Founders Scholarship Fund Board Chair – Michael BalgordCreating Opportunities. Fulfilling Dreams. Founders Scholarship Fund (FSF) identifies and supports deserving Collier County high school graduates as they pursue a college education. Our students come from low-income families. Without FSF support, many of them would not be able to attend college or would need to take on substantial debt. These young people have excellent grades and test scores, participate in student government and other extra-curricular activities, and often hold part-time jobs. They are amazing!
Michael Balgord is the current volunteer Board Chair of FSF. He has extensive leadership and management experience in finance, government affairs, organization building, and strategic planning. Michael was a leader in the creation of the ignition interlock business – technology to prevent drunk driving. He built the largest company in the industry, before retiring several years ago.
Michael strongly believes that educating young people is critical for the betterment of society. He learned this from his mother who was an educator in public schools until she was 80 years old.
FSF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded by members of Club Pelican Bay in 1991. Club members generously provide FSF funding. If you would like to help with our 2026 fundraising event, the Ed Brennan Memorial Banquet & Golf Tournament, or help fund our scholarship fund, or mentor one of our students, please contact any member of our Board of Trustees or our Fund Director.
