abused, abandoned, and neglected children.
   • Project: Educational services and mental well-being for children in foster care.
5. Empower Her Network
   • Mission: Support survivors of human trafficking through advocacy and tactical funding.
   • Project: Housing support for trafficking survivors in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
6. R’Club Child Care, Inc.
   • Mission: Developmental programs for youth.
   • Project: The Edible Peace Patch Project.
7. Arts Conservatory for Teens
   • Mission: High-quality arts education for youth empowerment.
   • Project: ACT Hillsborough Program Expansion.
8. Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts
   • Mission: Champion arts and culture for a prosperous community.
   • Project: Scholarships to be awarded in 2025.
9. The Kind Mouse Productions, Inc.
   • Mission: Assist families in transition and their chronically hungry children.
   • Project: The Kind Mouse Productions.
10. Florida Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay, Inc.
    • Mission: Serve students with substance use or co-occurring disorders.
    • Project: Establishing Victory High School in Hillsborough.
11. Museum of Fine Arts
    • Mission: Enhance community engagement through art.
    • Project: Ya La’ford Installation involving local school children.

A legacy of philanthropy

Since its founding, Smith & Associates Real Estate has been dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. The company, established in 1969, is Tampa Bay’s largest independent and locally-owned real estate brokerage. Through its giving program, Smith & Associates has donated $1.5 million to community organizations and partnered with over 125 non-profits.

The grants are more than just financial contributions. Smith & Associates fosters a culture of volunteerism, with its associates contributing over 1,000 hours annually. These efforts, facilitated by the Community Foundation Tampa Bay, embody a holistic approach to philanthropy, emphasizing meaningful connections and sustained support for local causes.

Amplifying impact

The Smith & Associates Real Estate Foundation’s 2024 grants will be dispersed at the end of May, further empowering these non-profits to continue their transformative work. The dedication of these organizations is a testament to the enduring spirit of giving that thrives in Tampa Bay.

For more information about the Smith & Associates Real Estate Foundation, visit Smith & Associates Foundation. Learn more about the Community Foundation Tampa Bay at Community Foundation Tampa Bay.