The Community Foundation Of Broward Held The Inaugural Mayors Philanthropic Forum

To engage with local municipalities to grow and expand a culture of philanthropy across Broward County, the Community Foundation of Broward – Broward County’s trusted philanthropic leader for over 40 years – held the inaugural Mayors Philanthropic Forum in May. This special gathering brought together Broward’s mayors for lunch and a meaningful conversation about how philanthropy can help shape stronger, more vibrant communities. This initiative aims to bring these leaders together annually to find new ways to work together to tackle Broward County’s biggest issues and create a positive impact for all residents.

City officials in attendance included Broward County Mayor Beam Furr, Coconut Creek Mayor Jacqueline Railey, Dania Beach Mayor Joyce L. Davis, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Lauderdale-by-the Sea Mayor Edmund Malkoon, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Town Manager Linda Connors, Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips, Lauderdale Lakes City Manager Venice Howard, Lauderhill Mayor Denise Grant, Lauderhill City Manager Kennie Hobbs, Jr., Lighthouse Point City Administrator Ross Licata, Miramar Mayor Wayne M. Messam, Oakland Park Mayor Tim Lonergan, Oakland Park Assistant City Manager Andrew Thompson, Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo, Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin, Tamarac Mayor Michelle Gomez, West Park Mayor Felicia Brunson and Weston Mayor Margaret Brown.

Broward County’s population has doubled over the past 40 years and is now larger than 13 U.S. states. It is projected to grow to 2.3 million by 2030. The Foundation continues to serve as Broward’s philanthropic expert, providing leadership and guidance to help address the region’s growing and evolving needs.

Broward County Mayors and community dignitaries in attendance discussed:

1.
Ways in which philanthropy can have a positive impact in cities and examples of creative philanthropic partnerships already underway in cities across Broward, and what the cities’ greatest needs are.
2.
The Foundation’s “Lead with Love” mural project, a transformative public art initiative in collaboration with celebrity artist Cey Adams designed to spread a message of love and unity across Broward County.
3.
“Unlocking Opportunities: Shaping the Future of Charitable Giving in Broward County,” a new study commissioned by the Community Foundation of Broward conducted by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, looks at the generosity and untapped philanthropic potential of Broward County.
4.
Press Forward, a national movement to invest in local news and information to ensure the community has access to the local knowledge it needs to thrive.
5.
Additional topics relevant to local challenges and opportunities.

“It was an honor to host some of Broward County’s most influential and visionary leaders at our inaugural Mayors Philanthropic Forum,” said Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Broward. “By coming together to address the challenges facing Broward County, we are fostering the collective power of philanthropy to drive meaningful change. Philanthropy is not just about giving back, it’s about investing in resilience, sustainability and leading with love for our community for generations to come. Together, we are shaping a stronger and more vibrant community for all those who call Broward County home.”

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Broward partners with families, individuals and organizations to create personalized charitable funds that deliver game-changing philanthropic impact. 571 charitable funds represent $300 million in assets, distributing more than $200 million in grants over the past 40 years. The Community Foundation transforms our community through focused leadership that fosters collaboration, builds endowment, advances equity and connects people who care to causes that matter. The Foundation empowers visionaries, innovators and doers to create the change they want to see in the community we love.