Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

Community philanthropy: It's when the foresight of past residents of Palm Beach and Martin Counties and the generosity of today's donors come together.

 

For nearly 40 years, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has been helping donors achieve their philanthropic vision. Together the donors, families and institutions who have made the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties the home for their philanthropy have much to be proud of: we have granted more than $84 million in grants and scholarships, helping countless neighbors and causes in the process. Here are just a few stories of the community philanthropists who have made a difference in our community by partnering with your Community Foundation. 

 

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties have been partners in philanthropy since 1985. Read more...

 

Anna Marie Peterson established a charitable gift annuity at the Community Foundation in 2004. Upon her death, the gift annuity created the Anna Marie Peterson Fund, an endowed fund that will support the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation's work in Everglades restoration, public outreach and education. Read More... 

 

James Stern and his family are working to care for children in their Martin County community. “I know there are children in need everywhere, but if I can start where I live and make a difference — and if everyone did that in their own community — I think it would be a better country and world.” Read More...

 

More than $16 million in grants have been awarded from the Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund, a supporting organization of the Community Foundation, since its inception, impacting thousands of students, teachers and administrators. “We chose to establish this fund with the Community Foundation because the structure of a supporting organization best achieves our philanthropic goals,” says Robert Pew. Read More... 

 

Irene Gibson Clay believed in the power of education as a path to a better life — and a stronger community in Belle Glade and South Bay. “In her own quiet way, she convinced people they had a role to play in making life better for the next generation, said her daughter Sanjena Clay. “Our main goal in establishing the fund was to give a young person, who may not be able to afford their education, an opportunity to become an educator and make a difference in their community, as my mom did in this community.” Read More... 

 

Professional golfer Michelle McGann established the Michelle McGann Fund at the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties to help children diagnosed with diabetes and support diabetes research. “The Community Foundation will help me to easily and effectively support this cause so close to my heart,” said Michelle. “Together, donors to the Michelle McGann Fund and I can bring some of the advantages I have enjoyed to other kids with diabetes.” Read More...

 

William M. Matthews’ New York attorney introduced him to the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. A Palm Beach resident whose family has deep roots in our community, Matthews had maintained a family foundation for nearly a dozen years and was looking for a more efficient way to manage his family’s philanthropy. “The Community Foundation just made more sense,” said Matthews, who has also served as a past Chairman of the Community Foundation. Read More...

The Sharma Family Fund 

Born in India, Sanjiv Sharma arrived in this country in 1981 to continue his education at Columbia University. Due to financial needs, Mr. Sharma took a year off and found a position with a Wall Street financial firm. Little did he know at the time, that experience would lead him to a successful career in the investment world. “When you work hard and do well you have very little time. As a fortunate person, I always knew I wanted to do something charitable. Giving back is important, but I didn’t have time for the due diligence involved in creating a private foundation. A friend suggested I contact the Community Foundation and that’s what I did.” Read More...