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Why Collaboratory?

For 50 years, Collaboratory has been a trusted steward of community philanthropy. Advisors who partner with us gain deep local expertise, practical giving tools, and the ability to offer purpose-driven solutions—without the administrative burden. Together, we help clients turn generosity into meaningful, measurable change.

Expertise

We offer a comprehensive platform of charitable tools, including donor-advised funds, and work to equip you with easy, effective solutions that will carry on your charitable legacy.

Service

You have access to a team of professionals dedicated to promptly answering your calls and emails.

Flexibility

Giving should be easy. You can use a donor-advised fund for all of your giving without being constrained by unnecessary limitations and minimums.

Succession

We think carefully with you about succession planning so your future generations can continue to give in perpetuity. We can also work with you to carry out your charitable intent after your lifetime.

A Trusted Partner for Advisors.
A Lasting Impact for Clients.

For financial advisors, philanthropy is about more than generosity—it’s about strategy, stewardship, and measurable impact. Collaboratory is Southwest Florida’s Community Foundation, uniquely positioned to help advisors guide their clients toward charitable giving that is effective, flexible, and deeply rooted in the community.

Since 1976, Collaboratory has partnered with donors to distribute more than $132 million to nonprofits and initiatives that strengthen Southwest Florida. Our role goes beyond grantmaking—we connect generosity to outcomes, helping donors create enduring legacies while addressing the region’s most pressing challenges.

Local Knowledge. Proven Stewardship.

As the Community Foundation for Southwest Florida, Collaboratory offers advisors and their clients:

  • Deep regional expertise across education, health, housing, environment, and economic mobility

  • Independent, nonpartisan leadership focused on community-wide outcomes

  • Rigorous due diligence to ensure charitable dollars are used effectively

  • Long-term stewardship that adapts as community needs evolve

We understand Southwest Florida—not just where it is today, but where it needs to be tomorrow.

Strategic Philanthropy That Aligns With Client Goals

Collaboratory works seamlessly alongside financial advisors to support a wide range of charitable strategies, including:

  • Donor-advised funds

  • Endowments and legacy planning

  • Complex asset giving

  • Multi-generational philanthropy

  • Cause-aligned and impact-driven grantmaking

Our team helps translate a client’s values into a giving strategy that complements their broader financial and estate plans.

Let’s Work Together

Collaboratory exists to support generosity that lasts. For advisors seeking a knowledgeable, mission-driven partner to help clients make a difference in Southwest Florida, Collaboratory is here.

Because when giving is guided well, its impact reaches far beyond today.

Gina Dengler, CAP®, CFRE
Director of Philanthropic Giving
gdengler@collaboratory.org
239 333 4171