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...
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...
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...
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...
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation recently added Frederick Moon to its board of trustees....
I enjoy the challenge of navigating a new city, particularly as a solo traveler. I feel empowered when I am able to get from point A to point B on...
I went to a new gym last week. I realize lots of people went back to gyms over the past few weeks as part of a blurry eyed pact they...
The Florida Repertory Theatre’s board of directors recently established a nonprofit agency endowment fund with the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. Established by nonprofit organizations,...
My sister-in-law has a decorative plaque hanging in her house that begs the question, “What if tomorrow you had only the things you gave thanks for today?” Inspirational quotes show up...
More than $500,000 available in grants The Southwest Florida Community Foundation will open its 2016-2017 Community Impact Grant cycle with a call for innovative projects and programs. More than $500,000 is...
by Kelsey Pena, 2016 Florida Fellow, Southwest Florida Community Foundation On Tuesday afternoons, while the Florida sun is beating down and the cicadas are chirping in their never-ending symphony, Diane Nghi...
by Taylor Tringali, 2016 Florida Fellow, Southwest Florida Community Foundation In the eight short weeks of my fellowship with the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, I have been immersed into the world...
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation recently hosted more than 20 of its Women’s Legacy Fund’s Prima Donors for a dinner at its Community Hub. The evening featured dinner conversations exploring housing,...
by Jason Kurek, Champions for Learning “If you know you have the potential to do something, then you need to do it,” says Darchelle Excellent, Champions For Learning Real World Learning...
by Mary C. Schoeffel, Development Director, The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) It is wild baby season! Are you one of the millions who watch YouTube videos of animals,...
by Gina Frazier, iWill Mentorship The youth’s eyes glistened with tears as he passed me in the hallway. Fearing the worst, I hesitantly asked “how’d it go?” He smiled ear to...
by Dr. Debra Mathinos, The Heights Foundation Fifty-six year old Roderick Lee has a past he isn’t proud of, but he’s not shy about saying so. Since 2010 he has been unemployed. ...
by Anjali Van Drie, MA, MSW, BCBA, Vice President Family Initiative, Inc. Every Saturday, a few minutes after 1pm, Dylan comes running in to the gym smiling and giving hugs. After making...
by Janelle Beaber, Director of Project Advancement, New Mission Systems International Two years ago, New Mission Systems International was opening The Fig Leaf Boutique, an upscale, second hand clothing and furniture...
Nearly $250k awarded to organizations providing safety net for Southwest Florida The Southwest Florida Community Foundation and Robert Rauschenberg Foundation announced today that ten local nonprofits will receive $250,000 through their...
This summer, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation is spotlighting the nonprofit organizations funded through the 2016 competitive grant cycle. We have asked our 2016 grantees to send us their stories. ...
More than $675,000 awarded to 107 students through 82 scholarships funds for high-school seniors, and undergraduate and graduate students FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 20, 2016) –The Southwest Florida Community Foundation recently granted...
The Women’s Legacy Fund hosted its Spring luncheon on Thursday, May 12 at Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club exclusively for its WLF contributors and Prima Donors....
Over the past few weeks I have been telling anyone who will listen that it’s great to be 40…again! Those that know me roll their eyes while those who don’t are...
Something special happens when we get together with friends who share a long and common history. It might be high school teammates, college roommates or colleagues we worked with building...
What's Your Word? Every week we will feature one of our Faces of Philanthropy in honor of the Foundation's 40th anniversary. Everyone has something to share in our community. Please engage...
When it comes to anniversaries and birthdays some numbers just seem to be bigger than others. Decade and half decade markers get the most attention and provide fantastic opportunities for...
Congratulations to the Southwest Florida Community Foundation board of trustees and senior advisors celebrating 40 years of philanthropy. The anniversary events were kicked off tonight with the awarding of the...
I grew up in Central Florida, which provided me access to Mickey Mouse, beautiful lakes, fresh oranges on demand and space shuttles. One of my favorite memories is going to Cape...
by John Sheppard, Senior Advisor and Former Trustee, Southwest Florida Community Foundation Paying it back and paying it forward are not the same thing. Paying it back is paying back to a...
8-week Online Educational Program in Entrepreneurship Almost Fully Subscribed FORT MYERS, Fla. – Mar. 11, 2016 - Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Institute for Entrepreneurship announced this week that the FAR-MAR...
The next generation of philanthropists, those who fit into “Gen X” (born 1964-1980) or “Gen Y/Millennial” (born 1981-2000), will wield more philanthropic power than any previous generation, according to Nextgendonors.org....
Most everyone enjoys a beautiful love story. Whether it’s a best selling romance novel or watching an unexpected marriage proposal in a public venue we seem to be inspired by...
I am generally a glass half full type of person. I am a delusional optimist about most everything including my work. A new year caters to this type of thinking,...
More than $500,000 available through 50 scholarships for students seeking post-secondary education The Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s scholarship application process for the 2016-2017 school year will begin on Friday, Jan. 15....
There is no doubt that a New Year gives us plenty of chances to count things down. It seems to begin right around the week before Christmas when we become...
