e-newsletter

January 2026

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A MESSAGE FROM

REBECCA BACON, 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR



Dear Community Partners,


As we welcome 2026, the Children’s Board team is continuing efforts to address strategic priorities and bring new services to Hillsborough County’s children and families. In January, we are releasing three funding opportunities, including a new Small Non-Profit grant. Additionally, we created a Provider Liaison position to support small non-profits through the grant process and increase overall provider outreach, engagement, and training. I am pleased to announce that Tim Bennett, our own Community Relations Manager, has been promoted to serve as Provider Liaison.


January also brings the grand opening of MOSI’s “Be the Dinosaur” exhibit at the Children’s Board Family Resource Center in Plant City. Through this great partnership, we are able to bring enriching STEAM activities and family engagement events to East County. Even if you can’t make it to Plant City, I invite you to visit one of our seven Family Resource Centers. They are truly special places offering a wide range of community-driven services and support.


The 2026 Family Guide, our updated directory of funded services, is now available on the website and printed books will be ready soon. Many thanks to our Programs and Public Relations teams for their hard work to make this invaluable resource guide available. Also, I encourage you to follow the Children’s Board on social media for news and program highlights including our new series “Where the Funding Goes” - a great way to get to know our funded partners and learn about their amazing impact.



Happy New Year!


Rebecca

The Children's Board invests in partnerships and quality programs to support the success of all children and families in Hillsborough County.

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2026 FAMILY GUIDE!

Click here to learn more!

Click here to learn more!

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CONGRATULATIONS TIMOTHY BENNETT!

The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County is pleased to announce Timothy Bennett as our new Senior Provider Liaison.

In this newly created role, Tim will work closely with small and emerging nonprofit organizations, providing dedicated guidance and technical support as they navigate the Children’s Board’s funding, contracting, and compliance processes. The position was established to strengthen access, build capacity, and support responsible stewardship of public funds—ensuring community-based providers are well equipped to deliver high-quality services to children and families.

Tim brings more than seven years of experience at the Children’s Board, most recently serving as Community Relations Manager, where he led countywide outreach initiatives, built strong cross-sector partnerships, and supported prevention-focused programs impacting thousands of families across Hillsborough County.

As Senior Provider Liaison, Tim will collaborate with internal teams and nonprofit partners to support grant development, monitoring, and evaluation; provide technical assistance and training; and help strengthen systems, accountability, and outcomes across funded programs—contributing to a strong, equitable network of services for children and families.

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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES!

Small Nonprofit Request for Applications (RFA)


The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County (CBHC) seeks to fund Small Nonprofit grants to support direct services for children (birth to age 18) and their families in Hillsborough County that work collaboratively with CBHC to support focus areas that align with the Applicant’s mission. This is a one time, time limited grant to fund an existing program that needs to improve or expand direct services or a new program.


Emerging Need Grants


The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County’s Emerging Needs Grant provides short-term, one-time funding to address unanticipated community needs that arise outside the annual competitive funding cycle. These needs must significantly impact pregnant women, children from birth to age 18, and their families in Hillsborough County, and align with the Children’s Board’s strategic goals and four focus areas. Eligible applicants must be Florida-based nonprofit organizations, for a grant term of up to 18 months. Funding is provided on a cost-reimbursement basis and is intended to respond to urgent needs—not ongoing programming.


For more information and eligibility criteria, please click here!

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POSITIVE SPIN!

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BE THE DINOSAUR EXHIBIT VIDEO!

Be The Dinasaur Exhibit at the Children's Board Family Resource Center in Plant City
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Dexter Lewis, Director of Public Relations

1002 East Palm Avenue

Tampa, FL 33605

813.204.1772 | fax 813.228.8122

lewisbd@childrensboard.org


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