Collaboratory recently distributed two grants for emergency relief to local United Way organizations.
The United Way of Charlotte received $3,218 from the Gulfshore Strong fund supported by WINK News and its viewers.
The United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee received a grant of $68,913.39, which included generous donations from the Florida Blue Foundation and others from the Southwest Florida community.
These grants are in addition to $10,208.70 that was previously distributed to the Community Foundation of North Florida after Hurricane Helene
“We are so thankful for the kindness of our business partners and community citizens after the devastating storms of 2024,” said Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of Collaboratory. “The spirit of collaboration continues to be well and alive from corporations, nonprofits and private citizens that responded to the many needs of hundreds of thousands of our fellow residents.”
All contributions are tax deductible and used to coordinate ongoing relief efforts to help people across the region recovering from the impacts of recent hurricanes.
“At Florida Blue Foundation, we’re committed to supporting the well-being of our communities, especially in times of need,” said Susan Towler, executive director, Florida Blue Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with Collaboratory and other local organizations to provide relief and support to our neighbors as they recover and rebuild after the destructive storms of 2024.”
ABOUT COLLABORATORY
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. To learn more and get involved, call 239-274-5900 or visit www.collaboratory.org.
