Meet Dani

Dani Richter, Director of Philanthropy at the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, has been helping Floridians make an impact for the past five years. A Tampa Bay native, Dani grew up fishing its waters and developed a lifelong love for Florida’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. She now combines her expertise in philanthropy with her passion for conservation and is excited to answer your questions. Contact her at [email protected].

September 2025

Dear Dani,

My daughter just started college, and between tuition and textbooks, my head’s spinning. But I still want to support the conservation work I care so much about. Is it even possible to help both my family and Florida’s wildlife without overextending myself?

– Legacy Builder, Gainesville, FL

Dear Legacy Builder,

First off, congratulations on launching your daughter into this exciting chapter. College is a big milestone, and so is your desire to keep giving back during a time that is, let’s be honest, financially intense.

The good news is that you do not have to choose between your family and the Florida wildlife you love. Planned giving is all about balance and making choices that support both the people and the causes you care about most.

Here are a couple of ideas to consider:

• Name a nonprofit as a beneficiary without spending a dime today. You can name the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida as a partial beneficiary of your retirement accounts or life insurance policy. It costs nothing now, does not affect your ability to support your family today, and it leaves a lasting legacy when the time is right.

• Give from appreciated assets, not your wallet. If you own stocks or mutual funds that have grown in value, you can donate them directly. You will avoid capital gains taxes, get a potential deduction, and still keep your cash flow focused on tuition and dorm snacks.

• Put us in your will. Even a small percentage of your estate can make a big impact on Florida’s wild places. Adding a charity to your will is simpler than most people think. It can often be done in less than an hour.

Supporting conservation does not have to mean big checks right now. It can mean thoughtful planning that fits your life today and creates a legacy for tomorrow.

Warmly,
Dani
Director of Philanthropy
Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida