The Community Foundation of Broward’s second annual Mayors Philanthropic Forum brought together more than 50 local leaders to discuss how collaboration and charitable giving shape a brighter future for residents across Broward County.
On May 20, the Community Foundation hosted this engaging gathering of mayors, city administrators, philanthropists and more to help them learn more about the work of the Foundation and to get feedback about ways local philanthropy can do more to tackle local needs.
Community Foundation Board Chair Jonathan Allen commended the local leaders for a deep commitment to their communities as well as “a shared belief that we can accomplish more when we work together.”
“The Community Foundation believes that the most meaningful impact happens when philanthropy and local leadership come together,” he said.
Forum topics included:
- Highlights of Community Foundation grantmaking
- An update about the expansion of the “Lead with Love” public art initiative that is producing vibrant, inspiring murals in cities across Broward
- Insights from Community Foundation commissioned research into the gender achievement gap in local school
- Ideas from city leaders to help shape the Community Foundation’s new strategic plan
City officials in attendance included: Coconut Creek City Manager Sheila Rose, Coconut Creek Mayor Jeffrey Wasserman, Dania Beach Mayor Joyce Davis, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper, Hallandale Beach Events & Media Eve Paul, Hollywood Grant Administrator Tymira Mack, Lauderdale Lakes Acting City Manager Venice Howard, Lauderhill City Manager Kennie Hobbs Jr., Lauderhill Deputy City Manager Sean Henderson, Lauderdale Lakes Vice Mayor Sharon Thomas, Oakland Park CRA and Economic Development Director Neysa Herrera, Pembroke Park Town Manager David Sigerson, Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin, Sea Ranch Lakes Mayor Jeffrey Nelson, Sea Ranch Lakes Village Clerk Starr Paton, Tamarac Mayor Michelle Gomez, and Weston Mayor Margaret Brown.
“You know your cities. …You know what your communities need,” Community Foundation President/CEO Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson said to the city leaders at the forum. “Our role is to be a partner, to bring resources, research and relationships. … Thank you for helping us build a stronger Broward together.”
Federal and state government cutbacks are affecting local programs that have long served local residents, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said. More collaboration with the Community Foundation to bolster support for local nonprofits can help municipalities fill in the gaps, he said.
“The Community Foundation of Broward is the lifeblood to so many organizations that have been there, year after year,” the mayor said. “Philanthropy becomes that much more of a need.”
Thank you to all the local leaders who joined us at the forum!
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To find out how you can partner with the Community Foundation to amplify your impact for people living in communities across Broward, contact Vice President Kelly Marmol at kmarmol@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.
