Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Broward

Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Broward, talked to Invest: about the myriad ways the foundation positively impacts wider Broward County through allocating funds to support and impact critical issues including economic mobility, education and workforce readiness, art and culture, and health and wellness to name a few.

What were the key milestones achieved by the foundation over the past 12 to 18 months?

A significant milestone is that we have reached $300 million in assets held in trust for our community, and the earnings on those assets are what we grant and invest into nonprofits as well as community support across the county. This is a high-watermark achievement for us, representing the generosity of our community and the recognition of how important it is to build sustainable philanthropy.

How has the foundation’s nearly 40-year legacy shaped its approach to addressing Broward County’s biggest challenges today?

We involve experts, fund holders, and community leaders. Rather than considering ourselves experts, we see ourselves as facilitators. We aim to engage as many stakeholders as possible, identify key priorities, and determine where we can make the greatest impact.

Homelessness is a major issue for Broward County and many southern cities, and we recently hosted a panel to navigate this challenge. While government funding addresses some needs, we focus on identifying gaps where philanthropy can be most impactful. Preventing homelessness and providing specific aid and support to two growing areas of homelessness, families and seniors, are important areas in which philanthropy can be helpful. Prevention and early intervention are key. 

We also recognize the need for training and support for staff in nonprofits and county organizations, who often lack access to professional development. Through philanthropy, we aim to strengthen their abilities and, by extension, their impact on the community. There are many areas of funding, though there is never quite enough. We focus on pinpointing areas where we can make a tangible difference.

What progress have you seen in ensuring broader economic prosperity across the county, and what new challenges have emerged?

Equity is one of the greatest post-COVID challenges. A segment of the population is wealthier than ever, benefiting from Florida’s tax advantages and thriving businesses. Simultaneously, another segment is struggling more than ever due to rising costs in housing, food, and healthcare. Hourly wages have not kept up with the cost of living increases, which is exacerbating inequality.

We must create programs that support the needs and aspirations of this struggling population. It’s not our place to dictate their lives, but instead to provide opportunities and support. For instance, we can raise educational awareness in the business community about the challenges faced by frontline workers, such as childcare costs and the financial impact of car repair; this can lead to more flexible and supportive employment practices. Sensitizing employers to these realities is key to helping them provide better support and resources. Childcare, in particular, is a significant expense that can be a barrier to career advancement to many, especially for women seeking higher-paying jobs.

What are the consequences of the fiscal benefits cliff being experienced in Greater Fort Lauderdale?

The fiscal benefits cliff is a critical issue here. People who earn slightly more income can lose vital benefits such as food vouchers, childcare subsidies, and transportation assistance. For example, earning $6,000 more can disqualify someone from essential programs, and this creates a significant challenge for single parents and grandparents raising their grandchildren. A family of four needs $90,000 just to meet basic needs, which is difficult for many.

While some are thriving, others in our community are struggling deeply, and the wealth inequality gap continues to widen. Our grantmaking efforts focus on supporting asset-limited individuals and aligning with organizations addressing similar challenges. As a trusted community partner, we raise awareness about these disparities.

What are the trends you are seeing in philanthropic giving, and how is the foundation adapting to meet these changes?

The transition of wealth to the next generation is a key focus. We are improving our skills to help families navigate these conversations and ensure that capital remains in Broward County. Often, the next generation’s priorities differ from those of the predecessors who established the funds. We help families honor their legacies while adapting to new causes the next generation cares about.

We excel in aligning donor goals with community needs, multiplying the impact of their gifts through our staff’s expertise. Strengthening grassroots nonprofits, many of which lack sophisticated revenue streams, remains a major growth area for us.

Further, many new residents move to Broward for tax benefits and quality of life but remain disconnected from the community. We aim to involve them in giving back. We’re grateful for their presence but need their support for the community’s well-being.

Can you elaborate on any recent initiatives undertaken by the foundation to support diversity, equity and inclusion?

Attracting diverse donors and building community-wide networks are key priorities. For example, outreach to Black business leaders has led to substantial new gifts, including our first $1 million endowed gift from a Black couple. Listening, communicating authentically, and tailoring our messages to resonate with different communities have been essential. Seeing our donor base increasingly reflect the diversity of the community is exciting. We will continue to expand our outreach to other groups through thoughtful, intentional efforts.

What are your top priorities and goals for the foundation over the next few years?

Feedback from nonprofit partners and fund holders will guide our improvements. Embracing technology is essential for scaling our philanthropic services, as we cannot rely solely on one-on-one interactions.

A key project involves strengthening partnerships for government-funded initiatives at the national, state, and local levels. Diversifying and expanding our funding sources is critical. Additionally, we focus on supporting professional advisors in estate planning, as most of our gifts originate from these relationships with attorneys, accountants, and financial planners. Enhancing our ability to serve and support them is a top priority.