Be the change that you wish to see in the world.

—  Mahatma Gandhi

There are so many things we would all like to change in this world. We would love to stop violence, eliminate homelessness, make sure no one is ever hungry again and solve other issues that keep so many people from living a happy, healthy, full life. But, it can be overwhelming. How and where do you start? Can I make a difference.

We can all make a difference by "being the change" we want. We start with doing what is within our power to change. We treat others the way we want to be treated, show respect for each other and getting involved. Start with one thing that makes a difference.

Here are some ways you can support your local community and make a difference.

LGBT Fund of Southwest Florida

The LGBT Community Fund of Southwest Florida is referred to as a “multi-donor fund,” which is a giving circle that engages like-minded individuals and organizations to increase philanthropic support in Southwest Florida for the unique challenges and opportunities facing Southwest Florida’s LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community.

This is a giving circle fund.  Your contribution will be granted out each giving year to meet the needs of the community. Contributors who give $250 within the year will have a vote to determine grant focus areas.

Working groups will be selected by the Steering Committee of the Fund to focus on areas such as:

  • Research – research of the LGBT community
  • Needs – identification of needs of the LGBT community
  • Annual Gathering – annual meeting to determine causes to be support
  • Ad Hoc Working Groups –as needed for other identified areas.
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Search Local Nonprofit Organizations

There are a large number of nonprofit organizations supporting our community. You can search our database to find causes you would like to support.

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Resources

  1. Resources

Avow Hospice

About: Avow was founded in 1983 as Collier County’s original nonprofit hospice. Avow provides comfort, care, understanding and dignity to those who are seriously ill and their caregivers, as well as those mourning a loved one’s passing. In 2017, Avow partnered with the GSN WeCare Committee, to conduct an eight-week LGBT bereavement support program. The program provides participants with a safe, compassionate environment to share thoughts and feelings, receive support and embrace hope and healing. This year, Avow received a $15,000 grant from the LGBTQ Fund through the Southwest Florida Community Foundation to expand their LGBTQ programs. In addition to offering support services, Avow [...]
Address:
1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples 34105
Phone: 888-484-AVOW
Website:
Email: info@avowcares.org

Center for Progress and Excellence

About: Founded in 2017, the Center for Progress and Excellence Inc. provides comprehensive social and behavioral health services to the Southwest Florida region, in order to promote self-sufficiency and personal progress throughout the community, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, sexual orientation and economic status. The Mobile Crisis Team This team provides a rapid on call service. The team consists of mental health professionals. This effort will reduce barriers and provide on site assessment, timely coordination and appropriate services. By providing individuals with an on-call behavioral health intervention, it can significantly reduce unnecessary Baker acts and provide appropriate and timely assessment, intervention [...]
Address:
6360 Techster Boulevard, Fort Myers 33966
Phone: 239-223-2751
Website:
Email: info@progressandexcellence.com

Collier County Legal Aid Society

About: Legal Aid Service of Collier County is a private, non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal services to Collier County residents who face matters of life-changing significance. Legal Aid provides a critical safety net for the community by serving thousands of economically needy residents in Collier County. Legal Aid Service of Collier County ensures fairness for all Collier County residents in the justice system, regardless of how much money they make. Legal Aid provides access to legal help for the most vulnerable people in our community, allowing them to protect their livelihoods, their health, and their families.
Address:
4436 Tamiami Trail East, Naples 34112
Phone: 239.775.4555
Website:

Collier Freedom

About: The Collier Freedom Movement is a grassroots nonpartisan organization formed shortly after the election in November 2016. Based in Naples FL, Collier Freedom's mission is to create an inclusive community regardless of race, nationality, faith or sexual orientation for a common vision of freedom, equality and social justice.
Address:
Naples
Website:

David Lawrence Center

About: Based in Southwest Florida, the David Lawrence Center is a not-for-profit, leading provider of behavioral health solutions dedicated to inspiring and creating life-changing wellness for every individual. The Center provides innovative, comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, residential and community-based prevention and treatment services for children and adults who experience mental health, emotional, psychological and substance abuse challenges.
Address:
6075 Bathey Lane, Naples 34116
Phone: 239-455-8500
Website:
Email: info@rainbowpagesswfl.com

Equality Florida

About: Equality Florida consists of two organizations - Equality Florida Institute, Inc., our 501(c)(3) educational charity and Equality Florida Action, Inc., our 501(c)(4) advocacy organization. Together, these organizations form the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Through education, grassroots organizing, coalition building, and lobbying, we are changing Florida so that no one suffers harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Website:

Gender Equality Trust Network Foundation

About: Founded in 2015, the GET Network Foundation (Gender Equality Trust) provides support and education for transgender individuals and their families. The organization's mission is to empower, inspire, and facilitate trust and equality for everyone regardless of gender assigned at birth. The organization provides support groups for adults, teens and children the first Saturday each month.
Address:
Southwest Florida
Phone: 239-443-6385
Website:
Email: info@get-it.network

GLSEN Collier County, PMB #8

About: GLSEN (pronounced "glisten") was formed to improve an education system that too frequently allows its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning students to be bullied, discriminated against, or fall through the cracks. Monthly meetings are the second Monday of every month at 5 pm at Naples United Church of Christ, Nelson Hall, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples, FL 34103.
Address:
Naples
Phone: 786.671.2390
Website:
Email: CollierCounty@Chapters.GLSEN.org

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