Community Drivers Program

Funder: Copperhead Charities, Inc. / Valspar Championship (in conjunction with Tampa Bay Times)

Geographic Scope: Tampa Bay area, Florida

Program Type: Recognition and support program for outstanding charitable organizations

A program that identifies and supports area organizations or individuals doing outstanding charity work in the Tampa Bay community. Six times each year, the Valspar Championship identifies a Community Driver and provides comprehensive support.

Award Components

Each Community Driver receives:

• Cash donation: At least $20,000
• In-kind donation: Valspar Corporation donates paint for a painting project
• Volunteer support: Tournament volunteers provide personnel for the painting project
• Media recognition: Quarter-page advertisement in the Tampa Bay Times
• Community awareness: Recognition through social media and other marketing channels

Eligibility

• Area organizations or individuals doing outstanding charity work
• Located in Tampa Bay area
• Focus on community benefit and charitable impact

Examples of Past Recipients

• The First Tee of Tampa Bay ($20,000 initial grant, later additional $24,500)
• The First Tee of Clearwater/Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation ($24,500)
• Organizations focused on youth development, education, health, and community services

Geographic Focus

• Tampa Bay area, Florida

Contact Information

• Tournament Director: Tracy West
• Phone: 727-942-5566
• Email: Via partnership opportunities contact
• Mailing Address: Valspar Championship, 35111 US Hwy. 19 North, Ste. 302, Palm Harbor, FL 34684

How to Apply

No formal application process is explicitly described. Instead:

1. The tournament identifies Community Drivers - The Valspar Championship, in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Times, identifies and selects organizations
2. Organizations are nominated or recommended - The selection appears to be based on:
   • Outstanding charity work in Tampa Bay area
   • Community impact and visibility
   • Alignment with community values
3. Selection is made - The tournament announces the Community Driver selection six times per year
4. Check presentation - Funds are presented to executive leadership

Recommended Approach

While a formal application process is not described, interested organizations should:

• Contact the tournament to express interest
• Demonstrate outstanding community work and impact
• Have clear charitable mission and local community focus
• Be prepared to accept publicity and media recognition

Contact for Inquiries

• Phone: 727-942-5566
• Tournament Director: Tracy West