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FOUNDATION

AIMS HIGH

TO SUSTAIN PUBLIC SERVICES

by Jeff Lytle
he Collier Community Foundation The spokespersons represent different roles and expertise in
is in the midst of a public relations the philanthropy landscape. Attorney Morey’s
Tcampaign championing philanthropy law firm, Bond, Schoeneck & King, deals in part
large and small. with real estate and investment advising. Amy
The timing is strategic, coming as the last Hale is the president for the Southeastern U.S. for
large segment of baby boomers is making plans BMO Wealth Management. Francis Rooney is
for estates and wills. a construction industry executive, philanthropist
If the foundation can tap into only a small and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives,
fraction of that transfer of wealth locally, Collier non-profits could making him an ideal bearer of the message about you knowing
get a big boost toward sustaining their vital work in health care, better than government how to spend your money.
the arts, dementia respite, hunger and much more. Hale advocates foundation connections because of the
The foundation campaign is waged across many platforms, organization’s hard-earned reputation, which includes knowing
including print, TV, social media and the foundation’s own the pulse and needs of the community. That pulse also has the
newsletters and website. The foundation also is reaching out to attention of Morey, who says he is eager to see results of the
professionals in the investment, banking and financial advisory foundation’s update of community needs, which initially included
fields to remind them of the various ways donors can make legacy housing, the environment, technical education and mental
gifts – such as to donor-defined, unrestricted funds or scholarship health.
programs -- and the tax advantages of doing so. Hale also likes the impact that the foundation can add to
Serial philanthropists need little prodding, foundation leaders investments in the community – now and later.
say, while recruiting others may pay huge additional dividends. “The opportunity is large,” says Hale of the campaign. “We
The goal is to attract three percent of wealth transfers to have to make sure important, meaningful conversations are held”
amass a $1 billion endowment that would allow $50 million in and donors are reminded of the foundation’s “good work” to
grantmaking per year – “supporting the programs that benefit our build up the community.
local youth, families, seniors and veterans, our environment and Rooney says he is sold on the foundation’s lead role amid
other community needs— forever!,” the foundation’s website says. emergencies such as Hurricane Ian and its emphasis on vetting
That $50 million would go toward the $400 million a year that non-profits for low administrative costs or overhead.
Collier non-profits have to raise, says Foundation President/CEO But it is planning ahead to steer clear of excessive taxation
Eileen Connolly-Keesler. She believes the three percent target that drives Rooney. “That’s smart for anyone,” he says.
should seem small to heads of estates as well as “This is a very philanthropic community,” he observes, and
family beneficiaries. giving should come naturally for those who love and appreciate
Connolly-Keesler goes on to say a study shows Naples. That can grow into a culture, he says, citing the example
nearly $35 billion is due to change hands locally in set by the Naples Winter Wine Festival benefiting the health
the next decade. That compares to an estimated $15 and well-being of children.
billion that was estimated to be transferred in the The campaign dovetails with the foundation’s new name,
past 10 years. She says those numbers are conservative, because streamlined from the Community Foundation of Collier County.
they do not include trusts. Also new is the logo and slogan, “Informed Giving. Powerful
The big numbers do not surprise Jim Morey, Results,” succeeding “For Good, Forever.”
current foundation chairman and one of three Morey’s youthful appearance and board chairmanship made
highlighted spokespersons for the campaign. the first round of campaign ads stand out for the long-tenured
Morey cites sheer local population growth, the foundation, and he says he would welcome more working-age
wealth of newcomers and an overall increase in people getting involved. “Pay it back,” he says. “Think about what
values of real estate and investments. this community has given us.”

60 Life in Naples | April 2023