Leaving a Legacy—The Impact of Planned Giving

by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO

For many, the desire to leave a lasting impact is linked with personal values and the goal of contributing to positive change. Leaving a legacy is more than just a financial transaction; it’s a profound way to influence future generations, make a difference in the community, and support causes close to your heart.

At The Immokalee Foundation, legacies transform the lives of students who face significant barriers to postsecondary education and career advancement.

Immokalee’s families suffer from intergenerational poverty and very low educational attainment. The community’s per capita income is $17,927, ranking it 477th out of 485 communities in Florida.

For 33 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for students in The Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary education.

Immokalee Foundation students participate in five unique educational camps each summer at Florida Gulf Coast University and Immokalee Technical College.

The Foundation provides new pathways to success and financial independence through robust programming that prepares students for well paying, in demand professional careers in Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management and Healthcare.

By contributing to our mission, donors support immediate needs and invest in a brighter future for the entire community.

Leaving a legacy also serves as a source of inspiration for others. It encourages a culture of giving and demonstrates the power of collective action. When individuals commit to supporting The Immokalee Foundation, they send a message that education and opportunity matter, motivating others to join the cause.

Lisa Marquette, Director of Philanthropy and Planned Giving at The Immokalee Foundation, is at the forefront of our critical mission. With her extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising, Lisa is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the often complex world of planned giving.

She understands that every donor’s journey is unique and is committed to providing personalized guidance on the best way to leave a legacy that aligns with your values.

Here are some common planned giving options:

Bequests: One of the simplest ways to leave a legacy is through a bequest in a will. Donors can specify a particular amount or percentage of their estate to support the Foundation, ensuring their values endure long after they are gone.

Trusts: Donors can establish charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) or charitable lead trusts (CLTs). A CRT provides income to the donor or beneficiaries for a specified period, after which the remaining assets benefit the Foundation. Conversely, a CLT offers income to the Foundation for a set time before transferring assets to thedonors heirs

Retirement Accounts: Donors can designate as a beneficiary of their retirement accounts. This strategy can be a tax-efficient way to give, as the Foundation can receive the funds without incurring the taxes that would typically to heirs.

Life Insurance: Donors can also name The Immokalee Foundation as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or transfer ownership of the policy to the Foundation. This provides a substantial gift at a relatively low cost, and donors may receive tax benefits for their contributions.

By exploring these and other planned giving options, donors can create a tailored approach that aligns with their financial and philanthropic goals.

The Immokalee Foundation is grateful for the support it receives, and every legacy left behind contributes to a ripple effect of positive change, empowering future generations and strengthening our community.

About The Immokalee Foundation

For more than 32 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary education.

To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, host an intern, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or include the Foundation in your will, please call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.