- June 22, 2025
$1 million over five years.
That's how much Ormond Beach philanthropists Larry and Andrew Frank have contributed to the community, through championing endowments, grant awards and donations to local causes.
In honor of their investment into the community, the Community Foundation and United Way of Voluusia-Flagler Counties inducted the Franks on Wednesday, May 28, at Temple Beth-El, as the newest members of the 1941 Society, which is the local collection of Million Dollar Roundtable members. Only one other local couple, Preston and Lynn Root, have been inducted in the past.
Larry Frank said he and Andrea felt overwhelmed about the recognition. They hadn't heard about the Million Dollar Roundtable until the Roots were inducted last year.
"Andrea and I were just blown away," Larry said. "It was just the nicest thing that's ever been done for me."
The Million Dollar Roundtable is a nationwide collective that honors families and individuals whose cumulative philanthropic investment exceeds $1 million, according to a press release from the Community Foundation and United Way.
Over the past five years, the Franks have awarded over $980,000 in more than 90 grants through their donor-advised fund, as well as contributed financially to local causes including food insecurity, housing, health care, education and crisis relief.
“They are two of the most generous, kind, and visionary philanthropists I have ever worked with,” said Courtney Edgcomb, president and CEO of the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler in the press release. “Their passion is infectious, their leadership is inspiring, and their commitment to the well-being of others will impact lives for generations to come.”
Larry said he believes United Way and the Community Foundation is the most efficient and productive way to support local nonprofits. He and his wife try to find 501c3 organizations that serve families in need, and whose operations can be scaled to serve more families or replicated in other neighborhoods.
As federal and state grants dwindle, Larry said alternative sources of revenue must be fond for nonprofits, and as such, they try to find areas of revenue that appeal to and attract new donors, encouraging endowments and legacy giving.
"The real story is the work of the Community Foundation which attracts donors by offering services that appeal to donors," he said. "These services aren’t just for donors with great wealth. They are for donors that may make charitable donations of $10,000 or more over a period of 3-5 years."
Teresa Smith, executive director and founder of Volusia County Women Who Care, said in the press release that the Franks "exemplify what it means to lead with generosity and heart."
"Their inclusion in the Million Dollar Roundtable is a well-deserved recognition of a lifetime of giving that has uplifted countless lives across our community," Smith said. "Their philanthropy has not only inspired others but created a legacy of impact that will benefit Volusia County for years to come.”
Giving back, Larry said, is "just the right thing to do" if you have the ability.
There are over 4,000 501c3s in Volusia County, Frank said, and there are probably a couple hundred that fit his criteria for donations. The Community Foundation and United Way can help him find those organizations.
And, if he can get others to collaborate on the effort, that's an added incentive.
"I know I can't solve every problem and help every family," Larry said. "But whatever resources I have, I want them to go as far as possible."
To learn more about passion funds, and the Community Foundation and United Way, visit foundation.unitedwayvfc.org.
