Naples, FL (PRWEB) August 05, 2015
The Community Foundation of Collier County announced that they distributed a record $10,276,463 to 583 organizations for the fiscal year July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. Of that amount $6,657,604 was given to local area nonprofits.
“By reaching this incredible milestone, we have been able to help more people than ever in our 30 year history,” said Eileen Connolly-Keesler, president & CEO. “We track the trends and understand the needs of Collier County’s education, homelessness, hunger, healthcare, the arts, and the environment so we are able to direct the resources where we can make the biggest impact.”
$5,929,602 of the record distribution came from the Community Foundation’s Donor Advised Funds. A Donor Advised Fund is a tool that allows donors to participate in the process by suggesting the 501(c)(3) organization that receives the donation.
Ann Hughes, Director of Donor Services stated, “The people who live in Collier County are so generous. They work with us to find the areas of greatest need, and to streamline their donation process. Their support and commitment to Southwest Florida makes all the difference.”
Collier County nonprofit organizations that received the largest donations through Donor Advised Funds were NCH Healthcare System, Grace Place for Children & Families, Naples Community Church and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Distributions issued through the Community Foundation’s grant program totalled $478,173. These distributions were made through donations to unrestricted funds. These funds allow the foundation to repond to the community’s needs and to address issues as they emerge.
Grant requests were vetted by the Foundation’s volunteer grant committees with 82 local organizations that received the funding for their programs, capital expenses, and capacity building. A listing of these organizations and the outcome of their programs can be viewed online at http://www.cfcollier.org.
Connolly-Keesler continued, “The Community Foundation of Collier County celebrated its 30th anniversary this year with the help of a $150,000 grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation to support Give Where You Live 30. The Foundation’s first ever Match Day, called Give Where You Live 30, was held on March 3, 2015 and raised $1,815,466 for 30 local nonprofits. This community-wide event was so successful that we far exceeded our goal of raising $1 million dollars in 24 hours. What a wonderful way to celebrate 30 years of philanthropy.”
The Community Foundation of Collier County, a 501c3 organization, was established in 1985 to increase and focus philanthropy in the area. Today, the Community Foundation manages 510 funds, collaborates with more than 400 area nonprofits, and holds over $100 million in assets. The Foundation has distributed more than $79 million to nonprofit organizations and community programs since inception. It is one of Florida’s fastest growing community foundations.