By Steve Huettel and Mark Puente, Times Staff Writers
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Don't be surprised if folks at local nonprofit organizations look a little pale.
With Progress Energy, one of the area's top corporate donors, agreeing this week to be acquired by Duke Energy, it's natural for arts groups, schools and charitable causes to wonder if the checks will keep coming.
"That is always a concern,'' said David Fischer, the former mayor of St. Petersburg who now runs the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. New ownership means different people setting priorities for corporate giving, he said, and "many charities may not be the favorites any more.''
Progress made nearly $9.8 million in donations throughout its service areas in Florida and the Carolinas in 2009. In Florida alone, the company contributed $4.4 million to organizations and institutions, many near its St. Petersburg headquarters for operations ...