Collaboratory

10/14/2026

We're proud to celebrate April E. Mesa's fifth anniversary as Regional Systems Coordinator for the FutureMakers Coalition at Collaboratory! 🎉

April has helped advance collaborative efforts that strengthen education and workforce outcomes across Southwest Florida. Through FutureMakers Coalition's work in early learning and K-12 success, she helps support system-level solutions that prepare residents for high-demand, high-wage careers while improving economic mobility and quality of life throughout our region.

We're grateful for April's dedication, leadership, and passion for creating opportunities that help individuals, families, and communities thrive.

Interested in learning more about FutureMakers Coalition and its work across Southwest Florida? Connect with April:
📞 239-333-4181
📧 [email protected]

Join us in congratulating April on five incredible years of service and impact! 👏

10/13/2026

Join our Men's Legacy Fund Collective on October 15 from 5:30-7:30 for an evening of networking, smoked BBQ, and meaningful connection. 🔥

Together, this group of local leaders is building relationships and investing in a stronger future for Southwest Florida, with a focus on supporting our Veterans and First Responders.

Come hungry because this event will be hosted by Jay Johnson of Bubba's Roadhouse & Saloon. 🍖 Bring a friend, have fun, and support your community.

Space is limited. RSVP today ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x6nIG

10/13/2026

Applications are now open for Collaboratory’s Community Impact Micro Rural Grant! 🙌

Up to 8 organizations will receive grants of up to $5,000 each to support community-driven projects that strengthen health and well-being in Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties. Applicants may request less than $5,000 based on their project’s needs.

We’re looking for projects that address local priorities and take meaningful steps toward lasting impact—by addressing root causes, reducing barriers, or strengthening community partnerships.

Projects should align with at least one of Collaboratory’s Health & Wellness, Community Infrastructure, or FutureMakers Coalition system-level indicators. 💪

📅 Applications close November 13, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Apply today ➡️ Collaboratory.org/Grantmaking

10/12/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Collaboratory’s College Access Night on October 6! 🎓

Students and families came together for free, hands-on support with college applications, admissions, and FAFSA completion. Representatives from local colleges, universities, and technical schools were on hand to answer questions, while community partners and volunteers provided personalized guidance every step of the way.

The evening created a welcoming space for students and families to gain confidence, access valuable resources, and take meaningful steps toward their postsecondary goals. We received wonderful feedback from families as they left, reinforcing the value of bringing together community partners, higher education representatives, and volunteers to help students successfully navigate the path to postsecondary education.

⚠️ Don’t miss our next College Access Night on November 5, focused on Scholarship Applications & FAFSA. Register today: https://collaboratory.org/event/college-access-night-at-collaboratory-scholarship-applications-fafsa-assistance/

10/09/2026

⚠️ This is your reminder to sign up for our Ordinary to Extraordinary free lecture coming to Collaboratory on October 22nd!

Dr. Gary Josephson, local physician and author, will discuss his book, Ordinary to Extraordinary: Seven Principles of Life Success, which covers navigating adversity, building meaningful relationships, realizing your potential, and creating a fulfilling path toward lifelong happiness and success. 🧗

Sign up and RSVP today! 👉 https://brnw.ch/21x6imB

10/08/2026

It’s not too late to register!

10/07/2026

📣 Tomorrow’s the day! We’ll host the next Grant Writing Community of Practice Workshop: Finding the Right Grants and Building a Fundable Pipeline.

Topics include:
• Identifying aligned grants
• Funding strategy
• Grant prioritization
• Pipeline development
• Relationship-based funding
• Grant tracking systems
• Funding research tools

You’ll leave with an Initial Grant Pipeline worksheet that is designed to support consistent and strategic funding efforts. Can’t wait to see you there!

📅 October 8 | 2–3 PM | In-person + Zoom
🔗 Register by visiting: https://collaboratory.org/events/list/?tribe_filterbar_events_virtual=all

10/06/2026

🔥 We're firing up the smokers and bringing together men who are passionate about making a difference in Southwest Florida.

Join us for an evening hosted by Jay Johnson of Bubba's Roadhouse & Saloon, featuring incredible food, meaningful conversation, and the opportunity to connect with others who share a commitment to philanthropy and community impact.

We'd love to have you there, but space is limited. RSVP today! ➡️ https://collaboratory.org/event/the-mens-legacy-fund-collective-pitmaster-night/

10/05/2026

Join us TOMORROW, October 6, for our first College Access Night of the season! 🎓 High school seniors, college students, and adult learners can receive free, hands-on support with college applications, FAFSA completion, and financial aid questions.

Connect with these local colleges and ask questions: Fort Myers Technical College, Cape Coral Technical College, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida SouthWestern State College, Keiser University, Heights CareerTech Institute, and Rasmussen University.

✅ Free to attend
✅ Food provided
✅ Open to the community

Be sure to bring a charged laptop or smartphone, along with any applicable StudentAid.gov account information and financial documents.

Register now ➡️ https://collaboratory.org/event/college-access-night-at-collaboratory/

10/03/2026

A special thank you to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences for featuring Collaboratory and our FutureMakers Coalition as a promising practice in education and workforce development.

Together with partners across Southwest Florida, we’re helping create pathways that empower learners with the support, flexibility, and opportunities they need to thrive in school, work, and life. We’re grateful to see this collaborative effort recognized and look forward to continuing to drive meaningful change in our region.

Learn more about the FutureMakers Coalition here:

A collaborative ecosystem where the education, service, workforce, and philanthropy sectors break down silos to accelerate innovation and support learner thriving.