Tampa Bay EDC's foundation gets $100,000 grant

The Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation, affiliated with the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, says Truist Foundation made a $100,000 grant for the foundation's "Inclusive Economic Growth Initiative."

The initiative is focused on generating jobs and capital investment in underserved areas of Tampa and Hillsborough County, including East Tampa, Central Park, Ybor City and the University Area, according to foundation officials.

Truist Foundation’s donation will be applied toward the implementation of the East Tampa Industrial District master plan, say foundation officials.

The Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation is trying to bring new development, small business assistance and career-worthy job opportunities to residents of East Tampa, says Lindsay August, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties market president for Truist.

"This catalytic project aligns with Truist Foundation's strategic focus of strengthening small businesses and building career pathways and is central to our goals for advancing economic prosperity for all in Hillsborough County," says August.

The implementation of the East Tampa Industrial District plan includes the development of a "Live-Learn Facility" and other public improvements and "catalytic projects" along East Columbus Drive between 32nd Street and 40th Street in East Tampa.

The Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation says it raised more than $1.7 million toward its campaign goal. The contributions have also gone toward the creation and launch of the CertUp Tampa career awareness campaign, which educates local residents about short-term, affordable certificate, and degree programs in high-demand fields.

Established in 2020, the Truist Foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to improve quality of life.

The Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation was founded in 2018, and is a nonprofit affiliated with the Tampa Bay EDC. The foundation says it has a "two-pronged mission: to bring jobs and capital investment to East Tampa, Central Park and Ybor City, and the Uptown districts of Tampa and Hillsborough County; and to raise awareness of career training and skills development opportunities to residents of those areas.