Suncoast Storytellers

Preserving the Art of Spoken Word Storytelling

SUPPORT US

Suncoast Storytellers

Preserving the Art of Spoken Word Storytelling

FOR FUNDERS & DONORS

Why Stories Matter to Tampa Bay

Too many stories in Tampa Bay are never heard—especially from children, elders, and those on the margins.

Suncoast Storytellers changes that by using live storytelling and oral history to boost literacy, deepen empathy, and create spaces where every voice belongs.

Your grants and donations fuel a volunteer-driven nonprofit, keeping programs low-cost or free and opening the door to communities that might otherwise be overlooked.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Engage children and teens in live Zoom storytelling sessions that build reading confidence, public speaking skills, and imagination. Participants are encouraged to share their own stories, listen to peers, and grow as confident young speakers in a safe, supportive online space.

SENIORS

Empower older adults to share life stories through weekly oral‑history circles and open‑mic sessions that reduce isolation and preserve local history. Participants gain meaningful social connection while their memories are recorded and passed on to younger generations.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Connect families with Tampa Bay theaters, libraries, museums, and festivals to experience storytelling events that celebrate Florida’s diverse history and folklore. These collaborations expand access to high‑quality arts experiences and help preserve the community’s cultural heritage for future generations.

How Your Grant or Donation Is Invested

Your grants and donations fuel a volunteer-driven nonprofit,
keeping programs low-cost or free. Here’s where support goes:

  • Stipends for storytellers and teaching artists leading youth and senior programs
  • Venue, accessibility, and technical costs for shows and our annual festival
  • Outreach and transportation support enabling low-income and mobility-limited participants to attend

Who We Are

Suncoast Storytellers is led by a founder with a decade of community growth experience, an Executive Director, and a diverse board of journalists, policy leaders, educators, and artists. We operate as a 100% volunteer-led guild, with board and committee members donating time and expertise.

ROSS TARR, Founder / Artistic Director

“Every story teaches a lesson. It’s storytelling, not story reading.” Ross has grown the guild from monthly living-room gatherings to a thriving 30+ event annual calendar across four counties.

JIM KISSANE, Executive Director

Head of daily operations, event organization, and member development. “Here to make sure everyone gets to share their magic.”

Board & Leadership Team

Four board members with backgrounds in journalism, government, storytelling, and community affairs, plus Membership Chair and Community Affairs Council lead. View full bios at our Leadership page.

Accountability & Partners

  • 501(c)(3) Status: Registered nonprofit serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Manatee Counties (EIN 87-4716092)
  •  GuideStar / Candid Profile: View our nonprofit profile
  • Community Partnerships: Sunshine Center, Tampa Theatre, Safety Harbor Art and Music Center, local libraries, museums, and nature parks
  • External Recognition: Press coverage in The Gabber, WUSF community calendar, Meetup and Eventbrite event listings

OUR REACH (Metrics)

Hundreds of Children and Seniors Engaged

Programs that build reading confidence and reduce isolation

30+ Guild Events
Each Year

Story Swaps, workshops, shows and an annual Festival across Tampa Bay

Community Driven

Volunteer-powered, with partners across the region

Ready to Support the Stories?

Whether you represent a foundation, corporation, or are an individual major donor,
your support fuels programs that keep storytelling accessible, inclusive,
and transformative across Tampa Bay.

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