FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 10, 2015) – The Southwest Florida Community Foundation will open its 2015-2016 Community Impact Grant season with a call for innovative projects and programs. More than $500,000 is available for both established and new programs that are designed to increase the quality of life in sustainable and equitable ways for Southwest Floridians.

Based on its available Field of Interest funds, the Foundation’s Community Impact Grants provide strategic funding in the following areas:

1.  People – Projects and programs that address the challenges of low-income families, specifically those of women and children, and challenges facing the homeless, elderly and those with disabilities

2.  Animals – Projects and programs that address the humane treatment and care of animals

3.  Arts – Projects and programs that advance the arts and/or supply arts education for children

4.  Education – Projects and programs that increase post-secondary attainment by strengthening aspiration and preparation (infant through high school), access and entry, persistence and progress, and transition into the workforce after school

A list of eligibility requirements can be found by reviewing the Grants Process for Community Impact Grants under the Grants page at www.floridacommunity.com.

As leaders, conveners, grant makers and concierges of philanthropy, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation is a foundation built on community leadership with an inspired history of fostering regional change for the common good in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Community Foundation, founded in 1976, connects donors and their philanthropic aspirations with evolving community needs. With assets of more than $93 million, the Community Foundation has provided $61.2 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves. Last year, it granted more than $2.9 million to nonprofit organizations supporting education, animal welfare, arts, healthcare and human services. It granted $782,000 in nonprofit grants including more than $551,000 in regional community impact grants and additional $450,000 in scholarship grants.

For more information about the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, call 239-274-5900 or visit www.floridacommunity.com.