The Community Foundation of Broward recently received the largest contribution ever in its 28-year history, a $40 million bequest from local philanthropist Mary Porter. The funding is being divided into three separate initiatives as per Porter's request. The first will help the Community Foundation identify important issues that need to be addressed within the community. The second will be used to fuel capital projects and the third will be used to continue financial support for organizations named by Porter.

Philanthropy has always been important to Porter, who was born in Pennsylvania, where she started addressing local needs and continued her efforts when she relocated to Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"Giving back is a part of who we are as people. It is not only good, but necessary that those of us who have benefited from our beautiful communities extend our philanthropy to make other lives better," Porter once said.

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