Why is there the need for the ECCL Advocacy Fund?
The greater Estero area is one of the most in-demand areas of Southwest Florida. As a civic engagement organization for almost two decades, we have contributed to greatly improve the quality of life in our community.
But improvements aren’t “one-off” items. We think in terms of the longer term. To be effective we need to secure support, funding, and resources and have them available when needs arise. That’s our overall managing change strategy.
Most of us, even the rich and famous, get “stuck” in our daily routines. We get up, go to work, eat meals, play with the kids on the weekends, retire and do some traveling or relaxing, and grow old watching the grandkids play. Our communications process focuses on engaging you in our vision and offering you the opportunity to escape the routine by working with us to meet our common challenges and accomplish our shared purpose.
Similarly, we know that creating a loud voice in our communities takes time and that success begets success. But one success or two successes won’t result in a higher quality of life in the Estero area. Instead, we must think holistically… every time we communicate with you we are sharing but one small part of the big picture story of issues of concern and our actions and solutions.
For us to continue to be successful, we need a partnership with you. We want you to know you’re in a relationship with us and we’re all marching towards a common goal.
Thus, we’ve created the Advocacy Fund.
What is the Advocacy Fund and what is its Purpose?
The Advocacy Fund was established to provide resources to the ECCL when advocating to improve the quality of life in the greater Estero area. It is a fund managed by the Estero Council of Community Leaders, Inc.), a Florida nonprofit corporation exempt from federal income taxes under Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) section 501(c)(3), a public charity. Grants from this fund are approved by the Board of Directors of the ECCL with the advice of its Finance Advisory Council and are limited to 501 (c) organizations.
What We Do
We serve all Estero area stakeholders as the “Voice of the People”. We are a grassroots civic engagement group of volunteers that listen to the concerns of all Estero residents and provide a forum for community-wide support for their concerns.Â
Where does Your support Go?
The purpose of the Advocacy Fund is to provide support and resources making your voices even louder and keeping you informed on issues before local, state and federal decisions are made. We are always transparent about how and where your contributions are being used.
Your support enables the ECCL to:
- Avoid potential actions, activities, and issues that may negatively affect our communities
- Safeguard the environment and maintain clear water
- Assure quality education
- Support healthy communities
- Support economic progress
- Improve transportation
- Increasing arts, recreation, and entertainment venues
- Communicate effectively
- Influence decision-makers
- Engage volunteers to serve our communities
- Lead initiatives that make a positive difference in our community
Why is What We Do Important
Currently, there is no other organized and experienced volunteer group with the purpose of assuring a high quality of life in the Estero area. We communicate with more than 30,000 Estero area residents.
Because there is strength in numbers and no Sunshine Law restrictions, (Sunshine laws are regulations requiring openness in government or business) we openly address and affect the outcome of both opportunities and challenges facing our Estero community with no restrictions or limitations.
Other Ways to Give
Monthly Support
A recurring contribution, automatically deducted from your account of choice, and easily canceled at any time, is a great way to provide a stable foundation for the efforts of the ECCL. Just choose the “monthly” option in the support dropdown.
Volunteer
The ECCL is manned solely by volunteers. Choose a topic of interest to help with, spread the word among your communities, show up at important meetings – it’s all important.
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ESTERO COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY LEADERS, INC. DBA (ECCL) IS QUALIFIED AS A 501(C)3 CORPORATION WITH THE IRS – EIN #20-1606763 AND IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL FLORIDA REGISTRATION (CH41780) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITINGÂ WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. OUR CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
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