PHILANTHROPY ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Philanthropy Advisory Committee
STEPHEN GRANGER Chair
LINDA CARTER
SHEILA ARGYLE
KNUTE KURTZ
JAMES HUMMER
LINDA MEYER
KENT PETERSON
TOM MELORO
Letter from the Committee Chair
Dear Grey Oaks Members,
As we reflect on fiscal year 2024, I want to express my pride in the dedication and generosity of our members, staff, and partners. Your support has made a significant impact on our GOCC team members, and I’m honored to chair the Philanthropy Committee.
For our newer members, the Philanthropy Committee was established in 2017 following Hurricane Irma’s impact on our community. The Collier Community Foundation manages and oversees three key funds for Grey Oaks: the Caring Fund, which assists team members and their families during times of hardship; the Scholarship Fund, which supports our team members and their dependents in furthering their education; and the Philanthropy Fund, which serves as a general resource providing flexible financial support that can be directed to all three respective funds as well as charitable organizations the Club supports. Members may direct their donations to any one of these funds.
This year, we are not only focusing on the three GOCC funds but also on initiatives that align with our values of compassion and community support. We are especially proud to host our first annual Grey Oaks Cares golf event, which aims to bring our community together in support of local charities. The Grey Oaks Cares event, on January 24, 2025, will serve as our flagship initiative for this year. This event provides an opportunity for us to further expand our philanthropic outreach, ensuring that our contributions support vital programs for those in need within our own Collier County.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our mission. I look forward to another year of service together and the positive impact we will create.
Warm Regards,
Stephen Granger PHILANTHROPY COMMITTEE CHAIR
PHILANTHROPY FUND
In February 2023, at the recommendation of the Collier Community Foundation, Grey Oaks management and the Philanthropy Committee established the Philanthropy Fund to effectively manage the overwhelming contributions received from our dedicated membership in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. This feeder fund was introduced to facilitate the strategic allocation of donations, ensuring their optimal use to address the evolving needs of Grey Oaks team members. Previously, donations designated for the Scholarship or Caring Fund were solely utilized for those specific initiatives. However, with the implementation of the Philanthropy Fund, the Philanthropy Committee has gained the flexibility to allocate Member donations as required for the Grey Oaks team, directing resources to either the Caring Fund or Scholarship Fund as needed. Additionally, the Philanthropy Fund serves as a central hub for managing various funds, expanding investment opportunities, and promoting sustainable growth. Leveraging the feeder fund, Grey Oaks consolidates donations across multiple initiatives, enhancing oversight and strategic allocation to ensure sufficient financial backing for both the Caring Fund and the Scholarship Fund. This approach effectively mitigates risks and ensures consistent, long-term support for the Scholarship Fund and Caring Fund. Through proficient management and strategic investments, feeder funds can significantly contribute to the long-term, sustainable expansion of philanthropic resources, guaranteeing continuous support for the beneficiaries and promoting stability in the delivery of aid and support to the Grey Oaks team through the Caring Fund and the Scholarship Fund.
Member Support
The Philanthropy Funds are exclusively supported by member contributions. During the year, the Philanthropy Committee will conduct member appeals for the Philanthropy Fund. The Philanthropy Fund allows for the seamless transfer of funding to the hardship or scholarship initiatives, or to support nonprofits. The Grey Oaks Members have raised over $1.85M.
$54,490.72
Caring Fund
This Fund provides short-term, emergency financial support to team members or eligible dependents who have experienced certain unforeseen and unpreventable circumstances such as a natural disaster, life-threatening illness or injury, a death incident, or other certain catastrophic or extreme circumstances – and, as a result, cannot afford housing, necessary utilities, or other basic living needs. Since its inception in 2018, the Caring Fund has assisted 291 team members and their dependents and granted over $664,380. The Grey Oaks Management Team promotes the availability of the Caring Fund to team members. CCF provides guidance and assistance with the application process in multiple languages.
Applications for financial assistance are reviewed by the Collier Community Foundation (CCF) to maintain the privacy for applicants and financial assistance is then provided.
$152,731.18 Caring Fund Campaign
Scholarship Fund July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS
This Fund provides financial assistance to team members or their dependents by awarding scholarships to those students attending accredited institutions and programs, including certification courses, English language courses, technical colleges/schools, university, colleges and undergraduate, graduate and doctorate programs. The grants can be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies as well as room and board. The CCF makes the payments to the respective institutions once students submit documentation from their institution to verify enrollment and qualified expenses.
Scholarships Awarded by Academic Year
This Fund provides financial assistance to team members or their dependents by awarding scholarships to those students attending accredited institutions and programs, including certification courses, English language courses, technical colleges/ schools, university, colleges and undergraduate, graduate and doctorate programs. The grants can be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies as well as room and board. The CFCC makes the payments to the respective institutions once they receive documentation from the institution for the eligible expenses.
$90,000
Expressions of Gratitude
$42,000
The Philanthropy Advisory Committee establishes the criteria for scholarship grants as well as the maximum amount of the scholarship each year. Each recipient receives the same amount each year. The criteria established by the Committee and utilized by CFCC considers achievement criteria and financial need equally:
$100,000
$90,000
1. Achievement criteria considers performance and potential. Evaluation includes grades/GPA, applicant’s personal statement, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, application content and career goals.
2. Financial need is weighted and skewed by most in need. Family financial position is used to evaluate need.
3. The evaluation and selection of scholarship recipients is done by a selection committee consisting of three representatives of CFCC and two members of Grey Oaks.
1. Achievement criteria considers performance and potential. Evaluation includes grades/GPA, applicant’s personal statement, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, application content and career goals.
2. Financial need is taken into consideration during the evaluation process. Family financial position is used to evaluate need.
4. The Grey Oaks’ Management Team promotes the scholarship program and provides guidance and assistance with the application process. Applications each year begin November 1st and must be received by February 14th. Eligible team members and dependents can apply each year.
3. The evaluation and selection of scholarship recipients is done by a selection committee consisting of three representatives of CCF and two members of Grey Oaks.
4. The Grey Oaks Management Team promotes the scholarship program and CCF provides guidance and assistance with the application process. Applications are accepted annually, typically November through February. Eligible team members and dependents can apply each year.
$48,000 2023 $42,000 2024 $20,000 Total $432,000
5. This year, the Philanthropy Committee awarded nine scholarships, two to team members and seven to team member dependents. Each scholarship provided a maximum of $10,000 grant for a calendar year.
The Philanthropy Advisory Committee established the criteria for scholarship grants as well as the maximum amount of the scholarship. Each recipient receives the same amount each year. The criteria established by the Committee and utilized by CCF considers achievement criteria and financial need equally: $432,000 Total amount in scholarships awarded since 2018.
5. This year, two scholarships were awarded to one team member and one dependent of a team member. Each scholarship provided a maximum of a $10,000 grant for an academic year.
Scholarship Fund Campaign
Scholarships are based on:
2024/2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Rosemary Giovannelli Events Manager
Florida Gulf Coast University Junior, Finance
“This scholarship means more to me than words can express, as it has a huge impact on my life, allowing me to pursue my dreams without a financial burden. I am often challenged by balancing my school goals with financial responsibilities. This scholarship has relieved my financial responsibilities, allowing me to focus on my studies. It has truly been a blessing and opened up doors of opportunity that I never thought possible. Your generosity has not only helped me financially but has also inspired me to work harder and strive for excellence in everything I do. Knowing that there are individuals like you who believe in the power of education and who are willing to invest in the future of students like me is incredibly motivating. I hope one day to be able to give back to students like me the same aid as I am receiving now to sustain them in the pursuit of their academic dreams. I feel blessed and have promised myself to make the most of this opportunity and use education to make a positive impact on the world around me.”
Shanay Williams
Daughter of Marlon Williams Culinary Team Member
Rasmussen University Second Year, Nursing
“I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for this scholarship. Words cannot fully express how much this scholarship means to me and its impact on my life. Since the age of seven, I have dreamed of becoming a nurse, taking care of others during their moments of vulnerability, and making a positive difference in people’s lives. However, coming from a family with limited resources, the path to achieving this dream has not always been clear. My parents did not have the opportunity to attend college, so being able to pursue higher education means a big deal to me. I am incredibly grateful for this scholarship to help cover my tuition, books, and fees.
This scholarship is also allowing me to set a meaningful example for my younger siblings and children. I want them to see that with hard work, determination and support from others, they too can achieve their dreams. Your generosity is not only changing my life, but it is also inspiring the next generation in my family to aim high and believe in their potential. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and for believing in students like me. I promise to make the most of this opportunity and one day pay it forward by helping others achieve their dreams, just as you have helped me.”
PHILANTHROPY FUNDS DONATING MEMBERS
PHILANTHROPY FUNDS DONATING MEMBERS
Fiscal Year 2023: July 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024
American Endowment Foundation
Anderson, Jeffrey R.
Anonymous (5)
Argyle, Charles and Sheila
The Ayco Charitable Foundation
Barra, Tony and Mary
Bessemer Trust
D. Stuart Bowers Revocable Trust
Chapman, Douglas
Clayson, Pamela F.
Creagh, Gerard and Patricia
Crossman, Howard F., Jr.
Deckard, Jim and Mandy
DeCola, Michael A.
Della Porta, David and Kim Covello
DiCerbo, Louis P.
Duncan, Thomas W. Jr. and Mariana E.
Dunn, Morris D. and Jill L.
Eckenhoff, Judi V.
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Flagg Family Foundation
Floyd, Charles and Charlotte
Fredrickson, Bruce and Karen K.
Freyman, Thomas C.
Anne & Albert Girod Family Fund
Gleason, Thomas D.
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Greenwald, Steven Gruner, Ronald and Nancy
Heldreth, Douglas D. and Regina
Hua, Ms. Xianghong
James, Michael A. and Mary R.
Johnson, David C. and Linda M.
Juve, Richard C. and Sharon A.
Kamarek, William and Linda Leipzig, Thomas A. and Tricia T. Lenrow, Kristine C.
Leytze, Rudolph S. and Mary Beth
Long, David J. Sr. and Judith T.
Mcguire, Ms. Camille
McWilliams, Theresa
Menefee, Edward L. and Shirley S.
Moore Family Foundation
Morano, Kevin and Ellen
Morgan Stanley Gift Fund
Moriarty, John J. and Carol C.
O’Neil, Paul R.
Peterson, Kent A.
Pollokoff, Robert G. and Amy F.
Potter, Thomas A. and Camille Reilly, Edward and Susan Ryan, Matthew J.
Salerno, Richard P. and Susan G. Schwab Charitable Scott, Wes and Marilyn
Seiberlich, John R. and Lorraine M.
Smythe, Thomas M. and Greta C. Snead Family Foundation
Stavish, Mark E. and Wendy M.
Stikeleather, Allan and Linda R.
Tepas, Thomas and Debra
Turner, John and Kathleen H. Twilley Family Foundation
Williams, David J. and Mary C.
Wilson, Alan and Wendy
Winslade, Christopher C.
Zollmann, Steven A. and Judith A.
