About Us

What Is Gulf Coast?

A statue of dolphins in front of a fountain.

The Foundation of Community

We are a public charity dedicated to serving the needs of our region. Everything we do here is about the community.

A Partner in Philanthropy

We are a collection of charitable funds created by individuals, families, organizations, and corporations to support their favorite causes, in our region and around the world.

Two women standing in front of a truck with a sprout sign.

A Partner in Philanthropy

A view of the gulf coast sky over the ocean

Here Forever

As an endowed organization, Gulf Coast Community Foundation will be here in perpetuity—to address emerging needs and to ensure your gifts continue to do all that you envision.

Here Forever

Bold and Proactive

Opportunity is knocking, more and more loudly, across Florida and the nation. That’s why we can’t wait to innovate to keep our region competitive.

Grandfather and Grandson jumping in celebration

Bold and Proactive

Waves gently crashing with an orange sunset on the horizon

Making Waves

We’re impatient for change to improve our region. We see altering the status quo as our obligation to our community and to our donors.

Making Waves

OUR STORY

The notion of a community caring for its own is written in our organizational DNA. Our foundation was created in 1995 with proceeds from the sale of The Venice Hospital, a community hospital that had been founded by local citizens more than four decades earlier. Over 850 generous philanthropists call Gulf Coast home. Together with our donors, we have surpassed granting over $575 million in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment.