FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 3, 2014) – Three local nonprofit organizations in Bonita Springs will be getting some additional assistance thanks to grants from the Bonita Springs Community Fund, a fund of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation.

“This year, we held a Bonita Springs-centered call to all Bonita-centric nonprofits for grant requests and a “Compassionate Shark Tank” modeled after the popular TV show to allow local nonprofits to make grant request presentations to a panel of our Advisory Board members,” said Debi Braendle, a Bonita Springs business owner who chairs the Bonita Springs Community Fund. “This format allowed the nonprofits to really engage with our board and leaders to show the great need in our community.”

According to Braendle, following the Shark Tank, three nonprofits were ultimately awarded funds to support their causes.

In partnership with the Bonita Springs Assistance Office, New Horizons’ Emergency Fund was awarded $5,000 to support helping at-risk children and teens who are growing up in an environment of poverty, academic failure and hopelessness.

The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs’ Youth Arts Program received $5,000 to support its work enhancing youth development to reduce juvenile delinquency and related problem behaviors through visual and performing-arts programs.

The Literacy Council Gulf Coast’s Mom & Tots Program was awarded $10,000 for technology upgrades and iPads to give mothers and their pre-school aged children the opportunity to learn basic English language skills to improve their situations.

The Bonita Springs Community Fund was established at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation in 1997 to promote philanthropy and enhance the spirit and quality of life for all citizens in the greater Bonita Springs area, now and for generations to come through stewardship of permanently endowed funds. The BSCF has provided more then $1.6 million in grants and scholarships through endowed funds set up by community donors.

For more information, call the Southwest Florida Community Foundation at 239-274-7736.