FORT MYERS, Fla. - s4story -- Collaboratory and its donors are making a strategic investment into the future of arts and animal care in Southwest Florida by helping fund the missions of 14 purpose-driven organizations.

Through specific legacy funds, Collaboratory honored regional collaborative nonprofits by awarding $90,000 to fund distinct programs and services that enrich the community. Collaboratory presented the Arts and Animals Grants on August 31 and Sept. 2 in Fort Myers.

Arts and Animals is an endowed, field-of-interest grant program. The grants provided were from legacy field-of-interest funds.

"Our donors emphasized a strong desire to assist nonprofits that enhance the arts culture in Southwest Florida and provide a nurturing environment for animals that need our support," said Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of Collaboratory. "These grants recognize the incredible work these organizations are already doing while investing in what's possible next – helping make Southwest Florida a community that values the arts and cares deeply for the animals who call it home."

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Collaboratory selected six arts organizations for grants:

• Alliance for the Arts
• Arts Bonita
• Florida Repertory Theatre
• Gulf Coast Symphony
• The Fort Myers Community Concert Association
• The Music Foundation of Southwest Florida

"Southwest Florida has so much to offer its residents and visitors, but our region's thriving arts culture is a jewel that benefits the entire community," said Greg Longenhagen, producing artistic director at Florida Repertory Theatre. "Nationally, theater – and performing arts in general – have taken a hit in terms of public funding, so generous organizations like Collaboratory that recognize the value of the arts are creating a stronger foundation for children and our community as a whole."

Additionally, Collaboratory honored eight animal care organizations:

• Caloosa Humane Society
• Cape Coral Animal Shelter and Veterinary Clinic
• Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue
• Gulf Coast Humane Society
• Haven on Earth Animal League
• Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary
• The Animal Refuge Center
• The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife

Collaboratory's philanthropic work aligns with three priorities – workforce and education, community infrastructure, and health and wellness. Additionally, donors can establish separate funds that reflect their personal interests and charitable intentions. The Arts and Animals field-of-interest grants arose after generous donors specified a desire to support those causes, including the Sigourney Esty Fund, Patricia B. Murray Charitable Fund for Humane Treatment of Animals, Dale and Virginia Rice Memorial Fund, Lloyd and Shirley Matthai Animal Welfare Fund, Adelaide G. Bowen and Elizabeth B. Solley Animals and Children's Fund, Fund for the Arts in Southwest Florida, Bireley Family Foundation Arts Fund and Sadako Judd Fund for the Arts.

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For more information about supporting local charitable causes through Collaboratory, please visit Collaboratory.org/giving.