4
S T E T S O N L AWY E R
BRIEFS
THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
OF TAMPA BAY AND STETSON
LAW FORM NEW PARTNERSHIP
T The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and
Stetson University College of Law have formed a
new partnership to benefit the Tampa Bay area.
The two organizations have created the Alliance
for Advocacy and Philanthropy, which will align the power
of advocacy with the heart of philanthropy. This new alliance
reflects both organizations’ long-standing commitment to
addressing important issues for an even more vibrant
community.
The Alliance for Advocacy and Philanthropy is a collaborative
partnership that makes a strong case for creating positive
change through the lens of activism and the spirit of giving.
The Alliance is a unique initiative to engage the community
and spark deep discussion through:
• Connection, by building partnerships and leveraging
resources to enhance the common good;
• Education, by developing self-advocacy and institutional
capacity through access to experts and educational
opportunities; and
• Collaboration, by providing pathways for members of the
community as well as students to become actively involved.
As part of the collaboration, the Community Foundation of
Tampa Bay will offer two paid fellowships each semester for
students attending Stetson University College of Law. The two
fellowships will begin in spring 2020, and students will gain an
in-depth understanding of community philanthropy and have
hands-on experience in working with nonprofit organizations.
On Nov. 19, Stetson Law hosted a VIP event to share more details about the
partnership with the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. Pictured here from
left: Jenay Iurato, J.D. /MBA ‘00, secretary of the Stetson University College of
Law Board of Overseers; Patricia Douglas, member of the CFTB Board of
Directors; Jesse Coraggio, vice president of community impact for the CFTB; and
Stetson Law student Alexis Deveaux. (Photo by Mark Wemple)
“This partnership is an incredible opportunity
for our students and our community. Working
together, we can empower the next generation
of nonprofit and Tampa Bay leaders to become
effective community advocates, which will
have a positive impact on our region.”
— Michèle Alexandre
Stetson University College of Law is providing office space at its
Gulfport campus for the Community Foundation of Tampa
Bay. Stetson also will provide meeting and conference space to
the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay at its Gulfport and
downtown Tampa campuses.
The general public, local nonprofits, and corporations will have
opportunities to take part in conversations sparked by the
Alliance for Advocacy and Philanthropy during events held at
Stetson University College of Law.
Marlene Spalten, president and CEO of the Community
Foundation of Tampa Bay, said, “We look forward to working
with Florida’s first law school to create opportunities for our
region, to discuss communitywide challenges and possible
solutions, and to promote the economic health and vitality of
Tampa Bay through an innovative program.”
The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay awards about $20
million each year to nonprofit organizations. Since its inception
nearly 30 years ago, the Community Foundation has granted
more than $230 million.
Faculty and students at Stetson University College of Law
provide more than 30,000 hours of pro bono legal and advocacy
services through various institutes, programs and centers,
including the Veterans Law Institute, the Center for Excellence
in Advocacy, the Social Justice Advocacy Program, the Center
for Excellence in Elder Law, etc.
The Alliance for Advocacy and Philanthropy formalizes the
organizations’ shared belief in aligning resources and investing
in advocacy, thought leadership, and programs to solve
community challenges.
From left: Marlene Spalten, president and CEO of the CFTB, with Dean
Michèle Alexandre and Jesse Coraggio, vice president of community
impact for the CFTB. (Photo by Mark Wemple)