The Cape Coral Animal Shelter (CCAS) was among 14 organizations recognized by Collaboratory via its \u201cArts and Animals\u201d grant funding program.<\/p>\n
The endowed, field-of-interest grants \u2014 a total of $90,000 \u2014 were awarded on Aug. 31 and Sept. 2 in Fort Myers.<\/p>\n
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter received $10,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur donors emphasized a strong desire to assist nonprofits that enhance the arts culture in Southwest Florida and provide a nurturing environment for animals that need our support,\u201d Collaboratory President and Chief Executive Officer Dawn Belamarich said. \u201cThese grants recognize the incredible work these organizations are already doing while investing in what\u2019s possible next \u2014 helping make Southwest Florida a community that values the arts and cares deeply for the animals who call it home.\u201d<\/p>\n
CCAS Executive Director Liz McCauley said the shelter is incredibly grateful for the continued support of Collaboratory and the role it has played in the story of the Cape shelter.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey recognized the importance of our mission \u2014 and the impact we could have on both animals and people in our community \u2014 when our shelter and veterinary clinic were still just the vision of our founder and board president, JoAnn Elardo,\u201d she said. \u201cThey believed in that vision, and they have supported us every step of the way.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir investment in CCAS has gone far beyond financial support. The Collaboratory understands that strengthening a nonprofit also means investing in the people who lead it. I am incredibly proud to be a graduate of the inaugural SWFL Women\u2019s Leadership Class. That experience empowered me to grow as a leader, challenged me to think bigger and more strategically, and connected me with an extraordinary network of women who are committed to making Southwest Florida a stronger, more compassionate community.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo have an organization believe in us from the very beginning \u2014 and continue to invest in our mission, our growth and our leadership \u2014 is something we never take for granted. The Collaboratory has truly been a partner in our journey, and we are deeply grateful for their continued belief in the work we do every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Collaboratory selected six arts organizations for grants:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Alliance for the Arts ($5,000): Features visual and performing arts exhibitions, performances, classes and community programs.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Arts Bonita ($5,000): Enriches lives by providing opportunities for artistic expression, education and appreciation in a supportive and nurturing environment.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Florida Repertory Theatre ($5,000): Nurtures and develops an ensemble of theatre professionals who produce a variety of comedies, dramas and musicals.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Gulf Coast Symphony ($5,000): Contributes to cultural enrichment through a season of community and educational projects, events and performances.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Fort Myers Community Concert Association ($5,000): Offers world-class live music, fosters music appreciation and encourages the teaching of music, music history and music appreciation.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Music Foundation of Southwest Florida ($5,000): Transforms the lives of young people by igniting a lifelong joy of making music through summer camps, scholarships and musical instruments.<\/p>\n
\u201cSouthwest Florida has so much to offer its residents and visitors, but our region\u2019s thriving arts culture is a jewel that benefits the entire community,\u201d Florida Repertory Theatre Producing Artistic Director Greg Longenhagen said. \u201cNationally, theater \u2014 and performing arts in general \u2014 have taken a hit in terms of public funding, so generous organizations like Collaboratory that recognize the value of the arts are creating a stronger foundation for children and our community as a whole.\u201d<\/p>\n
Additionally, Collaboratory honored eight animal care organizations:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Caloosa Humane Society ($5,000): Serves, shelters and protects homeless pets while providing low-cost spay and neuter services.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Cape Coral Animal Shelter and Veterinary Clinic ($10,000): Strengthens the human-animal bond through adoption services, quality and affordable veterinary care, and community education.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) ($10,000): Teaching hospital and visitor education center dedicated to saving wildlife through veterinary care, research, education and conservation medicine.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue ($5,000): Removes animals from situations involving abuse or endangerment and provides temporary homes and appropriate care until placed into responsible homes.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Gulf Coast Humane Society ($10,000): Offers a safe haven for pets in need by providing medical care, promoting adoptions and nurturing the bond between pets and people.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Haven on Earth Animal League ($5,000): Provides tender care and permanent placement for dogs and cats at risk of danger due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary ($10,000): Establishes a safe haven for exotic animals and ensures they live out their lives in a healthy, stress-free, clean and loving environment.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Animal Refuge Center ($5,000): Educates the community about the importance of spaying and neutering pets while providing interim shelter and medical care to cats and dogs who are homeless, injured or abandoned.<\/p>\n
Collaboratory\u2019s philanthropic work aligns with three priorities: workforce and education, community infrastructure, and health and wellness.<\/p>\n
Additionally, donors can establish funds. The Arts and Animals grants arose after donors specified a desire to support those causes.<\/p>\n
For more information about the Collaboratory or its programs, please visit Collaboratory.org\/giving.<\/p>\n