Cape Coral councilwoman, Jennifer Nelson-Lastra, has established The SWFL Hearts for Hill Country Fund at Collaboratory.
The fund supports relief and rebuilding efforts in Kerr County, Texas, following the devastating floods on July 4, 2025. Nelson-Lastra knows many people from Kerr County – and in Southwest Florida – who lost loved ones on that tragic day.
The fund makes it possible to give directly to those who need help the most.
“Though based in Florida, our hearts are with the Hill Country community during this time of crisis,” said Dr. Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of Collaboratory. “Your generosity helps provide critical support to those affected.”
To donate please visit: collaboratory.org/
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 $130 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.
