Collaboratory, founded 50 years ago in Fort Myers, has grown to $184.5 million in total assets and is on track to reach $200 million.
Gulfshore Business
The regional nonprofit community foundation Collaboratory was founded 50 years ago in Fort Myers. It manages 766 individual philanthropic funds supporting Southwest Florida social-service programs, President and CEO Dawn Belamarich said in a presentation to the Fort Myers City Council at its regular meeting Oct. 5.
Collaboratory’s total assets have grown to $184.5 million and are on track to reach $200 million, Belamarich reported. Originally called the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Collaboratory has invested $147 million in philanthropic funds over 50 years through grants, scholarships and donations for targeted programs in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.
Its downtown Fort Myers location also provides donated meeting and event space for eligible nonprofits and public partners, as well as an emergency operations hub for first responders.