Two ways to get involved

  • Donate now

    Give to benefit the students and teachers who need it most. Choose a one-time gift, set up monthly giving, or sponsor a project. Every dollar stays in Pinellas County Schools.

  • Become a Corporate Sponsor

    Partner with Sweet Friend Foundation as a recognized community supporter. Sponsorships include social media features, event recognition, logo placement, and a front-row seat to the impact you're creating.

Donations to Sweet Friend Foundation are tax-deductible. EIN: 92-2034042.

Why this work is so important

Kids need more than reading and math. They need to feel like they belong and that someone cares for them. When those things are missing, everything else suffers, like grades, behavior, confidence, and friendships.

At the same time, teachers are being asked to support more complex emotional needs in the classroom with limited time and resources. By strengthening both student experiences and classroom environments, we help ease that burden and create space for learning that is healthier and more supportive.

That's the ripple effect Sweet Friend Foundation is after: a child who walks into school feeling like they matter, and a teacher who can focus on teaching instead of scrambling to fill the gaps.

Our work is already making a difference

161%

increase in backpacks provided to local schools in a single year

370%

increase in notebooks distributed compared to the prior year

10+

schools served today. One school served in 2023

4,000+

pumpkins donated to students across Pinellas County 

$895

is the average amount a teacher spends out of pocket on supplies each year. Sweet Friend exists to change that.

See what your gift makes possible

Not sure how much to give? Here's a little perspective on what even a small amount can do for a Pinellas County kid:

$1

Less than a piece of gum.

Gives a child their very own pumpkin to pick out and take home.

$10

What you’d spend on a morning smoothie.

Helps Sweet Friend show up at a school event so every kid gets to join in.

$15-$25

About the cost of a streaming subscription.

 Puts a backpack in a child's hands, one they actually get to pick out themselves.

$50

A dinner out.

Covers Kona Ice for an entire elementary school for students who couldn't otherwise participate.

$100

A month of unused gym membership.

Funds a full month of intervention snacks for a middle school, helping students pass the classes they're struggling in.

Become a Corporate Sponsor

Sweet Friend Foundation sponsorships are a meaningful way for businesses and community partners to make a lasting impact in Pinellas County schools. Every sponsorship level reflects a shared commitment to creating brighter school days and stronger community connections.

Sweet Friend Sponsor 

$3,000+

Leading the way in creating meaningful change for children.

  • •  Prominent logo placement on website and marketing materials

    •  Featured recognition on Sweet Friend Foundation social media

    •  Recognition at foundation events and community initiatives

    •  10 raffle tickets to a Sweet Friend Foundation event

    •  Opportunity for company volunteer engagement

    •  Recognition in press or media outreach when applicable

    •  Opportunity to speak at next event

Smiles Sponsor 

$1,500+

Supporting programs and initiatives that directly benefit children, families, and teachers.

  • •  Logo placement on Sweet Friend Foundation website

    •  Social media spotlight recognizing partnership

    •  Recognition at select foundation events

    •  5 raffle tickets to a Sweet Friend Foundation event

    •  Recognition in annual donor report

Sunny Sponsor 

$500

A meaningful way for local businesses to support children in the community.

  • •  Business name listed on Sweet Friend Foundation website

    •  Recognition in a sponsor appreciation social media post

    •  Recognition in the Sweet Friend Foundation blog

Sweet Supporter

In-kind or service contribution

Local businesses that support Sweet Friend by hosting donation boxes, giving trees, or flyers at their location, and contributing through time, gift cards, services, and event participation.

Not sure which level is the right fit? Reach out and we'll help you find the best way to get involved.

From your wallet to a child's life in three steps

Step 1

Choose how you want to give

Make a one-time gift, set up monthly giving, or reach out to explore a corporate sponsorship. Every form of support makes a direct difference.

Step 2

Your gift goes to directly benefit the schools

Sweet Friend works with teachers, social workers, and community liaisons to make sure resources reach the students who need them most. No guessing. No overhead mystery.

Step 3

See the impact for yourself

Donors and sponsors are invited to attend events and witness firsthand what their generosity makes possible. Come see a child pick out their backpack. It'll be worth it.

Real Stories of Change

The heart behind the impact. See how your support is changing lives

A child in Pinellas County is waiting for their Sweet Friend

Your morning smoothie. Your streaming subscription. Your spare $1. It all adds up to something a child in Pinellas County will remember for the rest of their life. Donations are tax-deductible and every dollar stays local.