Clubhouse Rebuilding Frequently Asked Questions
Have more Questions?
We'd love to hear from you! Please email our Commodore at commodore@dunedinboatclub.org
What Can I Do to Help Get Us a New Clubhouse?
Your support—big or small—makes all the difference. Here’s how you can jump in:
What is the Dunedin Boat Club’s Purpose for the Dunedin Community?
- Our mission is to develop a sense of community and friendship grounded in the traditions begun by the Club’s founders in 1929. We are committed to promoting boating lifestyle, preserving Club traditions and nurturing lasting friendships; we strive to advocate for the protection and enjoyment of our precious waterways for generations to come.
- Our Charter is to encourage, sponsor and promote safe boating, sailing and yachting and to support the protection of the environment; foster fellowship of members through boating and social activities.
Why Are Members Donating to a Building Fund Instead of the City Paying for It?
- City funding alone would make this a public building, limiting our control and access. The building would become a public building just like a library or any other public building, without the rights to use the facility freely, have key access, hang burgees from the rafters, or plaques on the walls.
- Member donations are voluntary, but vital. Without member support, we face years of delay waiting for City funding. The City does not have a budget allocated to replace the building. It would take several years for the City to allocate budgeted funds. In the meantime, we would have no facility to operate from.
- By sharing the costs with the City, we secure a 50-year lease for $1/year, and maintain operational control of the facility.
- In addition to the building, funds may also cover furnishings and equipment lost in the storm.
- Donors have the choice of directing their donations toward the construction of the building, or toward building amenities needed after construction.
Why is there so little money from insurance or FEMA?
- The City did not have replacement cost insurance on the building. The City received $80,000 for the depreciated value of the building and have allocated those funds toward the total cost of replacement.
- If additional FEMA funds should become available, they could take years to arrive and there is no guarantee any of those funds would be allocated to the boat club. Even if they are, we can’t put our club on hold for that long.
Why Are We Sharing the New Building with Other Groups?
- We’ve always shared our building with groups like DYSA, Windlasses, Sea Scouts, and others.
- Many of their members are also Boat Club members.
- It is also hoped that the members of those organizations also choose to donate toward the construction of the new building so that they have a facility to operate from.
Are Other Organizations Contributing?
- Windlasses, DYSA, and Sailability will encourage their members, parents, and other interested parties to donate and participate in the fundraising efforts.
- As 501(c)(3) organizations, DYSA and Sailability cannot donate directly to the DBC as an organization, but can inspire contributions from other groups.
What is the City contributing?
- As of July 2025 the City has committed $150,000 plus the cost of two public restrooms on the ground floor.
- Negotiations are on-going with the City. Final negotiations will be completed when all MOUs are completed.
Why Haven’t We Started Fundraising Yet?
To date (July 2025), your Bridge and Board have been hard at work creating a plan to achieve our fundraising goal. Some of the activities have included:
- Creating tax-deductible and non-deductible donation paths.
- Preparing member mailings.
- Preparing individual and corporate marketing materials.
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Applying for grants from foundations and government agencies.
o Update July 30,2025: The City Aid to Organization subcommittee has recommended a grant of $4,000 to the DBC be approved by the City Commission for FY26.
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Planning major fundraising drives for when the snowbirds return.
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We are awaiting final City approvals of our building reconstruction project “Letter of Intent” before launching our largest fundraising campaigns.
What Is Our Fundraising Goal?
We estimate the total cost of construction of the new facility will be around $800K. Our goal is expected to be achieved from the following mix of sources:
When Will Construction Begin?
- The city’s requirement is that all funding must be in place before work starts.
- Our goal is to raise our share by January 31, 2027.
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Combined with the City’s share of the funding, the project could be placed on the City’s FY28 budget which starts on July 1, 2027.
Begin construction in the 2’nd half of 2027, and finish in spring 2028, in time for DBC’s 100th Anniversary in 2029.
Why Use the Pinellas Community Foundation (PCF) for Tax-Deductible Donations?
- PCF is a trusted 501(c)(3), headquartered in Pinellas County with decades of experience managing charitable funds in Pinellas County. As an example, they were used for the Gladys Douglas Preserve fundraising effort.
- PCF provides tax benefits, oversight, and ensures that funds are used as intended.
Won’t the City’s Construction Cost Be Higher?
- Possibly—but the City can buy materials tax-free and potentially offset higher costs associated with a City construction contract.
What is Our Agreement with the City?
We have drafted a Letter of Intent with the City for this project. The LOI must be approved by the City Commission.
Key provisions of the LOI are:
- The City will provide DBC a 50-year lease at $1/year
- DBC will manage the daily operations and schedules for the facility
- The City will own and maintain the building post-construction
- We expect to have a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding with the City prior to commencement of construction.
- UPDATE Aug. 12, 2025: The LOI is scheduled for vote by the City Commission on Sept. 4, 2025.
What if the Building Isn’t Built in 5 Years??
- Tax-deductible PCF donations can’t be refunded but will go to similar community projects. For that reason, it may be advisable to make a binding pledge to this fund as opposed to a direct donation. Contact a Board member for more information on how to do this.
- Non-deductible Club donations could be returned if funds remain after expenses. Funds donated to the non-deductible Capital Improvement Fund on the club’s website may be spent however the general membership approves (building, furniture, appliances, etc.) or they may be reimbursed to the donors. There is no guarantee that all the funds donated could be returned to the donors as fundraising expenses may have been withdrawn from this fund even if the building is not constructed.
Will Members be Assessed for Costs?
- All contributions are voluntary. We do not plan to assess members to cover any construction costs or fundraising expenses.
- Additional funds are welcome and will likely be needed to cover any unexpected cost overruns or future furniture and cabinetry.
How Much Should I Donate?
- Only you can answer this question. We ask you to go with your heart and give what you can. Think of the legacy we have created and will be leaving behind, not just for DBC but for the entire Dunedin community.
- Every dollar counts and is greatly appreciated. We are asking members to donate what they can afford and feel is appropriate
- Consider monthly giving. Both the Club’s Capital Improvement Fund and the tax-deductible Pinellas Community Foundation Fund offer the opportunity to make monthly donations that can add up quickly. $20 or $50 per month over 18 months makes a BIG impact.
- Your donation encourages others to donate. We are hoping our donations help to inspire broad participation from the community and to attract larger donations and pledges.
Will DBC Still Have Activities Without a Building?
- Absolutely! Paddling, cruising, racing, book club, and social events continue at local venues, as will our annual Christmas Party and Change of Watch. Stay connected through General Meetings at the VFW or Community Center and the club calendar list of events.
Can I Donate Anonymously?
- Yes, both the Capital Improvement Fund and the PCF Dunedin Boat Club and Sailing Center Fund have an option to donate anonymously to protect your privacy.
What Is Each Member’s Call To Action?
This is our moment to secure the Dunedin Boat Club’s next 100 years!
- Volunteer, spread the word, and make your donation today.
- Together, we’ll raise the walls of a new clubhouse that will serve generations of boaters and friends for the next 100 years!
