Partners with Philos Foundation for Community Funding Match
Collaboratory celebrates its golden anniversary with a deep appreciation of its past and a community match to support Southwest Florida’s future.
In 1976, two local attorneys, Tom Smoot and John Sheppard, established the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. Since then, hundreds of philanthropists have contributed millions of dollars to the foundation—now the Collaboratory—and impacted almost every nonprofit across the region.
What began with a $2.5 million gift by Leonard Santini, a local farmer and philanthropist, has evolved into nearly $150 million in awarded grants, with more than $184 million in assets today.
“As we celebrate half a century of giving, we remain inspired by the heart and generosity of a community that consistently shows up for one another,” said Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO, Collaboratory.
In honor of its 50th anniversary, Collaboratory has partnered with the Philos Foundation through a resiliency grant. The Philos Foundation has committed a generous $250,000 gift to support Collaboratory’s work with a matching challenge, doubling the power of each dollar and helping it go further, faster. Funds will be directed to the SWFL Resilience Fund, established to respond to critical needs following natural disasters.
“It’s not just a fund; it’s a commitment,” Belamarich said. “When this community faces disruption, we are ready to move quickly, to fill gaps, to support both immediate recovery and long-term resilience.”
The matching opportunity was recently announced as part of Collaboratory’s anniversary celebration and will remain available through the end of the year.
In addition, Collaboratory recently honored individuals with its John W. Sheppard and Legacy awards.
Robbie Roepstorff was recognized with the John W. Sheppard Award for Selfless Dedication to Humanity for her profound impact and engagement across Southwest Florida. Jesse Daniels received the John W. Sheppard Award for his outstanding volunteer contributions to Collaboratory. Also, Belamarich presented Kim Williams with the Legacy Award in celebration of her years of unwavering professional commitment and lasting impact on both Collaboratory and the broader community.
“The stewards of Collaboratory and the community’s generosity and dedication to Southwest Florida helped shape 50 years of impact—and will continue to guide the next 50,” Belamarich said.
To contribute to the Philos Foundation/Collaboratory Resilience Fund please visit: www.collaboratory.org/50th
Photos: Gary Griffin and Robbie Roepstorff, Jesse Daniels and Dawn Belamarich and Kim Williams.
About Collaboratory
Collaboratory is Southwest Florida’s regional community foundation and convener, committed to coordinating solutions to the region’s most pressing social challenges by 2040. For more than 50 years, we have mobilized philanthropy and stewarded more than $147 million in charitable investments across a five-county region by bringing together nonprofits, education, government, and private-sector partners to drive systems-level change. Through grantmaking, scholarship administration, community research, capacity building, and cross-sector collaboration, we align resources, talent, and data to ensure donor dollars are strategically invested for measurable, lasting impact and a stronger, more resilient Southwest Florida. To learn more and get involved, call 239-274-5900 or visit www.collaboratory.org.
