For Jeanne Coleman, philanthropy has never been a question of whether to give. It is simply part of who she is.
“I was raised by philanthropic parents. I can't remember a time that we didn't have a mission of giving.”
Growing up, Jeanne watched her parents support causes they cared deeply about. Her father served as chairman of the board of what was then the Florida Gulf Coast Symphony and supported The Florida Orchestra. Her mother established a scholarship for short story writing at the University of South Florida Library. Jeanne fondly remembers attending scholarship award ceremonies and meeting the students whose lives were impacted through her family's generosity.
That early example shaped Jeanne's own approach to philanthropy and continues to guide her commitment to giving.
The Mission
As Jeanne began thinking more intentionally about the long-term impact of her philanthropy, her financial advisor suggested she work with Community Foundation Tampa Bay. By establishing a donor advised fund through the Foundation, Jeanne found a trusted partner and gained access to tools that make charitable giving simple and convenient.
“Community Foundation is wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. You guys have been so helpful to me.”
Through her fund at the Foundation, Jeanne supports the causes she cares about while looking to the future and thoughtfully considering the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
“My financial [advisor] and I were talking about what I want to see in 20 years. And he said, ‘Jeanne, go ahead and prepare your mission statement for what you want to see happen long term with your money.’”
One organization that is certain to remain part of her vision is The Florida Orchestra, where she serves as a member of the Board of Directors and supports the organization through both leadership and philanthropy.
A Passion for Music
Music has been woven throughout Jeanne's life. Her mother was a music major who continued to play the piano, take lessons, and lead workshops well into her nineties. Today, Jeanne's appreciation for music and the arts is reflected in her support of The Florida Orchestra and its musicians.
"Music has been an integral part of my life. The Florida Orchestra musicians are fantastic and so hardworking. Supporting the Orchestra is a passion because music has always been important to my family and to me."
Jeanne's passion for music and her generous support of The Orchestra represent the kind of philanthropy that helps communities thrive. The Foundation's work is rooted in supporting vibrant and engaged communities, and the arts play an important role in uniting people and enriching life throughout the region. Through her fund, Jeanne is helping ensure those opportunities continue for years to come.
The Impact
Jeanne sees how music has a unique ability to bring people together across differences and create moments of connection. For her, the Orchestra’s impact extends far beyond the concert hall.
“You can be completely different in political ideas. Different colors, different languages, different cultures. But music speaks to everybody and can bring people together. In peace.”
That belief has become especially meaningful through her husband’s experience with Alzheimer's disease.
“My husband who has Alzheimer's, who never wanted to go to the concerts, loves the concerts. And music touches him and it's just wonderful.”
Looking ahead, Jeanne hopes her support will help sustain The Florida Orchestra for future generations.
“This is just a wonderful, a wonderful orchestra. Michael Francis has done amazing things with this orchestra. So that's what I'd like to do is to be able to go ahead and have gifts that are going to sustain it in the future.”
Guiding Generosity
Today, Jeanne appreciates not only the convenience of giving through her fund but also the guidance the Foundation provides.
“You guys just are great. You make it easy for me as a donor.”
Whether supporting The Florida Orchestra, arts organizations, environmental causes, or disaster relief efforts, Jeanne values having a trusted partner in the Foundation who can help connect her generosity with community needs.
Through her donor advised fund at Community Foundation Tampa Bay, Jeanne is creating a lasting legacy rooted in the values she learned from her parents, her passion for music, and her desire to support the organizations that bring people together and strengthen the community she loves.
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