Collier Community Foundation receives largest gift in its history from Naples man's estate

The Collier Community Foundation has received a gift of roughly $17 million from a Naples man who wanted to lift others up through his good fortune.

The gift is from the estate of G. Jeffrey ‘Jeff’ Provol , who died Sept. 5, 2023 at the age of 81.

It represents the most substantial gift to the foundation in its 39-year history.

Provol’s legacy will significantly impact the community, according to the foundation.

“It’s hard to put into words the impact these funds will have in the long run,” Eileen Connolly-Keesler, president and chief executive officer of the foundation, said in a news release. “This gift will allow for larger impact grants to nonprofits critical to this community.”

Provol, who was not married and had no children, left the gift in the hands of the foundation so that the funds could address emerging and future issues, including natural disasters.

The Baby Boomer generation is transferring nearly $35 billion over the next nine years in Collier County, according to the foundation. Connolly-Keesler said providing unrestricted gifts ensures long-term community sustainability.

The community foundation is a tax-exempt, public, charitable organization established in 1985 to increase and focus on local private philanthropy.

Today, it manages more than 850 funds, works with hundreds of nonprofits, and has granted over $328 million to nonprofit organizations, community programs, and scholarships.

“This is how you build your communities, you ensure the community you care about is taken care of today and 50 years from now, even if you bequeath a small portion of your estate,” she said.

Provol’s gift guarantees there are reserves in the community for when things happen.

“He saw that you need resources when a crisis hits your community,” she said.

The unprecedented gift is perfect timing because the foundation and its philanthropic partners are prioritizing gaps to address needs based on the recent Collier County Community Assessment survey, which found workforce housing and the environment are top issues.

Provol’s only previous donation to the foundation was to the Collier Comes Together Hurricane Ian Relief Fund.

Provol’s father founded the George J. Provol Company and Classified Inc., a mail order advertising company based in Chicago. Provol took over the company in 1989 after his father died and he later sold the company and invested the proceeds, according to the foundation.

Amy Dalen Garry, principal and chair of the tax advisory group at HBK who is the personal representative of Provol’s estate, said he had many interests that included car racing and collecting art, yet he ultimately was intent on lifting others with his wealth.

“He was a private man, but he was a kind man,” Garry said.  “He really cared about other people. He wanted to make sure that what he had would benefit everyone. He was very fortunate and successful in his life, and he didn’t take that lightly. He wanted to pass that on.”

Provol had already considered the foundation when he worked with Garry and with estate attorney Lisa Lipman, with the Roetzel & Andress firm.

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“It’s fantastic,” Lipman said. “The Community Foundation helps so many other organizations, this gives the (it) the power to do more than they are already doing. I’m sure it contributes to the foundation’s sustainability overall.”

The gift from Provol’s estate exceeds the $14.45 million received in unrestricted funds established as the Wilfred and Joan Larson Fund in 2021, which has already resulted in over $2 million in grants to the community.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Collier Community Foundation receives largest gift in its history from Naples man's estate