With a career that spans decades in the community development nonprofit sector, John Corbett has dedicated his life to improving lives and fostering resilient communities while addressing critical social challenges. As the founder of the Corbett Foundation John is committed to trust-based philanthropy, an innovative approach emphasizing transparency, partnership, and the empowerment of grantees by viewing grant making from their perspective, thereby addressing the inherent imbalance of power in relationships and ensuring a more efficient and sustainable impact.
John’s steadfast commitment to helping others through community development and civic engagement made him a pivotal figure in Palm Beach County Florida. His passion for community development ignited in the 1980s, when he partnered with renowned urban planner William Finley. Finley formed Housing Partnership, a nonprofit community development corporation, and solicited John to serve as a board member.
John’s leadership came at critical moments for Housing Partnership. In 1991, facing near-insolvency, John stepped in as CEO. Guided by his innate sense of stewardship he rebuilt the organization from the ground up, securing critical funding and leveraging strategic relationships to stabilize and expand its impact. Under John’s stewardship, Housing Partnership became a chartered affiliate of NeighborWorks America in 1996, a national initiative promoting neighborhood revitalization and affordable housing where it remains a highly regarded member today.
In 2001, John’s expertise was called upon once again when he was asked to take the helm of Parent Child Center, a community mental health center for children at substantial risk of closure. He successfully stabilized the agency and ultimately merged Housing Partnership and Parent Child Center into Community Partnership Group (now known as Community Partners of South Florida: www.cpsfl.org ). This merger united housing and community development with social and mental health services, ensuring comprehensive support for families in need. He continues as Founder and President Emeritus of CPSFL and is actively engaged in its ongoing success as both mentor of executive leadership and funder.
With the Corbett Foundation he is continuing his life’s work, emphasizing the profound impact of helping one family, one child, and one community at a time. His tenacity, courage, and vision continue to inspire all who strive to make a difference.
