Collaboratory

Collaboratory linktr.ee/collaboratorySWFL Collaboratory also provides capacity building with training and resources for regional partners.
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Collaboratory is a regional community foundation with an evolved mission committed to coordinating the solving of Southwest Florida’s major social problems by 2040. Not alone, but with everyone—the entire community working together across all five counties: Lee, Hendry, Glades, Charlotte and Collier. Collaboratory provides community leadership, raises and coordinates funding, and disburses funds t

o organizations that are helping solve the problems our donors and the community have identified as priorities. Given the complexities of the social challenges in our region, Collaboratory ensures we are all working together and that every generous donor achieves the biggest impact with their funds. By using and sharing data to track progress, we ensure that donor dollars are best invested to move the needle on improving social issues. Connection and collaboration are at the heart of our mission. Since 1976, we have made over $120 million in grants to individuals and organizations across the region to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. It is upon that legacy of a commitment to community we will collectively achieve our 2040 goal.

Today, we're celebrating a special milestone: Dawn Belamarich's three-year anniversary as President & CEO of Collaborato...
09/05/2026

Today, we're celebrating a special milestone: Dawn Belamarich's three-year anniversary as President & CEO of Collaboratory! 👏

Dawn's passion for building a stronger Southwest Florida shines through in everything she does. Whether she's connecting with community partners, supporting philanthropists, or helping guide bold initiatives, she leads with purpose and a deep commitment to making our region the best place to live, learn, work, and thrive.

If you'd like to connect with Dawn and learn more about Collaboratory's work in our community:
📞 239-274-5900
📧 [email protected]

Please join us in congratulating Dawn on three incredible years!

Next week, we’ll host the September Grant Writing Community of Practice: Budgets That Make Sense to Funders.This class b...
09/04/2026

Next week, we’ll host the September Grant Writing Community of Practice: Budgets That Make Sense to Funders.

This class breaks down the fundamentals of nonprofit budgeting in simple, practical language. You’ll learn the difference between program and organizational budgets, direct and indirect costs, and how to align expenses with measurable impact. We’ll also address sustainability, surplus planning, and how weak budgets can damage strong proposals.

🕑 September 10 | 2–3 PM | In-person + Zoom
🔗 Register by visiting: https://collaboratory.org/events/list/?tribe_filterbar_events_virtual=all

Is your organization seeking lasting, memorable change across Southwest Florida? Do you have the creativity, expertise, ...
08/31/2026

Is your organization seeking lasting, memorable change across Southwest Florida? Do you have the creativity, expertise, and drive, but just need financial support? Now may be your chance to bring that dream to life. 🌟

If your project addresses one of these focus areas, we encourage you to apply for Collaboratory's Community Impact Grant:

🚙 Housing & Transportation Affordability
🍎 Food Environment Score
📲 Percentage of Residents with Access to High-Speed Internet

One nonprofit, college, or university will receive $50,000 to support their innovative project.

Applications close October 5 at 5 p.m.
Get started today ➡️ https://collaboratory.org/grantmaking/

08/28/2026

Our Grant Writing Workshops provide nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity with the resources they need to find funding that makes an impact. 🌟

At our next workshop, we will talk about how to build a realistic, strategic budget that strengthens funding requests and increases credibility with grant reviewers.

Want to stop by? Join us at the Collaboratory on September 10 from 2-3PM. RSVP today ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x5hXf

08/27/2026

This , we wanted to tell you how Collaboratory can manage your legacy and endowment funds to support a charitable mission you're passionate about.

If you have not written your will and need help getting an endowment started, you can call Gina Dengler, Director of Philanthropic Giving at Collaboratory, at 239-333-4171. 📞

Meet David Collins, one of our newest board members with more than 35 years of experience serving the Southwest Florida ...
08/26/2026

Meet David Collins, one of our newest board members with more than 35 years of experience serving the Southwest Florida residential lending market.

A residential mortgage banker since 1991, David helps clients navigate the home-financing process with confidence and align mortgage solutions with their long-term financial goals.

Beyond a successful career, David is passionate about giving back to the community and currently serves on the Lee Health Board in Fort Myers.

We're grateful for David's expertise and leadership on our board. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion in support of our mission!

Applications are now open for Collaboratory's Community Impact Grant! 🌟One nonprofit, college, or university will receiv...
08/24/2026

Applications are now open for Collaboratory's Community Impact Grant! 🌟

One nonprofit, college, or university will receive $50,000 to support an innovative project that creates lasting, measurable change across Southwest Florida.

This funding opportunity is made possible by generous Field of Interest Fund donors who are committed to strengthening our communities throughout Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties.

We're seeking bold, collaborative projects that address the root causes of community challenges in one of these focus areas:

🏠 Housing & Transportation Affordability
🥗 Food Environment Score
💻 Percentage of Residents with Access to High-Speed Internet

If your organization has an innovative solution capable of creating systems-level change, we encourage you to apply.

Applications close October 5th at 5 p.m.

Apply today: Collaboratory.org/Grantmaking

We were proud to be part of Mission Possible 2: The Power of Purpose, hosted by the Above Board Chamber of Florida! 💥The...
08/21/2026

We were proud to be part of Mission Possible 2: The Power of Purpose, hosted by the Above Board Chamber of Florida! 💥

The one-day summit offered an incredible lineup of educational sessions and perspectives designed to strengthen our region’s leaders and organizations.

Our CEO, Dawn Bellamarich, was honored to take the stage as one of 17 dynamic speakers, sharing insights on Authentic Leadership and the importance of leading with purpose, integrity, and intention. 👏

We’re grateful to the Above Board Chamber of Florida for creating a space where leaders can connect, grow, and inspire one another. We’re proud to have been part of it!

Address

2031 Jackson Street
Fort Myers, FL
33901

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(239) 274-5900

Website

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