Driven to Give Back
Scott Fischer has always been driven to give back to his community. Philanthropy and mentorship are an integral part of his personal values, and it is a passion he shares with his nationwide leadership team and the employees in his companies across the U.S.
Scott’s philanthropy is well-known in the Southwest Florida region, where he lives and does business, but he also gives back in the other areas of the country. In fact, Scott’s current focus is to expand giving to national nonprofits that serve in the markets where he does business – including causes such as Junior Achievement and Blessings in a Backpack.
Scott Fischer, his wife Mary, and their daughter Katie created The Fischer Family Foundation in 2011, and it has become the charitable arm for all of Scott’s personal and corporate philanthropy.
Apply for a Grant
To be considered for The Fischer Family Foundation grant, please review the grant criteria and consider applying for a grant during the grant cycle, which is open July through October.
Scott’s Lasting Legacy
One of Scott’s most notable philanthropic achievements was the Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog Invitational. Through the popular “Slaw Dog” event, which was created by Scott and his good friend Paul Sands, $520,000 was raised over the course of 10 years to benefit three deserving and impactful charities: Blessings in a Backpack, Valerie’s House, and scholarships for the REIS Scholarship at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). After 30 years of incredible fun and impact, the Slaw Dog Invitational event has sunset, but Scott’s impact on these beneficiaries remains strong. For example, he continues to serve on the board of directors for Valerie’s House.
Beyond this signature fundraising event, Scott Fischer Enterprises has donated more than $320,000 to numerous non-profit organizations in Southwest Florida, supporting their essential missions, building capacity, and amplifying their impact.
Today, Scott’s local focus areas include Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, Blessings in a Backpack SWFL Chapter, Valerie’s House and The Heights Foundation, to name a few.
Scott’s Personal & Family Giving
In addition to the important work being done through Scott Fischer Charities and the Fischer Family Foundation, Scott and his wife Mary also give their time, talent and treasure to a variety of worthy causes such as:
Blessings in a Backpack
Scott was the founding member of the Lee County Blessings in a Backpack Board of Directors, an organization that has helped feed thousands of children on weekends and over holidays when school meals aren't available to them.
Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida
Scott is an avid supporter of this organization, which helps provide business education in Lee and Collier County schools. He served on the board of directors for nine years including two years as chair. Additionally, he has been honored as a Laureate of the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame, Lee and Collier Counties.
SWFL Children's Charities, Inc.
Scott and his wife Mary are Trustees and have hosted multiple vintner dinners as part of the Southwest Florida Wine Fest, helping to raise millions of dollars to enhance pediatric health care in Southwest Florida.
Valerie's House
The Fischers are avid supporters of Valerie's House, which helps children and families work through the loss of a loved one, ensuring no child grieves alone.
Inspired by their adult daughter
Inspired by their adult daughter, who overcame substance use challenges as a teenager, the Fischers are advocates for underserved children and teens who need support in their recovery journey.
