Julie Fisher Cummings knows how to say “Thanks, Mom.”
For her last act of leadership before stepping down as the board chair of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Cummings gave $1 million to the foundation’s scholarship program in honor of her late mother.
The gift will create the Marjorie S. Fisher Opportunity Fund, which will offer wrap-around services for students heading to college, including coaching and mentoring.
“This generous donation to the Community Foundation’s Scholarship Program will allow us to continue in our efforts to ensure deserving students are able to attend college, and just as importantly, excel while there,” said Lisa Morgan, board member and chair of the foundation’s scholarship committee. “This will especially help students who are the first in their families to attend an institution of higher learning, and often in need of the most support and guidance.”
Cummings said her philanthropic orientation began at home.
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“My father believed that all giving should begin where you live. He taught me the power of keeping philanthropy local,” Cummings said. “For me, I am proud to help make a real difference in the lives of those preparing to head to college from their communities right here in Palm Beach and Martin counties.”
Like Cummings, Marjorie Fisher also served on the board of the Community Foundation when it was founded in 1972. Cummings has now served on the board for a total of 11 years: from 2001 to 2006 and again from 2017 to 2023. She will serve three more as immediate past chair.
Under Cummings’ leadership, the foundation’s total assets under management surpassed $200 million in 2021; the total number of funds held surpassed 500 in 2022; and the total scholarship fund assets surpassed $25 million in 2021.
The foundation also celebrated its 50th anniversary during Cummings’ tenure, conducted a strategic planning process, adopted a five-year strategic plan, and began the first fiscal year of its implementation.
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“Julie is truly a game-changing leader with a passion for philanthropy. She has had an incredible influence on furthering both the Community Foundation’s mission and our impact in the community,” said Danita R. DeHaney, president and CEO.
“This gift to the Community Foundation’s Scholarship Program mirrors what Mrs. Fisher did through her personal giving and caps a tenure that ensures our scholarship recipients will receive the extra support they need to succeed in college,” DeHaney said.
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