REAL HELP - Southwest Florida Community Foundation

Unity throUgh oUr grants
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation administers more than 329 endowed funds that are created
through the generosity of local donors. Because of these funds, we are able to provide grants that support
nonprofit organizations throughout Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties.
TYPES oF GRANTS
Non-competitive grants
These grants are made through Designated Funds and
Donor-Advised Funds, established by individuals,
companies, and community groups that support the
interests and philanthropic goals of the donors as well
as the Community Foundation’s mission and operating
principles.
Competitive grants
Annual Giving, Community Funds, and Field-of-Interest
Funds are available for competitive grant cycles. The
Southwest Florida Community Foundation seeks to be a
responsive and proactive community partner that works
strategically to address existing and emerging community
needs through our competitive grants program. Grants
are awarded to eligible agencies to support a broad range
of services in the Southwest Florida region.
The Community Foundation is particularly interested
in supporting efforts that improve the capacity of
organizations to deliver services to their clients.
GRANT CYCLES
Capacity grants
The Community Foundation’s Capacity Grants support
training seminars and other staff development activities,
the hiring of organizational development consultants,
and small equipment expenditures.
Community Impact grant
In the Community Impact Grant Cycle, grants of up to
$25,000 are awarded to organizations in program areas
such as Animal Welfare, Community and Economic
Development, Education, Healthcare, and Human
Services.
The Community Foundation awards grants for projectspecific,
capital, and technical assistance purposes.
Project-specific grants are primarily for new or expanded
programs and pilot or demonstration projects. Capital
Grants support the construction, acquisition, and
renovation of facilities, as well as the purchase of
equipment by an organization. Technical Assistance
Grants support organizational development activities for
nonprofits, addressing such issues as board governance,
strategic planning, resource development, and
interagency collaboration.
Arts and Attractions grant
The Arts and Attractions Grant Cycle was established as a
partnership with the Tourist Development Council and
the City of Fort Myers to use existing resources to assist
arts and attractions agencies with both marketing and
operational expenses. The two types of grants offered are
Marketing and Visitor Enhancement Grants and Basic
Operating Grants.
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