The Fischer Family Foundation, a foundation that supports underprivileged and low-income populations ages 8-25, is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 grant cycle, totaling $66,000 in grant funding to support seven local nonprofits making an impact in Southwest Florida.
This year’s grants will support programs addressing mental health, education, addiction recovery and youth empowerment, reflecting the Foundation’s mission to create positive change within the community.
As part of its 2024 grant cycle, the Foundation distributed grants to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, The Immokalee Foundation, Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast, Naples Retreat, Pace Center for Girls, Lee and SalusCare.
“These organizations embody the values of resilience, community, and transformation,” said Scott Fischer, founder of the Fischer Family Foundation. “We are honored to partner with them to support their efforts and help build a brighter future for individuals and families across our region.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast received $10,000 to support its One-to-One Mentoring Program. This funding will support mentoring relationships that empower at-risk youth to overcome challenges, succeed academically and build self-confidence. The program also provides career readiness resources and cultural enrichment activities.
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium was granted $6,000 to support its summer camp scholarships. The center will provide scholarships for nature-based summer camps, enabling children from disadvantaged backgrounds to explore the outdoors, engage with wildlife and develop a lifelong appreciation for the environment.
The Immokalee Foundation received $10,000 to provide mental wellness services to students and staff. This funding will provide free mental health counseling to underserved students and staff in partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University. The program addresses critical mental health needs in a high-poverty area and equips students with the support needed to achieve educational and career success.
Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast was awarded $10,000 toward Camp Mariposa. Camp Mariposa offers addiction prevention and therapeutic support for youth affected by family substance use disorders. The program includes resilience training, outdoor activities and peer mentoring to empower participants to break generational cycles of addiction.
Naples Retreat received $10,000 to support its Residential Recovery Program. Naples Retreat provides a non-clinical, community-focused recovery environment for young men battling alcohol dependency. This program fosters lasting sobriety through a supportive 12-step model and ongoing recovery resources.
Pace Center for Girls, Lee was granted $10,000 toward its Spirited Girls program. The Spirited Girls program offers gender-responsive education and life skills training for at-risk girls in Lee County. The curriculum addresses topics such as career readiness, financial literacy and mental health, empowering girls to overcome challenges and achieve their potential.
SalusCare received $10,000 toward outdoor beautification of its Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit, which will provide therapeutic opportunities for children in crisis. These upgrades aim to reduce incidents of restraint and seclusion while promoting emotional healing.
To learn more about the Fischer Family Foundation, visit SFE-US.com/Fischer-Family-Foundation.
About the Fischer Family Foundation:
Established in 2011, the Fischer Family Foundation is the personal foundation of the Fischer family. Scott Fischer, his wife Mary, and daughter, Katie, serve on the foundation’s board of directors. The foundation supports improving the lives of underprivileged and low-income populations through various resources that support enriching lives, improving mental health, and overall well-being. These resources are focused on, but are not limited to, summer camps, overnight intensive retreats, wilderness programs, and substance abuse treatment facilities. For more information about the Fischer Family Foundation, visit SFE-US.com/Fischer-Family-Foundation/ or call 844-749-2363.
