Awards fund leadership and health initiatives
Collaboratory’s Women’s Legacy Fund (WLF) members recently awarded $45,000 to two community-rooted programs at its annual luncheon.
The group granted Healthy Living Collaboration $30,000 as part of a three-year investment and $15,000 to The SWFL Executive Women’s Leadership Program.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to watch this group raise funds for projects that will make a direct impact on wellness and professional partnerships across our community,” said Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of Collaboratory.
Healthy Living Collaboration unites four departments from the School District of Lee County and a diverse network of cross-sector partners to establish and sustain impactful school garden programs. As a result, there are about 80 school gardens spread throughout elementary, middle and high schools in Lee County. These range from small pollinator habitats to full-scale hydroponic and aquaponic systems. During the past school year, school gardens produced nearly 11,000 pounds of produce and saved roughly $25,000 for school kitchens.
Last year WLF members provided $65,000 and will commit one more year of support.
The school garden program has reduced food insecurities among students and grown healthier minds, stronger communities, and created future leaders.
The WLF membership also awarded $15,000 to the SWFL Executive Women’s Leadership Program. This new initiative, incubated by the Collaboratory, empowers women leaders to connect from a variety of sectors for mentorship and collaboration. The one-year initiative creates long-term servant leaders and provides ongoing support.
Since 2008, WLF has awarded more than $432,000 to improve communities in Southwest Florida. They strive to increase the power women possess to strengthen their communities through philanthropic giving; educate women and the community on current issues and philanthropic strategies; and inspire women to be leaders in philanthropy.
For more information on membership and to join this collective, inspiring group of women, visit www.collaboratory.org/
