Community Foundation of Broward hosts donor reception to celebrate the growing impact of Black philanthropy in the region

Broward County, Florida – The Community Foundation of Broward recently highlighted the transformative power of Black philanthropy with a special donor reception that brought together community leaders, local philanthropists, and foundation supporters. The event, held on March 18, 2026, celebrated the significant contributions of Black philanthropists in Broward County and underscored their role in shaping a brighter, more equitable future for the region.

Hosted at a local venue in Fort Lauderdale, the reception offered an intimate setting for attendees to connect, share insights, and explore opportunities for collaborative impact. Guests enjoyed light bites while hearing remarks from key figures at the Community Foundation, including Board Chair Jonathan Allen, Board Vice Chair Burnadette Norris-Weeks, President/CEO Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Vice President of Philanthropic Services Kelly Marmol, and Director of Donor Services Jasmine Lewis-Fontus.

“We are proud to celebrate the impact of Black philanthropy in our community,” said Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, PH.D, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Broward. “This event was a wonderful opportunity to foster meaningful connections and deepen engagement with a growing network of local philanthropists who share a commitment to shaping a brighter future for Broward. We are honored to partner with a growing number of Black philanthropists and community leaders who are creating lasting impact in our community. Black philanthropists increasingly view the Community Foundation as a trusted partner in bringing their enduring legacies to life. It’s about creating a legacy that lasts forever.”

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The Foundation, which has been active for more than 40 years, has long served as a bridge between donors and local initiatives. Over the decades, it has worked to remove barriers to success, encourage collaboration among community leaders, and invest strategically in programs that strengthen the region. A key guiding principle for the Foundation is “Cherish Diversity,” reflecting a commitment to equity, inclusion, and representation in philanthropic engagement.

Since 2022, the Community Foundation has intensified outreach to Black philanthropists, aiming to increase both participation and the impact of their charitable efforts. These initiatives have produced remarkable results, with a reported 71 percent increase in charitable funds established by Black donors at the Foundation. These funds support a variety of causes, ranging from education and health initiatives to economic development and arts programming, creating meaningful change across Broward County.

The donor reception also served as a platform to highlight the Foundation’s approach to partnership and collaboration. By connecting philanthropists with organizations and initiatives aligned with their passions, the Foundation helps donors translate their visions into tangible community outcomes. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with Foundation leadership and learn about strategies for maximizing the impact of their philanthropic investments.

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Broward has grown into one of the region’s leading philanthropic organizations. Currently, it manages 590 charitable funds with a combined asset base of $330 million. Over the past four decades, the Foundation has distributed more than $215 million in grants, demonstrating a sustained commitment to supporting causes that advance the well-being of Broward residents.

The Foundation’s work goes beyond grantmaking. Its leadership initiatives foster collaboration among donors and nonprofit organizations, while its endowment-building efforts ensure that charitable impact endures over the long term. By advancing equity and connecting those who care with causes that matter, the Community Foundation empowers individuals and families to create lasting change in the community they love.

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For the guests at the Black Philanthropy Donor Reception, the evening was both a celebration and a call to action. It highlighted the importance of giving not only to address immediate community needs but also to build a legacy that strengthens the social fabric of Broward for generations. By honoring the commitment of Black philanthropists, the Community Foundation reaffirmed its role as a trusted partner and catalyst for meaningful, lasting impact.

Through events like this, the Community Foundation of Broward continues to showcase how targeted, collaborative philanthropy can transform lives. By fostering connections among donors, providing expert guidance, and celebrating the generosity of its partners, the Foundation ensures that charitable giving contributes not only to immediate improvement but also to the long-term vitality and prosperity of the region.

For more information on the Community Foundation of Broward and its programs, visit www.cfbroward.org.