The Bonita Springs Community Foundation promotes philanthropy and builds a spirit of community to enhance the quality of life for all citizens in the greater Bonita Springs area, now and for generations to come, through stewardship of permanently endowed funds.

A community foundation is a non-profit, independent organization created by and for local citizens to benefit their community. Community foundations make up one of the fastest growing sectors of philanthropy. There are nearly 700 community foundations in the United States today.

In 1996, a businessman from Ohio with a home in Bonita Bay wanted to contribute to a community foundation and wanted his donation to support the Bonita Springs community. The problem was while the Southwest Florida Community Foundation served Bonita Springs, it didn’t focus solely on the greater Bonita Springs area. His solution: talk someone into starting a Bonita Springs community foundation.

At the same time, the community was recovering from devastating floods and residents were looking for a way to help those in need.

A small group of concerned citizens gathered together to look for a solution—one of those being the Ohio business man.

The group determined that they needed to establish themselves as an affiliate of a larger community foundation. This would allow them the administrative support and growth potential to make the greatest impact in the rapidly growing community of Bonita Springs.

"It was attractive to me since you could put your funds in one place and then give them out as needed," said Jacke McCurdy, founding board member.

"It is hard to know just where your charitable dollars should go at the beginning of the year or before a catastrophe hits. With a fund in a community foundation you are ready when the need arises."

After meeting with area business leaders and hearing presentations from several foundations, the group decided to affiliate with the Southwest Florida Community Foundation.

In 1997, the first funds were established and the original board of directors was named.

Since then, the Foundation has provided more than $2 million in grants and scholarships through the endowed funds set up by community donors and membership in the foundation.