In preparation for what is sure to be one of the most devastating natural disasters to hit Florida, Collaboratory is opening the Hurricane Milton Relief Fund to collectively help Southwest Florida rebuild, supporting local nonprofits helping individuals needing immediate and long-term resources to recover.
Southwest Florida is expected to experience 125+ mph winds, intense rainfall and a significant storm surge causing catastrophic destruction, massive power outages, and widespread flooding.
Collaboratory is launching the SWFL Emergency Relief Fund in partnership with United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties. Located in Lee County, Collaboratory serves the entire five-county region, including two inland and more rural counties, Hendry and Glades counties, and three coastal counties Charlotte, Lee and Collier, that will be affected by Hurricane Milton. The fund supports Southwest Florida nonprofits helping people and areas of most pressing need. Donors can contribute at collaboratory.org.
“There is only one way through this disaster, and that is working together,” said Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of Collaboratory. “I am grateful for the spirit of collaboration that we share with the hundreds of nonprofits that are responding tirelessly to the many needs of hundreds of thousands of our fellow residents.”
Contributions are tax deductible and will be used to coordinate ongoing relief efforts to help people across the region recover from the impacts of Milton.
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.
