This article appeared in The Boca Raton Observer on October 28, 2022.
Mary Katherine Morales has a gift: inspiring those with means to give for good. Since joining the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties last year as vice president for philanthropic services, she has motivated our area’s philanthropists to give to, through, or alongside the organization to help nonprofits on the front lines of chronic and current challenges.
“This role gives me an opportunity to align my own values with the transformative work that we do at the Community Foundation,” says Morales. “My calling is to help empower and equip people to reach their greatest potential.”
For 50 years, the Community Foundation has been leading philanthropy locally to close opportunity gaps in youth education, economic opportunity, or pressing issues like mental health or housing. Morales’ work in philanthropy and charitable giving aims to strengthen every corner of our counties through transformative grantmaking and scholarships.
With her team, she manages the giving of almost 500 families who seek to amplify their impact on the causes close to their hearts. Last year, the organization invested $17.2 million back into the community to 575 organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach & Martin Counties, Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, and smaller organizations like Digital Vibez.
“We are joy-makers,” she says. “Partnering with us helps a donor’s dollars go further, faster, and directly to organizations with a proven track record of success.”
Morales believes giving should be a meaningful — and easy — experience for donors. Working with her team means donors can expect world-class service, community expertise, legacy planning, clear tax benefits and personalized stewardship. Strong returns on investments are an added benefit.
“When people give where they live, they help our entire region rise,” says Morales. “My passion is connecting families who want to create positive change with leaders and organizations that make the greatest impact for good.”
