Collaboratory

Florida's early learning system is evolving, and the stakes couldn't be higher.

👏 for our Florida Business Alliance for Early Learning advisory board members Dr. Dawn Belamarich of Collaboratory, Dustin Becker of PNC, and Molly Grant of the Association of Early Learning Coalitions, for showcasing the importance of improving early learning program quality and availability for Florida’s future workforce.

Building a stronger workforce doesn't start at graduation. It starts day one.

Interested in joining these companies in securing Florida’s future workforce? Visit: https://flchm.co/43I0am2

Service. Stewardship. Impact. 💪

The Men’s Legacy Fund brings together men who are committed to making a lasting impact in Southwest Florida. By pooling resources and working together, members support veterans and first responders — all while investing in solutions that strengthen our community for generations to come.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, connect with like-minded leaders, and support causes that matter, we’d welcome the opportunity to start a conversation.

Learn more about Men’s Legacy Fund by contacting Eric Lane at [email protected].

Collaboratory’s offices are closed today in observance of Juneteenth.

We recognize this day as an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and the values that bring communities together.

We’ll reopen on Monday, June 22.

Our old chairs were starting to pinch—literally! Butts beware no more! Our new chairs are pinch-free, comfy, and ready for all your meetings and events!

Many nonprofits struggle to secure funding because they lack the systems, structure, and positioning funders expect to see.

If you’re struggling with grants, our workshop will walk you through the most common reasons grant applications fail before the writing process even begins.

📅 July 9 | 2–3 PM | In-person + Zoom
🔗 Register: https://collaboratory.org/event/grant-writing-community-of-practice-july-9-2026/

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Fort Myers is stepping up to ensure everyone can be a part of the historic occasion.

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, community leaders, and supporters, nearly $250,000 has already been raised to keep the celebration free and accessible for all attendees!

To support event costs, the City of Fort Myers also established the ‘76 Reignited Fund at Collaboratory: www.collaboratory.org/250

Mayor Kevin Anderson launched the fundraising effort with a $10,000 contribution from the city’s Neighborhood Improvement Funds.

Together, we're building a community celebration worthy of this once-in-a-generation milestone. 🇺🇸

🎓 Congratulations, Class of 2026!
We’re celebrating more than scholarships — we’re celebrating futures filled with possibility. 🌟

This year, Collaboratory awarded more than $1.5 million to deserving students and adult learners across Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties. Each award represents a story of determination, resilience, and hope — and we are honored to support these journeys toward brighter futures. 👉 Read more about this year’s inspiring scholarship recipients: https://collaboratory.org/2026/06/collaboratory-awards-1-5-million-in-scholarships/

👏 This impact would not be possible without our incredible community of 280+ volunteers, who generously dedicated their time to review 1,006 applications as part of our scholarship selection process. Thank you for helping us recognize and invest in the potential of our region’s learners.

At Collaboratory, we believe education should be accessible to everyone — regardless of background, circumstance, or ability. Through meaningful scholarship opportunities, we’re working together to create pathways that empower individuals and strengthen our communities.

💡 Interested in making a lasting impact?
You can help shape the future by opening a scholarship fund or contributing to the Collaboratory Scholarship Fund. To learn more, visit https://collaboratory.org/scholarships/

Effective fund development is a way to create opportunities and invest in long-term solutions for our home here in Southwest Florida.

Through strategic philanthropy and responsible stewardship, we can address our community’s most pressing challenges and build a brighter future for generations to come.

Ready to make an impact? Learn how to get involved by contacting [email protected].

We’re excited to launch the Grant Writing Community of Practice (COP) workshop series this summer!

Join us every month from July through December for free, hands-on workshops designed to help nonprofits build stronger, more fundable organizations.

Here's what's coming:
• July 9 (2:00-3:00 PM): Why Most Grants Fail Before They Are Written
• August 6th (2:00-3:00 PM): Building a Fundable Program
•September 10th (2:00-3:00 PM): Budgets That Make Sense to Funders
• October 8th (2:00-3:00 PM): Finding the Right Grants and Building a Pipeline
• November 19th (2:00-3:00 PM): Writing Strong Narratives and Need Statements
• December 10th (2:00-3:00 PM: How to Build Relationships with Funders

All sessions are held between 2–3 PM in-person or on Zoom.

Register Required: https://collaboratory.org/events/list/?tribe_filterbar_events_virtual=all

Congratulations to Collaboratory Board Trustee Ben Spence on being named the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Lee Health!

Ben's leadership, vision, and deep commitment to serving our community have made a lasting impact across Southwest Florida. We are proud to have his guidance and expertise on Collaboratory's Board of Trustees and look forward to seeing the positive difference he will continue to make in this new role.

Please join us in congratulating Ben on this well-deserved appointment and wishing him great success as he leads Lee Health into its next chapter.

We’re excited to announce Ben Spence, Lee Health's Chief Operating Officer, as our next President & Chief Executive Officer!

After an accomplished 9-year tenure, Dr. Larry Antonucci will hand over leadership duties to Ben starting October 2026.

Read the full press release to learn more about this exciting next chapter in our organization’s history 🔗 https://www.leehealth.org/about-us/media/press-releases/lee-health-board-of-directors-selects-ben-spence-a?utm_source=social+media&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=CEO