Posted on October 6, 2012

Community Foundation of Broward Receives $40 Million Estate Gift

The Community Foundation of Broward in Fort Lauderdale has announced an estate gift of more than $40 million from local philanthropist Mary N. Porter.

The largest gift in the foundation's twenty-eight-year history will be divided among three separate funds at the foundation: an unrestricted fund that supports the foundation's role in identifying and addressing pressing needs in Broward County; a fund that supports capital projects; and a donor-advised fund that supports charities identified by Porter.

"This is truly an exciting day for our community," said foundation president and CEO Linda B. Carter. "Mary's forethought and generosity will return millions of dollars to the community each year to improve lives and ensure her legacy of caring for others lives on, forever."

Porter, who was born in Pennsylvania, spent many hours volunteering at her church and a local hospital when she was younger, while during the Depression she delivered food and clothing to those in need. According to the foundation, she quickly became involved in giving back to the community after she moved to Fort Lauderdale. "Giving back is a part of who we are as people," Porter once said. "It is not only good but necessary that those of us who have benefited from our beautiful communities extend our philanthropy to make other lives better."