20
Feb
2018
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14
Feb
2018
You Can Change the World
When someone asks you to help them change the world, it feels exciting at the onset and then all of a sudden, daunting. Changing the world can mean many things to...
13
Feb
2018
LOCAL LEADERSHIP, GLOBAL IMPACT
Community Foundations and the Sustainable Development Goals. Community foundations, no matter where in the world they are based, share a major trait: they work with partners in their communities to solve...
07
Feb
2018
Underneath the Same Big Sky
Recently, my six year old son received three sheets of glow-in-the-dark star stickers. We spent an afternoon applying them to the ceiling in his bedroom while he shared everything he...
05
Feb
2018
CAUSE & EFFECT: Keep Dropping Keys
The theme of a recent conference I attended was delivered in the form of a question, “What Drives You?” Throughout the three days I spent with other grant makers and funders...
02
Feb
2018
WSJ: Charity Funds Take Off as Tax Law Reshapes Giving
U.S. taxpayers late last year poured money into charitable-giving vehicles known as donor advised funds that allow immediate deductions and gradual distributions to nonprofits, a sign that the new tax...
02
Feb
2018
CAUSE & EFFECT: January 2018 Issue
Help Us Rearrange the Stars: It's one of our favorite times of the year when our team at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation awards our annual Community Impact Grants to...
31
Jan
2018
No Regrets
I enjoy reading and listening to interviews with famous leaders and CEOs. No matter the media outlet the questions seem to follow a similar pattern and always include the “What...
24
Jan
2018
Let’s Keep Showing Up for Each Other
The plates of cookies and pitchers of fruit-infused water went untouched for weeks. This surprised me as I thought the smell of warm chocolate chip wonders and refreshing thirst quenchers...
23
Jan
2018
Multi-donor LGBT fund awards grant
Multi-donor fund supports unique challenges and opportunities facing local LGBT community The LGBT Community Fund of Southwest Florida, a fund of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, recently awarded $15,000 to Collier...
19
Jan
2018
Southwest Florida Community Foundation grants $539,000 to local nonprofits in annual Community Impact Grants
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation has awarded $539,582.58 to both established and new programs that are designed to increase the quality of life in sustainable and equitable ways for Southwest...
17
Jan
2018
It Only Takes a Spark
I am a Girl Scout and a Boy Scout. I joined the Girl Scouts as a young girl, starting out as a Brownie scout and staying involved all the way through...
12
Jan
2018
Community Foundation to showcase new art exhibit
New exhibit features artwork by five local physicians The Southwest Florida Community Foundation will launch a new art display at its Community Hub in February. Beginning February 2, “Art Doctors” will feature...
10
Jan
2018
RMD from your IRA, Roll with it!
This is a little bit of alphabet soup for you in the new year, but good news nonetheless. First, let’s just say that there are some nice benefits to being...
09
Jan
2018
Community Foundation scholarship application process begins
FAFSA form required for scholarships The Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s scholarship application process for the 2018-2019 school year will begin this month and all scholarships require the Free Application for Federal...
04
Jan
2018
BUSINESS OBSERVER: Move Forward
A successful eight-week push to match a $2.5 million endowment donation has erased worries of a struggle ahead in funding programs and collaborations for a regional technology hub in Fort...
03
Jan
2018
Something About Mary
There was something very special about Mary. She lived to be 96 and during her lifetime she was educated, married a wonderful man, was well-traveled, had children and grandchildren she...
02
Jan
2018
Dare to Dream
There is something about putting a bow on the year passed and getting a fresh start that always makes a new year exciting. It’s a time for imagining new goals...
01
Jan
2018
CAUSE & EFFECT:Stepping Out of the Back Row
I always enjoy watching a crowd stream into a room with unassigned seating. There are normally two distinct groups; the front row people who rush in and claim their spots in...
27
Dec
2017
The end can be a new beginning
As the year comes to an end, we thought it would be a good time to share some stories of local donors (whose names have been changed to protect the...
20
Dec
2017
2017 Could be the Last Year That You’ll Get Tax Savings from Charitable Gifts
During this time of the year at the Community Foundation, our phone is ringing off the hook with people interested in expressing their philanthropy in the smartest, most effective ways....
13
Dec
2017
Sowing Seeds of Kindness Can Render a Great Harvest of Good
by John Sheppard, senior advisor trustee and co-founder, Southwest Florida Community Foundation I grew up Fort Myers in the depths of the Depression. The stock market crashed in 1929, but Florida...
Proposed Tax Changes Need Your Attention NOW
by Christopher R. Hoyt, Professor of Law Univ. of Missouri (Kansas City) School of Law 2017 - THE LAST YEAR THAT I’LL GET TAX SAVINGS FROM MY CHARITABLE GIFTS For many of us,...
06
Dec
2017
Some Things Just Can’t be Automated
It’s tough to have a conversation without checking the Internet. We try to remember movies, facts, dates, and determine the best brand of this or that on a daily basis. ...
01
Dec
2017
CAUSE & EFFECT: We’ve Got Your Back, Southwest Florida
It is a miracle that any of my three children learned to ride a bike. All of them turned out to be great cyclists but can’t assign any of the...
29
Nov
2017
When School is Closed So Is the Kitchen
Our community does an amazing job providing food for hungry people during the holidays. My email inbox and social media feeds explode this time of the year with stories of...
22
Nov
2017
Thanks for Giving
Over the past year the Southwest Florida Community Foundation has sent at least two thousand thank you notes. Every letter we pen, whether electronically or handwritten reminds me of the generosity...
15
Nov
2017
Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s Annual Report now available
More than $5 million granted to community The Southwest Florida Community Foundation released its 2016-2017 Annual Report online at www.floridacommunity.com/annual-report. Since its inception 41 years ago, the Community Foundation has distributed more...
15
Nov
2017
Pull Over or Turn Back for a Great Report
Recently I was traveling on a back road in Northeast Florida that reminded me of car trips with my grandparents. I spent many of my childhood summers with them and...
08
Nov
2017
A Gentle Purposeful Push
Whenever my adult kids travel home for the holidays I can count on at least one conversation with each of them on the topic of why I didn't push them...
07
Nov
2017
CAUSE & EFFECT: Don’t Miss a Chance to Talk Turkey about Philanthropy
In just a few short weeks Southwest Floridians will be gathering around Thanksgiving tables with friends and family. I am in the gratitude business so you can imagine that Thanksgiving is...
05
Nov
2017
Robert Rauschenberg Foundation Announces Grants for Hurricane Irma Relief in Florida
The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation is announcing emergency grants for two Florida organizations to provide support and aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The Foundation donated $25,000 to the Harry...
04
Nov
2017
Southwest Florida Community Foundation announces new $5 million fund for new Collaboratory
Milestone $2.5 million endowment gift by local philanthropists David and Linda Lucas inspires new fund Watch interview with Mr. Lucas by clicking here. FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 1, 2017) – The Southwest...
31
Oct
2017
Mr. Angel Man
I have always known that lessons come from those you least expect. I have experienced it many times in my life so I was surprised how long it took me...
25
Oct
2017
Costume Shop of Causes
At 9 and 6 years old, my kids are fully engaged in Halloween. They imagine their costumes well in advance, constructing a long list of all the things they could...
18
Oct
2017
Pumpkin Spiced Philanthropy
There was a time when the calendar turned to October and I sought out ways to bring a little fall into my South Florida life. Years ago I would seek...
11
Oct
2017
Womens Legacy Fund – Fall 2017 News
Dear WLF Contributors, Prima Donors and Friends. There is no doubt that Hurricane Irma has impacted everyone's schedules but you will be pleased to know that the work of the...
11
Oct
2017
I Want to Find Just the Right, New Words
I had committed to not writing articles about overcoming suffering and difficulties for the next few weeks. I felt like I had used all the words I had about hope...
04
Oct
2017
Dashed Dreams Can Create Beautiful Music
I was enjoying one of the many fantastic performers at the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest last week in downtown Fort Myers, and just about the time I was feeling envious...
02
Oct
2017
CAUSE & EFFECT: The New Normal
I am both anticipating and dreading the restoration of my power and water post Hurricane Irma. The utility companies and linemen have worked tirelessly but I just happen to be...
27
Sep
2017
The Party We Were Happy to be Invited to
Growing up in Southwest Florida, I have always heard about Hurricane parties though I have never been invited to one. I have been lucky to be away at school or...
24
Sep
2017
17
Sep
2017
15
Sep
2017
Southwest Florida Hurricane Irma Relief Fund
Watch the Southwest Florida Hurricane Relief Fund Press Conference....
13
Sep
2017
Hope Fueled by Gasoline, Flashlight and Neighbors
I am writing this one for those of my neighbors in Southwest Florida who are reading this by flashlight. This is being composed on a laptop that was charged via...
13
Sep
2017
Two Sides of Surprise
Some people like surprises, others do not. While I like the idea of surprises, not all surprises are welcome. Not too long ago, I discovered the tile floors in my 1950s...
09
Sep
2017
Relief fund established for victims of Hurricane Irma Launched
100% of contributions will be disbursed to those in need via United Way FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2017) – The Southwest Florida Community Foundation has joined forces with the United...
06
Sep
2017
Everyone is Welcome
by Brandi Couse, Director of Operations and Education, Alliance for the Arts The Alliance for the Arts is many things for many people. For some it is a place to buy...
04
Sep
2017
CAUSE & EFFECT: The Field Trip for Good
“Do you have any travel plans this summer?” This is one of my favorite questions to ask friends and colleagues as I am fascinated by other people’s journeys. It doesn’t matter...
30
Aug
2017
Relief funds established for victims of Southwest Florida Flood and Hurricane Harvey
100% of contributions will be disbursed to organizations directly helping those in need. The Southwest Florida Community Foundation has joined forces to create giving funds to help our local neighbors enduring...