The WLF provides dynamic women the opportunity to be engaged in effecting change in our community through collective philanthropy. Through our contributors and our annual grant program we Inspire women to become leaders in philanthropy, Educate women and the community on current issues and philanthropic strategies, and Empower women to strengthen the community from their unique giving perspectives.
The Women’s Legacy Fund is a Fund of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. The WLF was established by the SWFLCF in 2007 to enable women in Southwest Florida make an impact on issues in our community through collective philanthropy.
The bags are a great way to get the word out about the WLF and all contributors receive a bag when they become a part of the Fund.
When you contribute a minimum of $250 to the WLF you become a contributor and join the rest of the WLF contributors in making decisions on our community focus areas, and local grants. Additionally you receive newletters, community updates and can be in included in our “Go-To Women” Directory on our website.
If you would like to become a WLF contributor your check will be made payable to the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. Just note WLF on your check. If you would like to pay by credit card you can do soon our website or call our office at 239-274-5900
The fantastic advantage of collective philanthropy is that your contribution is combined with all of the contributions to the WLF. This creates maximum impact on an issue. The minimum gift is $250 but there is no maximum. Donors who contribute $10,000 or more to WLF join our Prima Donor Circle and are considered lifetime contributors to the WLF.
Yes, CLICK HERE. Once you have entered your information, be sure to indicate this donation is your WLF Contribution.
If you are a current WLF contributor you will receive an invoice each XXX to extend your annual contribution. Each year you contribute you are engaged in the selection of the local grant focus for the year and are included in our Go-To Women Directory on the Web.
Yes!
The WLF is based on collective philanthropy and the idea we can do far more together than we ever could alone. Each year, 50% of your contribution is placed in the WLF endowment fund which lasts forever while 50% goes to meeting immediate needs.
A group of our contributors writes and edits our WLF newsletter that is distributed throughout the year to keep you updated on WLF activities and other contributors.
Yes, you can access the newsletter from our website and it is distributed to you via email
Absolutely! We love folks in the community to hear about what is happening with the WLF. You can access our most recent newsletter from our website under the WLF banner.
We would love to hear your suggestions! Just email them: [email protected]
Be sure to put WLF newsletter in the subject line.
We are always looking to engage new members on the Grants Committee. If you are a contributor and are interested in serving on the committee, please contact Anne Douglas, Director of Programs at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation.
Prima Donors are contributors who have made a commitment to the WLF of $10,000 or more. Prima Donors get together for round tables, dine-arounds and educational opportunities to learn more about the community and emerging issues. Prima Donors are considered lifetime contributors to the WLF. There is also a tradition of Prima Donors purchasing each other Blue Shoes which are worn on special occasions!
In just four years of granting, the WLF has already contributed almost $60,000 to address community needs in the areas of literacy, mental health, homelessness, and violence prevention. If you add the upcoming grant, that amount should increase by approximately $17,500.
Yes, the SWFLCF matched a $5,000 grant awarded by the WLF at the October 2011 luncheon to support case management services for homeless families at the North Fort Myers United Way House, for a total of $10,000 awarded to the Salvation Army.
Yes. In working with your professional estate planning attorney, you may always designate a specific gift to the WLF. The Foundation’s website contains sample bequest language which allows making a gift through your will or trust documents easy. As you think about making an estate gift, consider whether to include a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your total estate towards WLF. Each is a unique way to leave a legacy about what is important to you now, and, for the future.
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation is dedicated to working with donors to create custom funds to change the world and our community. We would love to talk to you about creating a legacy that includes the work of the Women’s Legacy Fund. Please contact Carolyn Rodgers, Vice President of Development and Communication, and we can work with you to make this wish a reality.
