Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce

06/12/2026

On behalf of the Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. We honor and remember a life that made a meaningful impact on our community and those fortunate enough to know them. May cherished memories bring comfort and strength in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are mourning this loss.

The Pinellas County Urban League family mourns with profound sorrow and immeasurable gratitude the passing of our founding President & CEO Mr. James O. Simmons — a man who did not merely lead an organization but built one from a folding chair and borrowed desks into a cornerstone of justice, equity, and economic empowerment for thousands of families across Pinellas County and beyond.
Services will be held at Allen Temple AME Church, 2101 Lowe St, Tampa, FL 33605

Wake: Sunday, June 14 from 4-6 pm

Funeral: Monday, June 15th at 11 am.

06/12/2026

📌 Grant Opportunity: Tomberg Family Philanthropies

Tomberg Family Philanthropies supports U.S.-based nonprofits working in health, education, environment, and poverty alleviation.

Funding may support new programs, pilot projects, capacity building, evaluation, and expansion efforts that create lasting community impact.

Grant readiness insight: Funders aren't just investing in good ideas. They're investing in organizations that can demonstrate outcomes, sustainability, and community value.

🔗 Hyperlink in comments.

The Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce is not the funder and does not select awardees. We’re sharing vetted opportunities so organizations can determine if they are a fit.

06/11/2026

📣 Chamber Member Alert!

Part 2 of our 3 part series is next week!

Register today at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/resilient-by-design-thriving-through-transition-tickets-1987148961035?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Who This Is For:
• Professionals facing career transitions or uncertainty
• Veterans and civilians interested in resilience frameworks that actually work
• Leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals who want structure instead of stress spirals

- You don’t need to have everything figured out.
- You just need the right tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Come ready to rethink resilience, recalibrate your approach to change, and design a stronger version of yourself, on purpose.

06/11/2026

📌 What We’re Watching

A proposed overhaul of federal grant rules could change how organizations access, manage, and keep federal funding.

Here’s what that means at the business level:

1️⃣ More screening before funding
Organizations may face deeper risk reviews before receiving federal dollars.

2️⃣ More compliance expectations
Clean books, documentation, internal controls, reporting, and policies matter more than ever.

3️⃣ More funding uncertainty
Some awards could be changed or ended if agency priorities shift.

4️⃣ More scrutiny on equity-focused work
Organizations doing DEI, health equity, gender equity, or community equity work should understand which programs rely on federal dollars.

5️⃣ More pressure to diversify revenue
Grants should not be the whole funding strategy. Contracts, customers, sponsors, philanthropy, and partnerships matter too.

Our takeaway is not panic.

It’s preparation.

The grant is rarely the lesson.

The lesson is readiness.

We’ll continue to educate, advocate, and share insights that help our ecosystem stay informed, prepared, and competitive.

Source: JD Supra / Jenner & Block analysis of the proposed OMB rule.

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

06/10/2026

What's more important to you on your wedding day?

A big production or a meaningful ceremony?

No matter your answer, your officiant sets the tone.

Mobile Notary by BE offers professional wedding officiant services for couples across Tampa Bay, FL

📞 813-421-5217

06/10/2026

https://hcfl.gov/newsroom/2026/05/15/planning-an-arts-or-cultural-event-arts-council-grant-now-open?fbclid=Iwb21leASWrRRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR7eks2B1V_jZza8NloVdVjah8N-7uE5OdAv8gyj1Mvwx1Zhk9msQWXCSJVioQ_aem_7PQw5xC_E3dHFWlj1BnLtA

We were just scrolling and came across it.

Sorry for the late posting.

Applications are now open for the Special Events Partnership Grant Program