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The Santini Fund

Over fifty years ago, J. Tom Smoot, Jr. planted the seeds of what would become Collaboratory. Together with local banking partners, he began the journey to establish a community foundation for Southwest Florida. This dream became reality in 1976, when Tom, along with John Sheppard, a dedicated civic leader and humanitarian, formally co-founded the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. John, who served as a trustee for 31 years and embodied the spirit of service, reminded us all that “one person can make a difference.”

“one person can make a difference.”

The legacy of giving grew in 1979 when Leonard Santini, a local farmer, fisherman, and developer, entrusted his shopping center to the Foundation, along with a deferred gift that, after his passing, became a $2.5 million fund. The Santini Fund has since provided scholarships, funded school building programs, built a mental health center, and launched essential non-profit initiatives. One pivotal moment in the fund’s history was a $350,000 challenge grant that secured the future of the Children’s Hospital Pediatric Specialists in Lee County.

Today, the Santini Legacy Society honors those who, like Tom, John, and Leonard, believe in the power of community philanthropy to make lasting change.

Intrigued by the idea of leaving part of your estate to charity? We can help. We will work with you and your professional advisors to understand your charitable dreams and make those dreams a reality.

From places of worship, neighborhoods, fine arts, and educational organizations to children’s health, animal welfare, and the environment, there are ample causes to support in your community.

Making a legacy gift is an opportunity to reflect on your values, passions, and gratitude. Perhaps there is a cause you have strongly supported through the years, or maybe a local organization has helped you or a loved one in a time of need; you have the chance to help them in return.

Whatever your inspiration for giving, your legacy gift is an enduring testament to the causes you hold dear.

Joe Braun
Chief Philanthropy Officer
239.691.3000
give@collaboratory.org

Santini Legacy Society

Make an Impact Beyond Your Lifetime

YOU ARE INVITED…

to join the ranks of Southwest Florida’s most generous and forward-thinking residents as a member of the Collaboratory Santini Legacy Society.

Your planning and partnership with Collaboratory may enable you to receive a tax benefit during or after life, maximize your giving impact, and leave a legacy forever.

Multiply and diversify the impact of your legacy giving by partnering with Collaboratory. This brochure illustrates how you can make a maximum impact after you are gone.

When you establish a bequest or other planned gift, you become part of the select group of community-minded individuals who comprise the Santini Legacy Society.

Members of the Santini Legacy Society share a common bond: all have made a commitment to support the future of their community through an estate gift to Collaboratory. These individuals understand the power of endowment, and know assets left to the community will continue to grow and support good works for generations to come.

How to Give

Beyond Your Years

*Assumes 4% annual payout and 7% rate of return net of fees.