Doug McPherson, GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF)’s newest Board Chair, is a dedicated community volunteer with deep local roots and a strong commitment to ensuring that GWCF continues meeting community needs now and in the future.
From his first involvement with the Community Foundation in 2019, Doug’s heart for service while serving in key roles has provided the organization with thoughtful perspectives and steady leadership.
As he begins his two-year term as Board Chair, we asked Doug about his background, his experiences with the Community Foundation, and his goals for the future:
Can you share a bit about your background and community involvement?
I grew up in Polk County, in Fort Meade and Winter Haven. I graduated from Winter Haven High School and Polk State College (PCC). After graduating from Florida State University, I spent 20 years outside of Polk County. My family moved back to Polk County in 2016 as I had the great opportunity to join Citizens Bank & Trust, in their wealth management group. Soon thereafter, I was fortunate to become involved with a couple of great community organizations, The Mission of Winter Haven and Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center.
How has your involvement with GWCF evolved over the years?
My involvement with GWCF has evolved as a member of the local area advisory group, to board member, serving on the Investment Committee and Nominating Committee, to becoming part of the Executive Committee as Treasurer. Now coming full circle with the great honor of serving as Board Chair. I have big shoes to fill behind Jack Hollis, Jay Gray and Kim Elmhorst.
What are some of the key achievements of GWCF during your time on the board?
The biggest achievement has been the tremendous growth of the Community Foundation. We have seen GWCF grow from approximately $200 million to over $700 million in assets. Our community continues to set the standard in Florida, and for the country, for philanthropic giving.
In 2026, GWCF reached a milestone of granting over $525 million since its founding to organizations within our communities. Additionally, we have partnered with United Way of Central Florida, to conduct a United Community Needs Assessment and build a live dashboard to track and report the United Community Indicators within our tri-county area. We are leading the way in establishing funding to sustain our communities during times of crisis and emergency relief but to also support those areas identified in the United Community Indicators to fill the gaps to fund community impact initiatives.
Are there particular challenges you foresee for the organization?
All non-profits are continually striving to remain engaged with their donors. As the enormous amount of wealth transfers to the next generations, it’s important to be engaged with those individuals and families to continue the philanthropic legacies of those before them. We must stay relevant, accessible, and engaged with our donors, communities, and non-profit partners to showcase the power of the collective community foundation model.
As the new board chair, what is your vision for the future of GWCF?
Because the Community Foundation is committed to meeting current and future evolving community needs, we have established dedicated endowment funds to provide permanent sources of support. I’m proud of the significant progress we’ve made already, and I would like to reach the Now and Forever Funds goal of $8 million and the Operating Endowment Fund goal of $3 million so that we can continue strengthening the communities we serve in a meaningful way.
I would also like to see partnerships with our local businesses to establish community impact funds for affordable housing, veteran housing, homeless initiatives, mental health services, etc., that can provide measurable change and impact to our communities. Through these efforts, GiveWell Community Foundation will continue connecting donors to changing community needs to make a lasting difference.
