The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation convened this past weekend in Naples, Florida for its annual board meeting. We haven’t all been together since well before Covid, so it was nice to finally be able to sit around a table, face to face, and review the accomplishments of the Foundation.
We discussed our grants from last year, goals for the upcoming year, our new online grant management system, and current pending grant requests.
Fiscal 2020-2021:
We are always looking to help those with the greatest needs within our local communities as evidenced by last year’s giving which was not just limited to educational programs. While we do look for those programs that assist with career development, educational programs, and the arts, the support of basic needs is equally as important.
The Foundation had granted awards to local food banks that had been hit hardest during the pandemic and the subsequent months. Did you know that many visitors to food banks last year were first timers? Up to 40% of families had never had to rely on food banks previously.
Of course, we remained committed to our key areas of focus with education, the arts, and community outreach. It’s always nice to be able to show the board the direct impact our grants have on programs, and we were pleased to present videos from the following grant recipients:
· College for Every Student Annual Meeting – Essex, NY
· Washington Township Advancement Office – Indianapolis, IN
· StarAbility – Naples, FL
· Grand Piano Series – Bonita Springs, FL
Each of these award recipients have had a tremendous impact on the lives of children in their communities and, in some cases, nationally. Whether it is ensuring teachers have appropriate materials for their classrooms, working with challenged children or offering quality classical music experiences to their community, the Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation has been pleased to offer support to these extremely commendable organizations.
Fiscal 2021-2022:
Our focus for this year is dedicated to organizations Brooks and Joan would have been proud to support, by providing funds to education, art, and outreach programs and projects. In general, the Foundation desires to fund specific activities that result in a defined outcome rather than general operating funds or fundraising campaigns.
While we have received a few requests for general fundraising, we are reaching back out to those organizations and asking if there are specific programs to which we can contribute. Brooks and Joan would want to know their Foundation provides a direct impact on lives of children and their families throughout the United States.
Interested in applying for a grant? Please review our application process and apply on our website. Application Process — The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation
Fun in the Sun:
Once the meeting was over, we had the privilege of boarding our namesake, the Good Fortune II, for an eco-cruise with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Many board members had not yet had the opportunity to share in this experience.
The Foundation feels strongly in the Conservancy’s mission, and we grant funds regularly to this admirable organization.
“The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a leading environmental conservation organization dedicated to protecting the water, land and wildlife which make our home such a special place. As the population in Southwest Florida grows, so do the demands we place on our unique, natural resources. For more than 50 years the Conservancy has worked with community leaders, businesses, partner agencies and individuals to find a sensible balance between the demands of a growing population and the preservation of our natural treasures.”
The Good Fortune II offers a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful area of Rookery Bay lead by Conservancy naturalists and a Coast-Guard-certified captain. The 35-passenger pontoon boat allows visitors to see some of the most spectacular waterways, wading birds, and sometimes, even dolphins.
The next time you’re in Naples, Florida, be sure to book an excursion. You won’t be disappointed!
The Board aboard the Good Fortune II