Nonprofit Business Conference & Grant Seekers Meeting
August 22, 2024 from 8:30AM - 1:00PM
Join us on August 22nd for a dynamic gathering at the Nonprofit Business Conference & Grant Seekers Meeting. Delve into the 'State of the Nonprofit Union' as executives and experts share invaluable insights, and network with like-minded individuals. Discover the secrets to successful grant applications with guidance from the community foundation. Engage in illuminating panel discussions and forge connections that will propel your nonprofit endeavors forward. With a nominal $35 ticket fee, this event promises to be an enriching one-stop shop for knowledge, networking, and empowerment.
Additionally, we are in need of volunteers to help ensure the event runs smoothly. Volunteering with The Community Foundation is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the nonprofit community, gain invaluable experience, and build lasting relationships. Your support and dedication help us create impactful events like this one, bringing together passionate individuals who are committed to making a difference. Join us in this fulfilling endeavor, and be a part of a community that strives to uplift and empower nonprofits. Together, we can make a lasting impact. If you are interested, please click the 'Volunteer Now' button bellow to Volunteer. We look forward to seeing you there!
Join us on August 22nd for a dynamic gathering at the Nonprofit Business Conference & Grant Seekers Meeting. Delve into the 'State of the Nonprofit Union' as executives and experts share invaluable insights, and network with like-minded individuals. Discover the secrets to successful grant applications with guidance from the community foundation. Engage in illuminating panel discussions and forge connections that will propel your nonprofit endeavors forward. With a nominal $35 ticket fee, this event promises to be an enriching one-stop shop for knowledge, networking, and empowerment.
Additionally, we are in need of volunteers to help ensure the event runs smoothly. Volunteering with The Community Foundation is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the nonprofit community, gain invaluable experience, and build lasting relationships. Your support and dedication help us create impactful events like this one, bringing together passionate individuals who are committed to making a difference. Join us in this fulfilling endeavor, and be a part of a community that strives to uplift and empower nonprofits. Together, we can make a lasting impact. If you are interested, please click the 'Volunteer Now' button bellow to Volunteer. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Board Leadership Awards and The Top 30 Nonprofit CEOs of Southwest Florida
October 24, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Join us for an exceptional morning event where leadership, innovation, and service converge to create lasting change. This unique gathering honors the extraordinary individuals and teams who have transformed our community through their unwavering commitment and strategic vision.
For the past four years, The Community Foundation has celebrated excellence in leadership through two separate events, each spotlighting the achievements of our region’s top nonprofit CEOs and the outstanding boards that support them. This year, we’re combining these honors into one exceptional morning event, designed to maximize impact and bring together the best of the best in Southwest Florida’s nonprofit sector.
Why Attend?
Nonprofit and business leaders alike join platforms like LinkedIn for their ability to connect, build visibility, and influence the future. This event offers a similar opportunity—an unmatched space where leaders can connect, inspire, and lead within our community. By attending, you’ll not only celebrate the achievements of others but also enhance your own professional network, visibility, and influence.
Event Details
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative event that bridges the nonprofit, business, and government sectors in Southwest Florida. Join us as we celebrate those who lead with purpose and inspire with their actions. Together, let’s elevate our community by honoring those who drive lasting impact.
Nominate Outstanding CEOs
We invite you to nominate outstanding CEOs who lead charitable organizations with annual revenues of $1 million or more in Lee, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Sarasota, and Charlotte counties. This is your opportunity to recognize leaders who exemplify integrity, innovation, and a commitment to community transformation.
Do you know a CEO who leads with integrity, innovation, and dedication to transforming our community? We want to hear about them!
How to Nominate: Simply email a one-page letter explaining why your nominated CEO deserves this honor to Samantha at [email protected]
Nomination Deadline: August 30th
Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize the leaders who are making a lasting difference in Southwest Florida.
For nominations for Best Board Member of the Year and Best Board of Directors, please click the 'Nominate Now' button below.
We also need your help to make this event truly special! Volunteers are the heart and soul of our celebration, and your support will make all the difference. If you’re ready to lend a hand and be part of something meaningful, we would be overjoyed to have you join our team. If you are interested, please click the 'Volunteer Now' button below to sign up. We look forward to seeing you there!
Join us for an exceptional morning event where leadership, innovation, and service converge to create lasting change. This unique gathering honors the extraordinary individuals and teams who have transformed our community through their unwavering commitment and strategic vision.
For the past four years, The Community Foundation has celebrated excellence in leadership through two separate events, each spotlighting the achievements of our region’s top nonprofit CEOs and the outstanding boards that support them. This year, we’re combining these honors into one exceptional morning event, designed to maximize impact and bring together the best of the best in Southwest Florida’s nonprofit sector.
Why Attend?
- Recognition of Excellence: Celebrate the region’s top 30 nonprofit CEOs who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and a commitment to making a difference.
- Board Leadership Awards: Honor six outstanding nonprofit boards and six exceptional board members whose strategic vision and dedication have driven impactful outcomes.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, government officials, and fellow nonprofit professionals who share your passion for service and excellence.
Nonprofit and business leaders alike join platforms like LinkedIn for their ability to connect, build visibility, and influence the future. This event offers a similar opportunity—an unmatched space where leaders can connect, inspire, and lead within our community. By attending, you’ll not only celebrate the achievements of others but also enhance your own professional network, visibility, and influence.
Event Details
- Date & Time: Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM
- Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Bell Tower, Fort Myers, FL
- Ticket Price: $39 (includes a delicious breakfast)
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative event that bridges the nonprofit, business, and government sectors in Southwest Florida. Join us as we celebrate those who lead with purpose and inspire with their actions. Together, let’s elevate our community by honoring those who drive lasting impact.
Nominate Outstanding CEOs
We invite you to nominate outstanding CEOs who lead charitable organizations with annual revenues of $1 million or more in Lee, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Sarasota, and Charlotte counties. This is your opportunity to recognize leaders who exemplify integrity, innovation, and a commitment to community transformation.
Do you know a CEO who leads with integrity, innovation, and dedication to transforming our community? We want to hear about them!
How to Nominate: Simply email a one-page letter explaining why your nominated CEO deserves this honor to Samantha at [email protected]
Nomination Deadline: August 30th
Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize the leaders who are making a lasting difference in Southwest Florida.
For nominations for Best Board Member of the Year and Best Board of Directors, please click the 'Nominate Now' button below.
We also need your help to make this event truly special! Volunteers are the heart and soul of our celebration, and your support will make all the difference. If you’re ready to lend a hand and be part of something meaningful, we would be overjoyed to have you join our team. If you are interested, please click the 'Volunteer Now' button below to sign up. We look forward to seeing you there!
ENPYs & Grant Awards Meeting
December 3, 2024 from 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Mark your calendars for a remarkable evening of celebration and recognition on December 3rd, as we host The Grant Awards Meeting and ENPY (Excellence in Nonprofit Performance Yearly) Awards. Join us for an extraordinary event of gratitude and acclaim, where we honor the recipients of our esteemed grant awards alongside the winners of nonprofit excellence.
Be part of this unforgettable occasion as we applaud the dedication and impact of our grant recipients, chosen for their outstanding contributions to our community. Witness the pinnacle of achievement as we also recognize the exemplary organizations and individuals who have demonstrated unparalleled excellence in various categories of nonprofit performance.
Registration is $50, and by clicking the 'Register Now' button below, you'll secure your place at this special event. We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible achievements within the nonprofit community. Your presence will add to the joy and recognition of the remarkable individuals and organizations making a difference. We can't wait to share this meaningful occasion with you!
More information about the ENPYs:
The Community Foundation accepts nominations for outstanding individual and organizational efforts in the following categories:
Organizations are encouraged to submit an application in one or more categories. Please note: An organization will only be named a finalist in one category based on scoring. Up to three finalists will be selected in each category by a panel of impartial non-local judges to ensure the highest level of integrity and impartiality. Their decision is based solely on what is written by the nominator.
The finalists in each category will then be notified during the week of September 12th via a personal phone call with a congratulatory follow up email notifying the finalist, their organization’s leader, and their nominee.
To learn more about the categories and how to submit your nominations, click the 'Nominate Now' button below.
All nominees must meet the following criteria:
Application Instructions:
All finalists and award recipients will receive prominent recognition on The Community Foundation website and will be included in all media materials, newsletters, and social media coverage.
Additionally, we need dedicated volunteers to help make this event a success. Volunteering with the Community Foundation is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the nonprofit community, gain invaluable experience, and build lasting relationships. Your support and dedication help us create impactful events like this one, bringing together passionate individuals who are committed to making a difference. If you are interested, please click the 'Volunteer Now' button bellow to Volunteer.
We look forward to celebrating with you and honoring those who make our community stronger and more vibrant!
Mark your calendars for a remarkable evening of celebration and recognition on December 3rd, as we host The Grant Awards Meeting and ENPY (Excellence in Nonprofit Performance Yearly) Awards. Join us for an extraordinary event of gratitude and acclaim, where we honor the recipients of our esteemed grant awards alongside the winners of nonprofit excellence.
Be part of this unforgettable occasion as we applaud the dedication and impact of our grant recipients, chosen for their outstanding contributions to our community. Witness the pinnacle of achievement as we also recognize the exemplary organizations and individuals who have demonstrated unparalleled excellence in various categories of nonprofit performance.
Registration is $50, and by clicking the 'Register Now' button below, you'll secure your place at this special event. We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible achievements within the nonprofit community. Your presence will add to the joy and recognition of the remarkable individuals and organizations making a difference. We can't wait to share this meaningful occasion with you!
More information about the ENPYs:
The Community Foundation accepts nominations for outstanding individual and organizational efforts in the following categories:
- Nonprofit Employee of the Year (paid staff member)
- Nonprofit Executive of the Year (CEO, President, Executive Director)
- Next Generation Leader award goes to a dynamic leader who is 18-35 years old staff member (part time or full-time) working for nonprofit organization.
- Nonprofit Organization of the Year (established more than five years ago)
- Nonprofit Rising Organization of the Year (established less than five years ago)
- Connie Ramos-Williams Nonprofit Publicity Award (A resourceful nonprofit that increased their audience reach and elevated brand awareness with limited resources)
- Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year (individual who serves the organization and/or community)
- Business Partner of the Year (For profit or nonprofit business who supports nonprofits and the community)
- Community Impact Award (Individual who makes a positive impact in Southwest Florida)
- The Elmer Tabor Generosity Award (Recognizing an outstanding philanthropist)
- The Paul Sanborn Service Above Self Award (Citizen who exemplifies the spirit “Service Above Self”)
- Dennis Gingerich Ministry Award (The award honors a person who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve and support residents in Southwest Florida through excellence in ministry.)
Organizations are encouraged to submit an application in one or more categories. Please note: An organization will only be named a finalist in one category based on scoring. Up to three finalists will be selected in each category by a panel of impartial non-local judges to ensure the highest level of integrity and impartiality. Their decision is based solely on what is written by the nominator.
The finalists in each category will then be notified during the week of September 12th via a personal phone call with a congratulatory follow up email notifying the finalist, their organization’s leader, and their nominee.
To learn more about the categories and how to submit your nominations, click the 'Nominate Now' button below.
All nominees must meet the following criteria:
- Individuals/organizations must have a physical presence in Southwest Florida and regularly deliver services to residents in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, Glades, DeSoto or Sarasota County.
- Individuals/organizations may self-nominate or be nominated by others.
- Individuals/organizations may be nominated in more than one category.
- An individual/organization may only be a finalist in one category (the category in which the individual/organization ranked highest).
Application Instructions:
- The Nomination Form must be submitted electronically online no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 1, 2024
- The organization being nominated must be able to provide if asked, proof of its 501(c)(3) status or it may be disqualified from winning.
- Due to the large amount of nominations we receive, we ask that you answer each question fully showing your enthusiastic passion for your nominee but do so succinctly in 250 words or less.
- Remember, our panel of esteemed judges will score nominations based solely on information provided in the nomination application.
- Nomination Link will be posted soon.
All finalists and award recipients will receive prominent recognition on The Community Foundation website and will be included in all media materials, newsletters, and social media coverage.
Additionally, we need dedicated volunteers to help make this event a success. Volunteering with the Community Foundation is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the nonprofit community, gain invaluable experience, and build lasting relationships. Your support and dedication help us create impactful events like this one, bringing together passionate individuals who are committed to making a difference. If you are interested, please click the 'Volunteer Now' button bellow to Volunteer.
We look forward to celebrating with you and honoring those who make our community stronger and more vibrant!
The Ultimate Event Fundraising, Sponsorships, & Nonprofit Marketing Conference
February 20, 2025 from 8:30AM - 12:00PM
Become an Event Fundraising Expert in 6 Hours!
Are you ready to take your nonprofit’s fundraising and sponsorship strategies to the next level? Join us in Southwest Florida for a power-packed, 6-hour training experience that will equip you with the tools and insights to elevate your organization’s fundraising events and successfully secure corporate sponsorships.
Led by industry experts, this immersive workshop covers everything from strategic planning and marketing to partnership development and maximizing event “return on investment.” Ideal for nonprofits of all sizes, this conference will empower you with actionable strategies and best practices to boost your fundraising events, forge profitable sponsor partnerships, and expand your organization’s impact.
Don’t miss this opportunity to become an event fundraising expert and drive real change in your community!
What You’ll Gain:
Event Details:
Date: February 20, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Waters Edge Church
Address: 2213 Country Club Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990
Become an Event Fundraising Expert in 6 Hours!
Are you ready to take your nonprofit’s fundraising and sponsorship strategies to the next level? Join us in Southwest Florida for a power-packed, 6-hour training experience that will equip you with the tools and insights to elevate your organization’s fundraising events and successfully secure corporate sponsorships.
Led by industry experts, this immersive workshop covers everything from strategic planning and marketing to partnership development and maximizing event “return on investment.” Ideal for nonprofits of all sizes, this conference will empower you with actionable strategies and best practices to boost your fundraising events, forge profitable sponsor partnerships, and expand your organization’s impact.
Don’t miss this opportunity to become an event fundraising expert and drive real change in your community!
What You’ll Gain:
- Proven tactics for planning and executing successful fundraising events
- Insider insights into attracting and securing corporate sponsorships
- Strategies for building long-term sponsor relationships
- Networking opportunities with like-minded nonprofit professionals
Event Details:
Date: February 20, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Waters Edge Church
Address: 2213 Country Club Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990
MLK's Celebration and Tribute
January 20, 2025 from 10:30AM - 1:00PM
The Community Foundation is proud to sponsor the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration & Tribute, hosted by Waters Edge Church in Cape Coral, Florida. This special event promises to be a vibrant, multi-cultural celebration, bringing together the entire community to honor the legacy of Dr. King. Attendees will experience a dynamic program filled with inspiring speeches, heartfelt reflections, and powerful performances that highlight the importance of unity, equality, and justice. It’s a unique opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to come together in a spirit of solidarity and remembrance.
One of the highlights of the evening will be a stirring performance by a multi-cultural choir, showcasing the rich diversity of our community through music. Their harmonies will resonate with the themes of hope and togetherness that Dr. King championed throughout his life. We invite everyone to join us for this unforgettable event, as we celebrate the enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision and work. Let’s unite in commemorating his dream of a more just and inclusive society.
Event Details:
Date: January 20, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Water’s Edge Church, Cape Coral, Florida
The Community Foundation is proud to sponsor the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration & Tribute, hosted by Waters Edge Church in Cape Coral, Florida. This special event promises to be a vibrant, multi-cultural celebration, bringing together the entire community to honor the legacy of Dr. King. Attendees will experience a dynamic program filled with inspiring speeches, heartfelt reflections, and powerful performances that highlight the importance of unity, equality, and justice. It’s a unique opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to come together in a spirit of solidarity and remembrance.
One of the highlights of the evening will be a stirring performance by a multi-cultural choir, showcasing the rich diversity of our community through music. Their harmonies will resonate with the themes of hope and togetherness that Dr. King championed throughout his life. We invite everyone to join us for this unforgettable event, as we celebrate the enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision and work. Let’s unite in commemorating his dream of a more just and inclusive society.
Event Details:
Date: January 20, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Water’s Edge Church, Cape Coral, Florida
Power Players: Professional Advisor Awards
March 25, 2025 from 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Join Us for Power Players 2025!
The Community Foundation proudly presents the Power Players: Professional Advisor Awards, celebrating Southwest Florida’s top professionals across six key industries:
Join us for an inspiring evening where we honor excellence in each of these fields. Network with industry leaders, celebrate achievements, and connect with the brightest stars in Southwest Florida, all while supporting The Community Foundation’s mission to empower our region.
Tickets are on sale now!
Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot today.
Volunteer Opportunities:
We are also in need of volunteers to assist with the event. If you're interested in contributing your time to help make this evening a success, please contact us for more details.
Join Us for Power Players 2025!
The Community Foundation proudly presents the Power Players: Professional Advisor Awards, celebrating Southwest Florida’s top professionals across six key industries:
- Accountants
- Estate Planning Attorneys
- Bank Executives
- Financial Advisors
- Insurance Brokers
- Real Estate Brokers
- When: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Where: [Venue to Be Announced Soon!]
Join us for an inspiring evening where we honor excellence in each of these fields. Network with industry leaders, celebrate achievements, and connect with the brightest stars in Southwest Florida, all while supporting The Community Foundation’s mission to empower our region.
Tickets are on sale now!
Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot today.
Volunteer Opportunities:
We are also in need of volunteers to assist with the event. If you're interested in contributing your time to help make this evening a success, please contact us for more details.
Charity Event Awards
April 8, 2025 from 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Join us for The Community Foundation's Charity Event Awards, a special evening celebrating excellence in philanthropy and event planning! The event will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Bell Tower in Fort Myers, Florida. This inspiring night will honor organizations, individuals, and teams that elevate charitable events and initiatives to new heights.
We are now accepting nominations for the following award categories. Below, you will find a description of each category and three simple questions to guide your nominations:
Join us for The Community Foundation's Charity Event Awards, a special evening celebrating excellence in philanthropy and event planning! The event will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Bell Tower in Fort Myers, Florida. This inspiring night will honor organizations, individuals, and teams that elevate charitable events and initiatives to new heights.
We are now accepting nominations for the following award categories. Below, you will find a description of each category and three simple questions to guide your nominations:
Award Categories:
Best PR & Marketing Firm Supporting Charitable Planners
Recognizes a PR or marketing firm that has demonstrated exceptional creativity and impact in promoting charitable events, helping organizations maximize visibility and donor engagement.
Best PR & Marketing Firm Supporting Charitable Planners
Recognizes a PR or marketing firm that has demonstrated exceptional creativity and impact in promoting charitable events, helping organizations maximize visibility and donor engagement.
Corporate Citizen Award
Honors a business that has gone above and beyond in supporting local charitable causes through donations, sponsorships, or employee engagement programs.
Honors a business that has gone above and beyond in supporting local charitable causes through donations, sponsorships, or employee engagement programs.
Virtual/Online Charity Event of the Year
Highlights the most innovative and successful online or virtual charity event that demonstrated creativity, audience engagement, and positive outcomes.
Highlights the most innovative and successful online or virtual charity event that demonstrated creativity, audience engagement, and positive outcomes.
Outstanding Events Team Award
Celebrates an event team that worked collaboratively and tirelessly to deliver an exceptional charitable event.
Celebrates an event team that worked collaboratively and tirelessly to deliver an exceptional charitable event.
Best Overall Charity Event
Recognizes the best charity event of the year, based on creativity, execution, and measurable success.
Recognizes the best charity event of the year, based on creativity, execution, and measurable success.
Best Charity Event Caterer Award
Acknowledges a caterer who delivered exceptional service, creativity, and presentation, enhancing the overall experience of a charitable event.
Acknowledges a caterer who delivered exceptional service, creativity, and presentation, enhancing the overall experience of a charitable event.
Up and Coming/Grassroots Award
Celebrates a new or emerging organization or individual making a big impact in the charitable events space with innovative ideas and passionate efforts.
Celebrates a new or emerging organization or individual making a big impact in the charitable events space with innovative ideas and passionate efforts.
Best Creative Charity Event
Highlights the most imaginative and creative charitable event, emphasizing originality, innovation, and audience engagement.
Highlights the most imaginative and creative charitable event, emphasizing originality, innovation, and audience engagement.
Best Charity Event Planner/Decorator
Honors an individual or team for their outstanding work in designing and planning visually stunning and logistically flawless charity events.
Honors an individual or team for their outstanding work in designing and planning visually stunning and logistically flawless charity events.
How to Nominate:
Nominate an individual, team, or organization today by answering the questions for the relevant category and submitting your responses through our website. Nominations close on February 14, 2025.
Volunteer Opportunities:
We are also seeking volunteers for the event. If you are interested in contributing your time and talent to help make this event a success, please contact us for more details.
Help us honor the best in philanthropy and event excellence. We look forward to seeing you on April 8, 2025 for this extraordinary evening!
Nominate an individual, team, or organization today by answering the questions for the relevant category and submitting your responses through our website. Nominations close on February 14, 2025.
Volunteer Opportunities:
We are also seeking volunteers for the event. If you are interested in contributing your time and talent to help make this event a success, please contact us for more details.
Help us honor the best in philanthropy and event excellence. We look forward to seeing you on April 8, 2025 for this extraordinary evening!