Designated
Jeannie had supported the Lee County chapter of the Salvation Army most of her adult life. The other passion in her life was her membership in her church in Cape Coral. She wished to leave assets, including her home, to establish endowments supporting each of them. Her attorney suggested starting a Designated Fund at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. Jeannie agreed, and wrote her instructions into her estate document. Upon her death, Jeannie's will was probated, and a check came to the Community Foundation to start the Jeannie Smith Fund. Every year in February, the Community Foundation staff writes a check to the Salvation Army and her church. The Foundation staff is in touch with the Salvation Army on a regular basis, since many donors have supported the agency in the past. Additionally, Foundation staff members talk to the minister of the church in Cape Coral to assure that the congregation is financial solid before issuing a check. Designated Funds assure that your favorite charities are perpetually supported from funds in your Designated Funds. The Foundation automatically distributes the proceeds as instructed by the donor.