The Community Foundation is honored to serve as a steward for local philanthropy. Our family of fundholders represents a group of committed and passionate individuals. We are grateful for being given the opportunity to help these donors make their philanthropy personal, meaningful and fulfilling.
Field of Interest Funds
25 United Disaster Relief Fund: The 25 United Disaster Relief Fund was established in 2019 in response to Hurricane Dorian’s impact to the Bahamas and is exclusively to assist in disaster relief and recover efforts.
In Memoriam of Meg Mortell and Molly Mehlich/Cancer: Established in 2010 by their loving families and friends in memory of Meg and Molly to fund cancer research.
Mary Catherine, Mary Elizabeth and Joseph Carlin Fund: Created in 2010, this fund supports charitable organizations for causes Mr. Carlin cared about, including The Community Foundation, breast cancer, end of life care, veterans, women, and children.
Clayton Carlton Humphries Memorial Foundation Fund: The Clayton Carlton Humphries Memorial Foundation was established in 2019 to continue supporting causes that Clay was passionate about. Contributions to this fund will benefit local and regional agricultural organizations and education initiatives in his honor.
John & Connie Doody Fund: Created in 2017, this fund supports charitable organizations in the field of health care.
The Community Fund: Donors trust The Community Foundation with decisions about the charitable use of funds. Contributions to The Community Fund are flexible and allow grantmaking that is responsive to emerging and changing community needs. This fund is utilized to facilitate gifts from generous donors in the community who do not have a fund to the nonprofits they care most about.
Elevating Residents In Crisis: Established in 2020 by Judie and Gary Price, this fund will provide support for charitable organizations that provide basic needs services including the provision of shelter, access to food, clothing, health care services and other services.
The Forever Fund for the Common Good: The Community Foundation’s Endowed Common Good Fund was established in 2020 by Peter and Gayle Grimm with decisions about the charitable use of funds left to the discretion of the Community Foundation. It was the intent of the Grimm’s that other donors would join them and make contributions to the Fund that will enable grantmaking far into the future that is responsive to emerging and changing community needs.
TCFMSL Environment Fund: Established in 2019 by individuals committed to addressing environmental issues on the Treasure Coast.
Dorothy K. Geoghegan Fund: Established in 2009 through a testamentary gift dedicated to supporting the work of firefighters, this fund provides support through Indian River State College for Fire Science Technology scholarships.
MSS Fund: Established in 1992 by a former J.D. Parker school teacher, this fund supports designated charities and reading and literacy programs for children.
Impact 100 Martin Fund: Established in 2017 as a giving circle to enable women philanthropists to enrich Martin County through collective strategic high-impact giving.
Impact 100 St Lucie Fund: Established in 2017 as a giving circle to enable women philanthropists to enrich St Lucie County through collective strategic high-impact giving.
TCFMSL Institute for Non-Profit Leadership: Established in 2017 through the Frances Langford Fund for Martin County, the Institute will identify and offset the cost of leadership and management enrichment opportunities designed for nonprofit executives and board members through seminars, lectures, retreats, and workshops as well as providing an online library for all to access on the MCCF website.
Hank & Ellen Libby Health & Human Services Fund: This fund was established in 2018 to support charitable organizations in the field of health and human services.
Premier Realty Charitable Fund: This fund was established by Premier Realty Group and allows Premier Realty associates to receive and review grant applications from charitable organizations serving the community.
Lighthouse Foundation Impact Fund: Founded in 2019 by Larry Lee, Jr., this fund is to support the restoring and revitalizing the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Fort Pierce.
Rotary Club of Fort Pierce Charitable Fund: Established in 2020 to support humanitarian causes that are consistent with the mission of Rotary International and/or the Rotary Club of Fort Pierce.
Sewall’s Point Playground Fund: This fund was established in 2019 to support the restoration and maintenance of the Town Commons Park in Sewall’s Point.
Shoes From Susan Charitable Fund: Started by the sons of Susan Caruso, this fund supports organizations by supplying much-needed gift cards for their clients to purchase new shoes of their choosing.
Ray & Ellyn Stevenson Health Fund: This fund was established in 2018 and is exclusively limited to supporting charitable causes related to health.
Ray & Ellyn Social Justice Fund: This fund was established in 2018 for the purpose of supporting organizations related to social justice.
The Story Express Fund: This fund was established in 2010 for the purpose of supporting the acquisition, operation, and outfitting of a community bookmobile.
TCFMSL Environment Fund: This fund was established to support nonprofits and charitable organizations impacting, affecting and supporting environmental causes and issues.
Treasure Coast Giving Circle: Established in 2017 by a group of philanthropic businessmen to help not for profit organizations who serve children, young adults and families throughout the Treasure Coast area. Participation in this fund is by invitation only.
Turtle Creek Club Charitable Fund: Established in 2019, this fund has been established to support the organizations that assist in the positive development and enrichment of Turtle Creek Club employees and their families, directly through the support of the members of Turtle Creek Club and other strategic partnerships.
The Waaler Fund: Gladys Waaler was a quiet angel of the former Women’s Center. The fund, established in 1992, helped support the center until its closing in 2000 and currently supports services for pregnant women in need through the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition.
Webb Family Health and Human Services Fund: This fund was established in 2021 to support organizations in the field of health and human services.
The Wildlife Fund established by Stephen Stock: This fund was established in 2021 to support wildlife.
Women and Children’s Fund: Created in 2005 by an anonymous donor, this fund supports a charitable organization that serves low-income women and/or dependent children. Since the funds inception, the primary recipient has been Hibiscus Children’s Center.
Scholarship Funds
Hubert W. Bessey Scholarship Fund: Established in 1991 by Hubert Bessey, this fund benefits students pursuing a higher education who have graduated from a Martin County high school.
Jared Blue Scholarship Fund: Established in 2009 by Mr. and Mrs. Blue in honor of their son, Jared, to provide a scholarship to a deserving student from Martin County High School.
Mary J. Brogan Scholarship Fund: Established in 1999 by Frank Brogan in memory of his wife, Mary. This fund benefits students pursuing a career in education.
Treva Brogan Scholarship Fund: Established in 1999 by the family of Treva Brogan to honor her life. This scholarship benefits students from a single-parent household.
Frank T. Cadarr Martin County Educational Fund: A lifelong resident of North River Shores, Mr. Cadarr regularly attended scholarship night at Martin County High School. Established in 1988, his gift has supported the college dreams of students who have a history of community service.
Katherine H. Dunscombe Scholarship Fund: Established in 2003 through a testamentary gift, this scholarship honors Ms. Dunscombe. “Kit” was a descendant of early settlers of Martin County and a true believer in education. The fund benefits students attending a public Florida college or university.
Copper Key Scholarship Fund: Established in 2017 to benefit students in need who aspire to attend college but may not have the financial means or support to pursue their dreams.
Hobe Sound Civic Association Scholarship Fund: Established in 1994 by Estelle Berry. This fund benefits students who are graduating from South Fork High School and who reside in Hobe Sound.
Aaron Jason Memorial Scholarship Fund: In honor of their son Aaron, Mr. and Mrs. Jason established a scholarship in 2013 for a deserving student from South Fork High School (Martin County), Treasure Coast High School (St. Lucie County), or St. Lucie West Centennial High School (St. Lucie County).
The Jack H. Smouse Scholarship Fund: Established in 2018, this fund benefits students graduating from a Martin County, Florida high school as well as students graduating from high school in Allegany County, Maryland.
Restoring the Village Scholarship Fund: Established in 2021 by Larry Lee, Jr., benefitting graduating students who reside in St. Lucie County pursuing a degree or certification at a Florida university or trade school.
Turtle Creek Club Scholarship Fund: Established in 2019, this fund has been established to support the positive development and enrichment of Turtle Creek Club employees and their families, directly through the support of the members of Turtle Creek Club and other strategic partnerships.
Willoughby Foundation Scholarship Fund: Established in 2017, this fund was set up to provide charitable outreach to our community through Tuition Assistance to employees, children of employees, or grandchildren of employees of Willoughby Country Club.
Joseph A. Catrambone Trade & Vocational Scholarship Fund: Established in 2019, this fund was established to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Martin County demonstrating financial need for continuing education in the vocational trades.
Designated Funds
An Anonymous Fund: An anonymous fund established in 1992 that is dedicated to youth development, elder programs, and literacy.
GW Fund: Established in 1993 through a testamentary gift, this fund honors long-time Stuart resident and WWI veteran, Reidar Waaler. His widow, Gladys Waaler, has designated Martin Memorial Hospital, House of Hope, Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, the Samaritan House for Boys, The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, and All Saints Episcopal Church as annual beneficiaries of this fund.
Veronica A. Broome Fund: Established in 2009 through a Living Trust, this fund supports The Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, American Cancer Society’s Martin County Unit, The Salvation Army of Martin County, The Salvation Army of St. Lucie County, American Red Cross Martin County Chapter, Arthritis Foundation’s Mid-East Florida Branch and American Lung Association of Southeast Florida.
Beatrice M. Rais Merkle Fund: This fund was established in 2015 through a testamentary gift for charitable organizations important to Ms. Merkle, including American Cancer Society’s Florida Division, the American Heart Association, Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, the Salvation Army in Fort Pierce and St. Jude Research.
An Anonymous Designated Fund: This fund was established in 1992 to support the Council on Aging, the Samaritan House for Boys, and other organizations important to this fundholder.
Unrestricted Funds
Lester & Margaret Combs Fund: Peg and Les Combs, cofounders of The Community Foundation, left this gift to the community in their estate in 2008.
Ruth W. Herslow Fund: Established in 2008 through a testamentary gift from Mrs. Herslow.
Jean E. Merrill Fund: Established in 2006 through a charitable remainder trust.
Donor Advised Funds
Abernethy Family Fund: Established in 2018, this fund focuses on charitable purposes including but not limited to child welfare, poverty prevention, education programs, and social support programs as well as the environment, health, and literacy.
Balzereit Family Charitable Fund: Established in 2020 by George Balzereit, this fund was established to support organizations and educational institutions that work to alleviate the pain and frustration faced by those who need assistance to turn a corner to a better life.
Mary and Wilson Baysinger Fund: Created in 2019, this fund supports the promotion of mental health, the prevention of poverty and homelessness, and the protection and welfare of animals.
Cassidy Family Fund: Established in 2017 by the Cassidy family, this fund focuses on animal protection and welfare, education including early literacy and adult scholarships, and poverty and homelessness including economic self-sufficiency programs as well as other important causes to the Cassidy family.
Nancy Crowder-McCoy Charitable Fund: This fund was established in 2020 to support a variety of causes.
Doody Family Fund: Established in 2018 to support a variety of charitable causes in the field of animal welfare, arts and culture, elder care, literacy, and the environment.
Jack Forde Fund: Established in 2018 to support the charitable organizations and causes important to Mr. Forde, including but not limited to education, including vocational training programs.
Flicker Freudenberg Charitable Fund: Stefanie Flicker and Peter Freudenberg established this fund in 2020 to support basic needs in health and human services, arts, religion, child welfare, elder care, education & literacy, and environmental services.
Kate and Brent Freihofer Fund: This fund was established in 2021 to support basic needs including by not limited to animal welfare, arts and culture, women’s issues and welfare, elder care, educational, environmental (specifically oceans, rivers and related wildlife) health, literacy and scientific research.
Furtwangler Family Fund: Established in 2018 by the Furtwangler family to support organizations that honor the family’s passions for the communities where they have resided.
Gescheidle Charitable Fund: Established by Dan and Mary Gescheidle in 2020 to support charitable purposed including but not limited to education, health, and wellness.
Good Fortune Fund: Established in 2017 by an anonymous donor to support charitable causes they care deeply about.
Guettler Brothers Fund: Created in 2018 the purpose of this fund is to support the charitable organizations and causes including but not limited to animal welfare, arts and culture, child welfare, elder care, education, environmental, health, literacy, religious, scientific research, veteran and/or active military support programs.
Ervin E. and Kathleen T. Hanson Charitable Fund: Established in 2021 to support a multitude of causes that Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have taken an interest in, including health and human services.
Hoke Hendry Fund: Created in 2012 by Barbara Hendry to support charitable organizations that are important to her and her family.
Houston Family Charitable Fund: Established in 2020 by Linda Houston to support many charitable causes.
HLDA Fund: Created in 2013 to support charitable causes and organizations that are important to the fundholders.
Andrew & Robin Hunt Philanthropic Fund: Established in 2017 by Andrew and Robin Hunt for charitable purposes including but not limited to child welfare, primarily youth violence prevention, educational, environmental, health- including nutrition and community garden projects and literacy.
Bud and Marjie Jordan Fund I and II: Created in 2006 and 2020, recipients of this fund include Equine Rescue & Adoption Foundation, House of Hope, Tykes & Teens, The Pine School, and the Florida State University College of Medicine Ft. Pierce Campus. Mr. Jordan is a co-founder of the Martin County Community Foundation.
Lichtenberger Family Charitable Fund: This fund was created in 2020 by Mr. H. William Lichtenberger to support organization in, but not limited to, Martin and St. Lucie County.
Lichtenberger Family Charitable Fund II: This fund was established in 2021 by Mr. H. William Lichtenberger to support organization who provide emergency direct client assistance.
Thomas and Barbara Lytle Family Fund: Established in 2020 by Tom and Barbara Lytle to support the many charitable causes they care about including but not limited to arts & culture, child welfare, elder care, and veterans’ services.
Gene and Tony McIlvaine Fund: Established in 2021, the purpose of this fund is to support charitable organizations and causes including, but not limited to, animal welfare, arts and culture, child welfare, education, scientific research, veterans causes.
Beatrice & Michael McCallion Charitable Fund: Established in 2018 by Beatrice and Michael McCallion, this fund supports charitable purposes including but not limited to animal welfare, arts and culture, child welfare, elder care, educational, environmental, health, literacy, religious, scientific or medical research.
Joseph A. Miele Foundation Fund: Established in 2021 by Joseph and Pamela Miele to support charitable giving in but not limited to Martin and St. Lucie County.
Marianne Weder Charitable Fund: Established in 2019, the purpose of this fund is to support charitable organizations and causes including animal welfare, arts and culture, child welfare, education, scientific research, veterans causes, among other worthwhile fields of interest.
McDowell Hall Fund: Established in 2016 by Brian Foss and Dennis Fruitt, the purpose of this fund is to support charitable organizations and causes including educational and social services and religious charities in Martin County, Florida, Washington, D.C. and Miami, Florida.
Minnow Fund: Created in 2015 by a retired educator and guidance counselor to support charitable organizations and causes she cares deeply about, this fund has provided scholarships at the YMCA for swimming lessons for children and adults in Martin County.
Paulsen Kelly Family Fund: Established in 2016 by Marianne Paulsen and Michael Kelly to support organizations serving the underserved in Manhattan NY, Astoria NY, Queens NY, Austin TX, and Martin County FL as well as educational institutions in Texas, New York, Charlottesville VA, Memphis TN, and Louisville KY.
Premier Realty Group Charitable Fund: Created in 2019 by Jessica Bohner, this fund was established to support the organizations identified by and supported by the agents at Premier Realty Group in an effort to better serve the community.
Christen M. Price Memorial Fund: Established in 2011 by her parents Gary and Judie Price, this fund is in memory of Christen, who was raised in Stuart and had a passion for music and the arts. Grantees have included Hope Rural School, Corbin Scholarship Fund at The Arts Council, and Hibiscus House. A public art piece – the Dolphin Fountain at Indian Riverside Park – was underwritten in honor of their daughter.
Serenity Family Fund: Established in 2017 by a family in Martin County to support the causes they hold most dear.
Stevenson Family Fund: Established in 2017, this fund will support charitable causes including animal welfare, arts & culture, child welfare, elder care, education, environmental causes, health, literacy, religious organizations, and research.
Suzanne J. Kitchen and Donna E. Stevick Charitable Fund: This fund was established in 2020 to support rehabilitation programs that pair rescue dogs with prison inmates.
Ray and Ellyn Stevenson Fund: Created in 2011 by Ray and Ellyn to support charitable organizations and causes of interest to them. Recipients of this fund include: Atlantic Classical Orchestra, Artists for a Cause, Council on Aging of Martin County, Elliott Museum, Fistula Foundation, Florida Oceanographic Society, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, Library Foundation of Martin County, Lyric Theatre, Planned Parenthood, Safe Space, Save the Children, Temple Beit HaYam, The Nature Conservancy, UNICEF, and Volunteers in Medicine.
The Jonathan Swanson Project Fund: Established in 2015 by family and friends in memory of Jonathan, the project’s focus is to provide resources to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
Honoring Margaret Richebourg Temple Fund: Established in 2021 to honor wife and mother, Margaret Richebourg Temple.
Judith Thogersen Family Fund: Established in 2018 by Judith Thogersen, this fund supports the causes important to Ms. Thogersen in the fields of animal welfare, arts and culture, child welfare, elder care, educational, environmental, health, literacy, religious, scientific research.
Gytha Von Aldenbruck Fund: Established in 2017, this fund will support charitable causes important to Mrs. Von Aldenbruck in the areas of elder care, education, health, religion, and scientific research.
Wade Charitable Fund: Established in 2017 by Scott and Elizabeth Wade to support the charitable organizations they care about.
W.A.I.T.T. (We Are In This Together): Established in 2018 by anonymous donors to support the charitable causes they care about focusing on education, the environment, health, literacy, and other important causes.
The Webb Family Fund: Established in 2018 by Horace & Bunny Webb to support the causes they care about in St. Lucie County, Florida.
Dick Wells Memorial Fund: Created in 2014 by his wife, Dr. Blanche Wells, family and friends, this fund supports charitable organizations that encourage swimming and swimmers, in honor of Dick Wells, long time Martin County resident and world-class teacher and swim coach.
The Community Foundation General Operating Endowment
Beatrice M. Rais Merkle Administrative Fund: Established in 2015 through a testamentary gift to support the work of the The Community Foundation Martin – St. Lucie.
Community Funds
COVID-19 Response Fund:Established by The Community Foundation to support relief efforts in Martin and St. Lucie Counties related to COVID-19.
Disaster Relief Fund: Established in 2017, this fund is vehicle that will allow donors to direct their gifts to specific areas of critical need following a disaster. For details, please contact The Community Foundation staff.
The Frances Langford Fund for Martin County: Established in 2016 upon the sunsetting of the Frances Langford Foundation to support charitable organizations in Martin County.
Beatrice M. Rais Merkle Community Fund: Established in 2014 through a testamentary gift from Ms. Merkle. The first grant from this fund was made in 2016 to House of Hope for the Golden Gate Enrichment Center.
TCFMSL In Memoriam Fund: This fund provides an opportunity for gifts to made in memory of a loved one. The funds are directed at an appropriate time to an organization of the family and friend’s choosing.
Agency Funds
The Caribbean American Cultural Group Fund: Established in 2020 to support future projects and programs including a long term vision / dream to create a one of a kind Caribbean Art and Culture Center in St. Lucie County, drawing in artists, performers and visitors from the region and beyond.
Catch the Wave of Hope Fund: This fund was established as a way to bring awareness, healing and action to abolish human trafficking.
Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County Agency Fund: Established in 2020 to exclusively support the Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County.
The First Tee of the Treasure Coast Fund: Established in 2018 to exclusively support to The First Tee of The Treasure Coast and its programming within the Treasure Coast area.
Historic Apollo School Preservation Fund: Established in 2018 to maintain the historical aspects of the former two-room schoolhouse and enhance its impact on Hobe Sound and Martin County as a cultural arts and educational facility by providing, “a window on the past, a focus on the future”.
The Historical Society of Martin County / Elliott Museum: Established in 2019 to support the Historical Society of Martin County and the Elliott Museum as well as the House of Refuge.
Mariner Sands Chapel Challenge Fund: Established in 2020 to exclusively support the operating, maintenance, and/or special project related to Mariner Sands Chapel.
US Sailing Center of Martin County Endowment Fund: Established in 2020 to exclusively support the US Sailing Center of Martin County.