The Community Foundation of Broward’s 2024 Community Builder Celebration on November 7 honored three new Community Builders – visionary philanthropists who partner with the Foundation to create endowed charitable funds of $1 million or more to shape a brighter future for Broward. This year’s celebration also commemorated the Community Foundation’s 40th anniversary, highlighting the critical role Community Builders have played during the Foundation’s four decades of championing local philanthropy. South Florida’s top community leaders, philanthropists and influencers were among the guests in attendance who embarked on a thrilling, exotic adventure to “take a walk on the wild side” at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale. Attendees immersed themselves in the untamed beauty of the Broward jungle, enjoyed electrifying entertainment and savored a beautiful, seated dinner. Lesley Mitchell Jones, Burnadette NorrisWeeks and Aaron Weeks and the late Dixie E. Wheeler* are now among the 60 Community Builders who have partnered with the Community Foundation to transform and invigorate the community they love with endowed giving that ensures their impact never ends. Since the Foundation’s founding in 1984, Community Builder gifts have invested more than $150 million into support for student achievement, the arts, career readiness, seniors in need, equity and social justice, environmental resilience, health care, affordable housing, empowering nonprofits, mental health and much more. The Community Builder Celebration also recognized the winning nonprofits of the Foundation’s special “40 for 40: Spread the Love Grants,” $400,000 total to help 40 nonprofits make a bold impact for Broward. The new grants, $10,000 each, support 40 innovative, impactful opportunities for nonprofits to help the community by investing in projects and initiatives that make life better in Broward. The campaign is another way for the Community Foundation of Broward to say “thank you” to the community that, for 40 years, has embraced its mission to champion local philanthropy that shapes a brighter future for Broward.
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 more than $300 million in assets, distributing more than $195 million in grants over the past 40 years. The Community Foundation transforms our community through focused leader-ship that fosters collaboration, builds endowment, advances equity and connects people who care to causes that matter.