The Community Foundation Dedicated to Charlotte County

The Charlotte Community Foundation (CCF) is a philanthropic organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life in Charlotte County, FL. Think of CCF as a savings account for Charlotte Co., with proceeds from our endowed funds distributed as grants for local nonprofits and scholarships.

In more technical terms, CCF is a tax-exempt public charity* that works with individuals, companies, organizations and advisors to help enrich the quality of life for everyone in our community. Through committed volunteers and a small professional staff, CCF connects people, charitable causes, and permanent capital for community impact.

*One of more than 900 community foundations nationwide and one of 27 in Florida.

Decisions on scholarships and competitive grants—which are made possible by gifts from local residents past and present—are determined by a volunteer committee of local community members Be a Reviewer!, with support by CCF staff.

CCF has $25M in assets under management, including two building for use by local nonprofits. In its 20 years as a community space foundation, CCF has granted $13M to nearly every local nonprofit and $1.2M in scholarships.

Fostering Philanthropy: Building a Local Legacy

CCF honors residents who have made significant contributions with names on buildings and funds—just as we want to foster philanthropy by everyone. We can all give time, talent and treasure to enhance our community, now and forever.

We actively build endowment or permanent community capital. CCF invests donors’ contributions and spends the interest as grants and scholarships, now and forever. You can create a named, permanent fund to forever support Charlotte Co. starting at $5,000. 

CCF’s investments are overseen by our professional staff and volunteers: Finance & Audit Committee Members and the Board of Directors . Our investment aim is to generate a return over decades to maintain our commitment to donors of creating local impact annually. Read about a new endowment, the Mary V. Renois Fund for Veterans, Youth & Seniors.

Building for the Next 20 Years of Charlotte County and Beyond

As it celebrates its 20th year of operating as a community foundation in 2024, the Charlotte Community Foundation is under new leadership with Dr. Shelley Strickland as CEO and with Jill McCrory as Board Chair. Together, the full Board of Directors and staff built on community input to develop and approve a new Mission and Vision. We also defined Core Values that will guide our work in serving our community going forward.

Beginning in Fall 2024, CCF has expanded access and availability for local nonprofits and governmental entities to use our facilities. In doing so, we honor the legacy of Virginia B. Andes—a pioneering IBM engineer who moved to Port Charlotte in 1995 and was passionate about community engagement and education.  

In addition to the VBA Training & Education Center Center, we also have a new Community Meeting Room in our administrative building.