Suncoast Credit Union Foundation makes $35,000 gift to support Florida SouthWestern State College students
Aug 27, 2025
AUGUST 27, 2025 – FORT MYERS, FLA — Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation is pleased to announce a charitable gift in the amount of $35,000 from Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to support new K-5 schoolteachers, the FSW care pantry and FSW student-athletes. Southwest Florida school districts report reductions in overall teacher vacancies this school year; however, vacancies continue to be an issue. Suncoast’s donation will accelerate graduates moving from their FSW classrooms to teachers in local elementary classrooms. Nationwide, food and housing insecurity plague college and university students. FSW is no exception, and the pantry allows students to discreetly gather food, household items and toiletries. Suncoast’s support will boost the pantry’s available inventory. For 35 years, Suncoast Credit Union has enthusiastically supported local college students. “We treasure our relationship with Suncoast,” explained Dr. Jeff Allbritten, FSW president. “We count on this generous and innovative community partner to support our students in challenging times. Their philanthropy also helps build the bench strength of local school districts with our talented graduates.” Suncoast Foundation CEO Jeff Kunberger serves on the FSW Foundation Board of Directors. Suncoast also provided the 2015 lead gift that built the college’s extraordinary sports arena. In the last four years, FSW student-athletes have won six national championships. “Our mission, which is a living and breathing guide in our organization, is to invest in initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities we serve and this grant does exactly that. An educated community can help solve complex problems and we are proud to offer this support to educators, to assist with food insecurity and the many benefits of sports,” said Jeff Kunberger, Executive Director of Suncoast Foundations. FSW offers more than 60 degrees and certificates, and more than 3,100 students were awarded degrees or certificates this year. The college serves as the primary training ground for the region’s professional workforce. Affordable tuition, which hasn’t increased in a decade, allows students to earn an associate’s degree for about $6,800 for a Florida resident. In the past decade, FSW Foundation has distributed $35.5 million to fund scholarships and college programs. Florida’s largest credit union funds the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation by donating two cents to local programs each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card. Since its inception in 1990, Suncoast Foundation has raised and donated more than $55 million. About Suncoast Credit Union Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $19 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 78 full-service branches and serves more than 1.3 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $55 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. About Florida SouthWestern State College Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and most affordable institution of higher education. Annually serving nearly 19,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placements rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.
Last Updated: October 3, 2025
Back to News Archives