“A legacy is determined not only by how much one gives but also by the quality of one’s giving,” said Tommy Steyer.
The Steyers continually review their current and long-term philanthropic commitments. They thoughtfully consider an organization’s ability to develop, implement and evaluate a plan to ensure their charitable giving reaches the people who need it most.
During a conversation with their attorney, Sam Block, Tommy and Simonetta realized they needed the expertise of the Indian River Community Foundation in order to be confident their strategic and passionate wishes would be maintained in perpetuity. Therefore, they made provisions in their estate plans for IRCF to administer their charitable legacy gifts. In addition, they established a donor advised fund at IRCF to facilitate their current giving plans.
Tommy and Simonetta Steyer moved to Vero Beach 13 years ago from Venezuela due to the dramatic changes in their homeland. They have become involved in a number of local nonprofits including Dollars for Scholars of Indian River County, Indian River State College Foundation, Temple Beth Shalom and the Vero Beach Opera. They also support several international causes.
“My parents’ charitable giving was a feature of my sister’s and my life growing up,” said Tommy. “We were quite young when we were introduced to their passion for helping those in need.” The Steyer family’s legacy of giving back lives on in Tommy and Simonetta and through the next generations.
The Steyer family’s legacy of giving back lives on in Tommy and Simonetta and through the next generations.
– Tommy and Simonetta Steyer
The Community Foundation provides added value to our annual giving plans. It is simply easier for us to support causes we care about – United Way, Vero Beach Museum of Art and the Senior Resource Association to name a few – through the Community Foundation.
A local resident since 1982, artist and most published American author on feng shui, Nancilee searched for the most convenient way to give. When a friend suggested the Indian River Community Foundation, she tested the waters with a small donor advised fund.
Rick and Laura cite numerous benefits of the Community Foundation for philanthropists, nonprofits and Indian River County, including:
We coordinate all of our giving through our donor advised funds. These funds offer us flexibility in meeting our philanthropic goals and provide maximum tax benefits with no annual giving requirement. We also receive comprehensive quarterly fund statements. Most importantly, the Indian River Community Foundation is a conduit to nearly 200 local nonprofit organizations. We are now learning more about many other nonprofits that provide important community services and deserve our consideration.
