Community Foundation awards $15,000 in grants to nonprofits

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation has awarded $15,000 in grants to 12 nonprofit organizations through its Capacity Grant Cycle. This grant cycle is open to all qualifying 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in Southwest Florida.

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation's Capacity Grants support activities that strengthen an organization's ability to achieve its mission, including funding to send staff to training, work with a consultant, purchase computer equipment or software, or any other activity that helps to build the capacity of the organization. Deadlines to apply for the grants in 2009 are: March 15, June 15, Sept. 15 and Dec. 15, and the application can be found on the Community Foundation's Web site, www.floridacommunity.com.

Grants are awarded within two weeks of each application deadline and the maximum grant amount is $1,500.

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation has been supporting the communities of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades and Hendry through endowed funds for more than 32 years. With assets of more than $57 million and over 320 endowed funds, the Community Foundation has provided more than $39.5 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves.