Big problems don’t shrink on goodwill alone—they change when people, data, and dollars move together. We sit down with Dr. Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of the Collaboratory, to explore how a 50-year-old regional foundation is turning generosity into measurable progress across Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. From $132 million in grants to a bold 15-year plan, Dawn breaks down how transparent data dashboards and cross-sector partnerships help solve—not just soften—the region’s toughest challenges.
You’ll hear how arriving days before Hurricane Ian shaped Dawn’s approach to mental health, community resilience, and operational leadership. We unpack why post-storm anxiety and trauma pushed behavioral health to the forefront, and how the Collaboratory aligns hospitals, nonprofits, and donors around outcomes that matter. The result is a roadmap that treats philanthropy like a strategy, not a slogan: fund, measure, learn, and adjust.
We also spotlight the Women’s Legacy Fund, a dynamic donor circle founded in 2008 that now exceeds $1 million and empowers nearly 200 members to vote on annual grants. With accessible membership, a new executive leadership program, and stories from remarkable honorees, the fund shows how pooled giving multiplies impact while building a network of women who have each other’s backs. Add in events like Hats Off To You and you can feel the momentum—community pride, surprise grants, and late-night donations that ripple into real change.
If you believe in data-driven giving and local leadership, this conversation offers practical inspiration and clear entry points. Join us, share with a friend who cares about Southwest Florida, and subscribe so you never miss stories of people turning care into action.
Collaboratory
Dr. Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO
2031 Jackson Street Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 274-5900
info@collaboratory.org
collaboratory.org
State Insurance USA
4450 Camino Real Way
Ft Myers, FL 33966
239-567-9992
100 Lovers Ln 3rd Floor
Ft Myers Beach, FL 33931
(239) 690-6300
office@StateInsuranceUSA.com
stateinsuranceusa.com
https://www.facebook.com/Stateinsuranceusa
StateInsuranceUSA
#SupportLocal
#WeLoveOurClients
Ft Myers Beach-Good Neighbor
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