Naples, FL (PRWEB) June 12, 2015
Many remember the day in 1997 when the Community Foundation of Collier County moved to its current space on the third floor of 2400 Tamiami Trail North – the very recognizable blue and white Florida Community Bank building. There has been a lot of change in nearly 20 years and, what seemed like plenty of room at the time has become a cramped, dated, rabbit-warren of spaces that no longer serves the needs of the Foundation.
Happily, on June 1, 2015 and after an 18-month search of several possibilities in Collier County, the Community Foundation purchased 8,454 square feet of space at 1100 Pine Ridge Road, just west of Goodlette-Frank Road. In that building – called Regal Point – the Community Foundation build out to its specifications the raw space that is there now, creating from scratch what the Foundation wants and needs. Professional Building Services has been chosen to complete the interior construction.
When the Community Foundation makes the move in January 2016, it will enjoy upgraded technology throughout its new office; a welcoming reception area; and, a state-of-the-art board room for use by the Foundation as well as other nonprofits. The eleven office suites and intern stations will be designed for productivity, efficient storage, and future expansion. Covered parking with room for additional spaces is also a plus.
“All the 21st-century needs that could not be met in our current spot will be available in our new location. We are thrilled to be moving to a modern complex that will serve Foundation staff as well as nonprofits, donor advised fund holders and the community at large. Growth has been our by word since 2013 and this move is the wonderful result of some very hard work by staff and the spectacular generosity of our Board, our Trustees Emeriti and other friends of the Foundation,” noted Eileen Connolly-Keesler, President/CEO.
A $2.5 million capital campaign was launched in February 2015 to fund the purchase and finishing of the Foundation’s new space. To date, $2.036 million has been raised toward that goal and pledges and donations are still being accepted. Key funders have been given the opportunity to underwrite specific spaces and services in the building; our thanks to our Board and Trustees Emeriti for their commitments early on.
“Owning our office space will certainly be less expensive; our current lease expires in January 2016 and if we were to renew our lease in our current location, our rent would top $5 million in the next 20 years. With this purchase, we have an appreciating asset,” explained Dennis Brown, Board Chair for the Community Foundation.
About the Community Foundation of Collier County
The Community Foundation of Collier County is a tax-exempt, public charitable fund, established in 1985. Its mission: to improve the quality of life in Collier County by connecting donors to community needs and providing leadership on critical community issues. For good and forever.
Today, the Community Foundation of Collier County manages more than 510 funds, collaborates with more than 400 nonprofits, holds nearly $95 million in assets - a 48 percent increase in just 18 months - and has distributed more than $79 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community programs. It is one of Florida’s fastest growing community foundations. Learn more at cfcollier.org