The Foundation inspires charitable investment and builds philanthropic partnerships that bring people and organizations together to create lasting opportunities, strengthen community connections, and improve the quality of life for everyone who calls DeBary home.

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History: The DeBary Foundation began taking shape in March 2025 when the DeBary City Council approved the Foundation’s initial bylaws and appointed Jim Old as the inaugural Chairman of the Board. Following a public call for applicants, six inaugural Directors were selected to represent residents, local businesses, and regional organizations with an interest in the DeBary community.

In June 2025, the full Board formally adopted the organizational documents and resolutions necessary to establish the Foundation and its governing body. At that meeting, the Foundation transitioned from a concept initially supported by the City, to a fully independent nonprofit organization with its own Board, governance structure, and responsibility for operations. The Foundation was incorporated as a Florida nonprofit and received IRS recognition as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, effective June 26, 2025.

During its first year, the Foundation began building partnerships and programs focused on veterans, education, natural spaces, and the overall quality of life in DeBary. Through that work, the Board also developed a clearer understanding of where the Foundation could provide the greatest value. Rather than creating or executing every program itself, the Foundation could often make a greater impact by bringing together organizations, people, and resources around shared community priorities.

That evolution helped define the Foundation’s role as a community catalyst and led to the development of the DeBary Community Partnership Model. Today, The DeBary Foundation is an independent community-based charitable organization inspiring charitable investment, building philanthropic partnerships, and working with others to strengthen DeBary and our shared quality of life.

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Foundation Board and Team: The DeBary Foundation is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors consisting of four Officers, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary, and three additional Directors. The inaugural Directors were appointed by the DeBary City Council and serve staggered two- or three-year terms. Directors may serve no more than two consecutive terms, helping ensure the Board benefits from new perspectives and continued community involvement over time.

Supporting the Board is an expanding team of volunteer advisors and professionals who bring specialized experience to the Foundation’s work. The Foundation Team includes strategic, creative, and communications advisors who support the Board and its Officers in areas such as corporate partnerships, strategic planning, marketing and communications, and creative development.

The Foundation’s organizational structure also includes Pillar and committee leadership responsible for advancing specific areas of our mission. Professional pro bono support provides additional expertise in accounting, tax and IRS compliance, and other specialized areas as needed. Community volunteers further strengthen the organization by supporting individual programs, projects, and planning efforts.

Every member of the Board and Foundation Team serves as a volunteer. Together, they bring experience from business, nonprofit leadership, public service, civic organizations, and community engagement. This volunteer model allows the Foundation to draw upon a broad range of professional expertise while directing the greatest possible share of its resources toward programs and community impact.