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Collaboratory is a Community Foundation uniting Southwest Florida to solve major social challenges by 2040.

By uniting donors and partners, we address workforce, housing, and health challenges to maximize impact across Southwest Florida.

 

The Collaboratory building is a place to connect the community and work toward positive change.

Coalitions are working to increase graduation rates, expand workforce housing and transform Southwest Florida into one of the healthiest communities in the nation.

 

Scholarships Program

Scholarships offered through Collaboratory provide vital financial support to students in Southwest Florida who are pursuing education and skills that align with the region’s most in-demand careers.

 

FutureMakers Coalition

Through collaborative partnerships, FutureMakers Coalition leverages collective impact strategies to advance system-level solutions that improve education and workforce outcomes across Southwest Florida, strengthening economic mobility and overall quality of life.

 

Community Infrastructure Coalition

Through collaborative partnerships, the Community Infrastructure Coalition leverages collective impact strategies to advance system-level solutions that improve community infrastructure outcomes across Southwest Florida, ensuring that every individual can experience a high quality of life supported by accessible, sustainable, and resilient communities.

 

The Health & Wellness Coalition

The Health and Wellness Coalition is a collective impact initiative working to help transform Southwest Florida to be among the healthiest communities in the nation by exceeding the 90th percentile for Health Indicators (Length of life and Quality of life) in our region by 2040.

1.2
awarded to scholars though 177 scholarships
132
in grants awarded to the SWFL community
480
Donor funds targeting specific interests

How We Do It

At Collaboratory, we focus on addressing the root causes of the social challenges facing Southwest Florida by bringing people and organizations together around shared goals. We support partnerships and collaborative projects, help align efforts across the community, and measure progress so we can learn what works. Through grants, leadership development, and hands-on support, we help our community move from good intentions to meaningful, lasting impact.

Donors

We can’t do it without the generous contributions from our donors.

Nonprofit Partners

Our nonprofit partners align resources, and drive lasting impact across Southwest Florida.

Professional Advisors

We work with professional advisors to help their clients achieve meaningful philanthropic goals.

In The News

Jordan’s Blessings Provides 10th Year of Community Giving

Jordan’s Blessings Provides 10th Year of Community Giving

A decade after a horrific tragedy, Jordan’s Blessings continues to honor Jordan Ashley Gutheim’s life and spirit. This month, the…
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GULFSHORE BUSINESS: Collaboratory earns state grant for career pathways

GULFSHORE BUSINESS: Collaboratory earns state grant for career pathways

Collaboratory, based in Fort Myers, was selected for the Talent Strong Florida High-Value Pathways Initiative, receiving $50,000 over 18 months.…
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Collaboratory Celebrates 50 years of Supporting Southwest Florida

Collaboratory Celebrates 50 years of Supporting Southwest Florida

Partners with Philos Foundation for Community Funding Match Collaboratory celebrates its golden anniversary with a deep appreciation of its past…
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NEWS-PRESS: Collaboratory’s golden anniversary: 50 eventful years of supporting SWFL

NEWS-PRESS: Collaboratory’s golden anniversary: 50 eventful years of supporting SWFL

Fifty years ago, Collaboratory was founded on generosity. In 1976, two visionary leaders, Tom Smoot and John Sheppard, came together…
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Upcoming Events

  • Sep
    30
    2026

    Impact Skills Series: How Will We Make It Happen?

    Remember in Finding Nemo when they’re told by those sassy fish, “When you get to the trench, swim through it…not over it.” That trench…

  • Oct
    28
    2026

    Impact Lab II

    This final Impact Lab is designed as advanced office hours focused on refinement, decision-making, and next steps. Participants bring their active projects, draft concepts,…