Program areas at Collaboratory / Southwest Florida Community Foundation Inc
Non-competitive grants are processed through designated, agency, and donor advised funds. Designated and agency funds are generally distributed during first quarter of the calendar year, unless specified by a distribution payment schedule. Donor advised funds are processed throughout the year. Donor advisors may recommend grants to qualified charitable organizations, but the Foundation, dba Collaboratory retains full discretion of disbursement approvals.
Competitive grants are funded by field of interest and unrestricted funds. Aligned with the goals of Collaboratory, competitive grants are used to fund the bandwidth required for coalitions to start and sustain. Priorities are determined by a call for information from interested organizations. Grants are to be awarded to nonprofits that serve as the backbone for a coalition that addresses the whole system, such as housing or health and wellness. Funding is for three years, contingent on successful performance each year.
Scholarship funds are designed to meet the donor's intent and wishes. Scholarship awards made through the foundation's, dba Collaboratory scholarship program following guidelines and processes that include applications, nondiscriminatory selections, and payment execution processes. The Foundation, dba Collaboratory distributes scholarship awards directly to educational institutions for the benefit of the awarded student. The scholarship process has been refined to increase multi-year scholarships, to assist all student applicants (regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, etc.) By opening more scholarship funding opportunities based on the student applicant's eligibility, and to assist students seeking certifications from technical colleges.
Collaboratory receives, distributes and administers program funds to support the region by building a stronger network for collaborative leadership.