Who We Are

Since 1976, we have partnered with donors to distribute more than $120M to the community. We are committed to bringing Southwest Florida together to solve all of our major social problems by 2040. Achieving this mission will require us to align impact to change systems which will improve regional outcomes.

Because we are entrusted with our donors’ philanthropic funds, our first priority as a community foundation is responsible stewardship of these gifts. We are diligent at managing donor funds, guiding investments with oversight from our board of directors and finance committee, adhering to strict investment policies with an eye on long-term growth, keeping donor intent, and granting with the greatest return on investment in our community.

Fifty-two years ago J. Tom Smoot, Jr. created what would become Collaboratory, and continues to serve with us to this day

As early as 1969, together with representatives of the three local banks with trust departments, Tom began the task of creating a community foundation for the Southwest Florida area. Because the IRS regulations affecting community foundations had not been developed, the Foundation would not come into formal existence until 1976.

John Sheppard formally co-founded us with Tom in 1976

John, Tom and a small group of civic leaders founded the Southwest Florida Community Foundation in 1976. He was a trustee for 31 years, serving in the position of President twice and on many committees. John was beloved and well-known in the community as a humanitarian who devotes his life to helping others. He epitomized the idea put forth by President Kennedy that, “One person can make a difference, and every person should try.”

Three years later Leonard Santini, a local potato farmer, fisherman and shopping center developer and client of John Sheppard, willed his shopping center to the Foundation, along with a deferred gift to pay out after the death of the last beneficiary. After his death, the sale of the shopping center netted a $2.5 million gift.

The Santini Fund has provided scholarships to scores of students, funded building programs at schools, constructed a mental health center, and given start-up funds for numerous nonprofit programs. Several decades later, the Santini Fund contributed a $350,000 challenge grant to assure the Children’s Hospital Pediatric Specialists would remain in Lee County when its underwriters left.

Tom was born in Fort Myers and attended the University of Florida, where he obtained his BSBA and law degrees. He practiced law full time for 46 years, and served as one of the Foundation’s early Chairmen. Tom’s civic contributions extend well beyond the Foundation. He was Director and President of the Chamber of Commerce, a Salvation Army Advisory Board member, Chairman of the Edison Ford Winter Estates, President of the Lee County Bar Association, a member of the First United Methodist Church and a Trustee of the Charles Edison Fund.

Tom is semi-retired now. He serves “of Counsel” at his son’s law firm. He’s the author of “The Edisons of Fort Myers: Discoveries of the Heart,” and lectures on the subject at the Edison Ford Winter Estates and to other groups in the area. Tom is the recipient of the John W. Sheppard Award for Selfless Dedication to Humanity, the American Red Cross Clara Barton Award and the Uncommon Friends Honorary Lifetime Member Award.

John’s family roots in Florida went back three generations to the 1880s. Born in Lee County, Florida, he attended Fort Myers High School and went on to the University of Florida in Gainesville to earn his bachelor’s and law degrees. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for two years and then joined his father and uncle in their downtown Fort Myers law firm, where he became one of Southwest Florida’s foremost estate planning attorneys.

John was President of the Lee County Bar Association, Chairman of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, Chairman of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee and a member of the Second District Court of Appeals Judicial Nominating Commissions. He was granted the highest rating given by the International Martindale Hubbell Law Directory for each of the years from 1965-1992.

John’s humanitarian contributions to the community have been inspirational. He was President of the American Cancer Society, President of the Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, an Elder and Chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee of the First Presbyterian Church, and an Elder at the Covenant Presbyterian Church and Pilgrims Church. He received the American Red Cross of Lee County Humanitarian Award and — perhaps most impressive and symbolic — he had given over 30 gallons of blood since 1951.

In retirement, John wrote and published books and authored articles for the University of Florida Law Review, Florida Bar Journal. John was also a wonderful poet. View John’s poetry here.

John passed away in 2022. John is survived by his wife, Ellen and two sons: John, Jr. (deceased); Andrew; a daughter, Sandra; and 11 grandchildren, all located in the Fort Myers area. John will be missed but his legacy truly lives on.