SCBA
President ’ s
COLUMN
Get to Know the Community Foundation of Sarasota County
by Amanda Kison , Esq . Bentley Goodrich Kison , P . A .
SCBA ’ s Exclusive Community Partner
What is the Community Foundation of Sarasota County ?
Founded in November of 1979 by members of the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council , the Community Foundation of Sarasota County was created to connect philanthropic donors to the causes they are passionate about . With an eye on creating transformative change in our community , for the last 45 years , the Community Foundation has managed local philanthropic dollars and charitable estate gifts to benefit the residents of the Sarasota , Manatee , DeSoto and Charlotte counties .
The Community Foundation ’ s History with the SCBA
Several local attorneys were integral in the founding and subsequent growth of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County . Ron Skipper , of the law firm Fergeson Skipper and longtime SCBA member , was one of the five individuals who founded the Community Foundation . David Steves ( longtime SCBA member ) and Chip Gaylor ( Past SCBA president and longtime member ), both of Muirhead , Gaylor , Steves and Waskom , served as Board Chairs for the Community Foundation and have been significantly involved with the foundation ’ s growth throughout the years . Their vision and deep commitment to the foundation ’ s mission have been central to the strong relationship between the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and SCBA .
To this day , estate planning attorneys are one of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County ’ s largest referral sources for clients who wish to create charitable legacies through their estate plans . Clients who elect to establish a legacy fund with the Community Foundation are ensured expert oversight by the foundation in stewarding the client ’ s charitable intent , which includes a close working relationship with the nonprofit or charitable sector that benefits from the client ’ s charitable gift . These relationships , and the deep knowledge the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has of nonprofits , and needs and trends , ensure thoughtful , strategic investments that provide long-lasting impact .
SCBA Targeted Funds
In 2007 , a generous donor created a fund named the SCBA Richard R . Garland Diversity Scholarship Fund , on behalf of the SCBA , to benefit law students who intend to practice law in Sarasota County after graduation . Not only does the Richard R . Garland Diversity Scholarship Fund provide vital scholarships to aspiring legal professionals , it also supports summer placement in law firms and / or government agencies in Sarasota County for such students . The SCBA Richard R . Garland Diversity Scholarship Fund may also benefit a graduating high school senior of the Booker High School Law Academy who has been accepted into an accredited college or university .
6 | THE DOCKET - FEBRUARY 2024