Collaboratory

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Collaboratory As Southwest Florida's community foundation, Collaboratory empowers regional partners to create a community where everyone can thrive.
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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 to organizations that are helping solve the problems our donors and the community have identified as priorities. Collaboratory also provides capacity building with training and resources for regional partners. 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.

10/22/2026

We’re excited to announce that applications are now open for Collaboratory’s Community Impact Micro Rural Grant! 👏

Up to 8 organizations will receive grants of up to $5,000 each for community-driven projects that strengthen health and well-being in Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties. Applicants may request any amount up to $5,000 based on their project’s needs.

These grants support projects that address local challenges and take meaningful steps toward lasting impact—by addressing root causes, reducing barriers, or strengthening the partnerships and resources needed for broader change.

Projects should align with at least one of Collaboratory’s system-level indicators across any of its coalitions, including those addressing needs beyond health and wellness.

📆 Deadline to apply: November 13, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Learn more and apply ➡️ Collaboratory.org/Grantmaking

Want to make a real impact in our Southwest Florida community? Work with us at Collaboratory! đź’ĽWe're hiring a Controller...
10/21/2026

Want to make a real impact in our Southwest Florida community? Work with us at Collaboratory! đź’Ľ

We're hiring a Controller to join our accounting team to oversee the financial reporting, accounting operations, and internal controls while supporting Collaboratory's mission of solving major social problems in Southwest Florida. ✍️

If you have experience and a passion for accounting principles, financial software, budgeting, and our community, this could be the right fit for you!

Apply today! ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x6zVY

Celebrating 50 Years of Connection & Impact at our Community Cookout on October 30th from 4-6 PM! 🍔Join us for our 50th ...
10/20/2026

Celebrating 50 Years of Connection & Impact at our Community Cookout on October 30th from 4-6 PM! 🍔

Join us for our 50th Anniversary Community Cookout, a fun-filled gathering featuring food, music, activities, and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends, neighbors, and community partners.

For five decades, Collaboratory has been bringing people together, inspiring generosity, building partnerships, and creating lasting impact across Southwest Florida.

Whether you've been part of our journey for years or are just getting to know Collaboratory, this celebration is for YOU! Come celebrate our history and the future we're building together!

RSVP here ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x6yin

10/19/2026

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? đź§—

Join us at Collaboratory on October 22 from 5:30-7:30 for this free event with a presentation from Dr. Gary Josephson, author of Ordinary to Extraordinary: Seven Principles of Life Success. đź“–

There's still time to sign up but spots are limited, RSVP today: https://brnw.ch/21x6ws3

There are leadership programs. And then there are rooms you remember. đź’­The women around the table are a valuable part of...
10/19/2026

There are leadership programs. And then there are rooms you remember. đź’­

The women around the table are a valuable part of the Southwest Florida Executive Women's Leadership Program. It is selective by design, and fewer than 20 women leaders will be considered for the 2027 cohort.

This opportunity is a cross-industry cohort that brings new perspectives, candid moments, peer learning, and relationship-building through bi-weekly sessions held at Collaboratory from January to May 2027.

Want to learn more? Visit our website here ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x6vXD

The final Impact Lab is almost here, and we saved the best for last. 🙌Impact Lab II is designed as an advanced office ho...
10/16/2026

The final Impact Lab is almost here, and we saved the best for last. 🙌

Impact Lab II is designed as an advanced office hours program for nonprofits. Bring your active projects, draft concepts, or implementation plans and walk away with real clarity on what to prioritize, test, or let go from an expert’s perspective.

Expect facilitated reflection, targeted feedback, and practical guidance tailored to where you actually are right now.

📅 October 28 | 12:00–3:00 PM
📍 2031 Jackson St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
đź”— Register: https://collaboratory.org/event/impact-lab-ii/

📆 Mark Your Calendar! The Collaboratory Scholarships Program Application Opens November 2, 2026! 🎓 Thanks to the generos...
10/15/2026

📆 Mark Your Calendar! The Collaboratory Scholarships Program Application Opens November 2, 2026! 🎓

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, over $1.5 million in scholarships was awarded to students across Southwest Florida during our 2026 scholarship cycle!

Now it's time to get ready for the next opportunity! 🎉

With just one application, graduating high school seniors, current undergraduate and graduate students, and adult learners in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties can be considered for over 170 scholarship opportunities!

✨ Your future starts with opportunity. Start preparing today!

Learn more about what you'll need to apply: https://brnw.ch/21x6rjZ

We're proud to celebrate April E. Mesa's fifth anniversary as Regional Systems Coordinator for the FutureMakers Coalitio...
10/14/2026

We're proud to celebrate April E. Mesa's fifth anniversary as Regional Systems Coordinator for the FutureMakers Coalition at Collaboratory! 🎉

April has helped advance collaborative efforts that strengthen education and workforce outcomes across Southwest Florida. Through FutureMakers Coalition's work in early learning and K-12 success, she helps support system-level solutions that prepare residents for high-demand, high-wage careers while improving economic mobility and quality of life throughout our region.

We're grateful for April's dedication, leadership, and passion for creating opportunities that help individuals, families, and communities thrive.

Interested in learning more about FutureMakers Coalition and its work across Southwest Florida? Connect with April:
📞 239-333-4181
đź“§ [email protected]

Join us in congratulating April on five incredible years of service and impact! 👏

10/13/2026

Join our Men's Legacy Fund Collective on October 15 from 5:30-7:30 for an evening of networking, smoked BBQ, and meaningful connection. 🔥

Together, this group of local leaders is building relationships and investing in a stronger future for Southwest Florida, with a focus on supporting our Veterans and First Responders.

Come hungry because this event will be hosted by Jay Johnson of Bubba's Roadhouse & Saloon. 🍖 Bring a friend, have fun, and support your community.

Space is limited. RSVP today ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x6nIG

Applications are now open for Collaboratory’s Community Impact Micro Rural Grant! 🙌Up to 8 organizations will receive gr...
10/13/2026

Applications are now open for Collaboratory’s Community Impact Micro Rural Grant! 🙌

Up to 8 organizations will receive grants of up to $5,000 each to support community-driven projects that strengthen health and well-being in Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties. Applicants may request less than $5,000 based on their project’s needs.

We’re looking for projects that address local priorities and take meaningful steps toward lasting impact—by addressing root causes, reducing barriers, or strengthening community partnerships.

Projects should align with at least one of Collaboratory’s Health & Wellness, Community Infrastructure, or FutureMakers Coalition system-level indicators. 💪

đź“… Applications close November 13, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Apply today ➡️ Collaboratory.org/Grantmaking

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

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