September 16, 2021 (Clearwater, Fla.) – A Clearwater-based non-profit, Community Tampa Bay has been awarded a $10,000 grant in a Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurship category from The Papa John’s Foundation to amplify its efforts in cultivating inclusive leaders through community-wide dialogue and cross-cultural interaction. The received Building Community Funds will help Community Tampa Bay make positive change in institutions and communities by training leaders across identities who shape culture and interrupt systemic institutional discrimination through personal relationships, advocacy, and representation.

The Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community supports organizations that envision a community free from any kind of discrimination or bias and inspires passion in individuals to take action towards creating inclusive and united communities. The Building Community Fund focuses on three areas that represent the purpose of Papa John’s mission: Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Food Security, and Food Waste Reduction.

“The Papa John’s Foundation selected Community Tampa Bay as a recipient of our grant as we identified their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that drive change in our community,” said Laura Bell, Papa John’s Store Relationships Coordinator. “Our team is thrilled to know that we are able to help such a wonderful organization working towards equity, fairness, respect, and opportunity for all,” added Bell.

Community Tampa Bay focuses on creating safe and protective spaces for learners of all ages to grow cross-cultural practices and skills that will help them cultivate diverse and inclusive environments. The organization strives to become a place where individuals are not afraid to share their deepest self-identity questions, empowering courageous self-expression that fosters healing and connection.

“It’s an incredible honor for us to be awarded a Community Building Grant because it is exactly what our team at Community Tampa Bay aims to do – build a community of dignity and respect, so that all members of our society are welcomed, valued, and supported, and have a sense of belonging,” said Tammy Briant Spratling, CEO Community Tampa Bay. “We are grateful for Papa John’s recognition and support of our mission to create an empathetic and inclusive community for all,” added Briant Spratling.

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About Community Tampa Bay

Community Tampa Bay is a non-profit organization that envisions a community free of all forms of discrimination in which every individual is treated with dignity and respect, with regard to their race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, ability, faith, and or age. Community Tampa Bay works towards the ambitious vision of cultivating inclusive leaders to change communities through dialogue and cross-cultural interactions, empowering individuals to build relationships based on understanding and mutual respect.

About The Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community

Founded in 2019, The Papa John’s Foundation supports communities as they work together for equality, fairness, respect and opportunity for all. They believe empowered communities overcome divides through civility and unity, supporting organizations that share their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Through partnerships with leading national and local community organizations, The Papa John’s Foundation’s philanthropic approach focuses on Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Food Security and Food Waste Reduction.