Legacy Life Foundation Inc.

Legacy Life Foundation Inc. is a private non-operating foundation based in Lakewood Ranch (Bradenton), Florida, organized exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes. The foundation's approach centers on two primary activities: (1) making distributions to other 501(c)(3) organizations that align with its religious and educational mission, and (2) conducting religious training classes for individuals planning to enter into religious ministry. As a private non-operating foundation with over $5 million in assets, Legacy Life Foundation operates as a pass-through grantmaker rather than running direct programs. The foundation is led by the Gardner family — President Margherita Gardner and Secretary Dan Gardner — along with Treasurer Lisa Mason and Directors Caterina Passerini and Joanne Di Paola. The foundation's NTEE classification is Religion Related, Spiritual Development N.E.C., indicating a broad religious mission that extends beyond any single denomination or program. Prospective grantseekers should understand that this foundation prioritizes religious education and ministry preparation as core strategic pillars.

Legacy Life Foundation holds assets of approximately $5 million (reported as $5,031,613 in IRS filings) and reports income of $100,000 or more annually. As a private non-operating foundation, it is required by IRS rules to distribute at least 5% of its net investment assets annually — approximately $250,000 or more per year in qualifying distributions. The foundation's Form 990 revenue is reported as $0, suggesting it is funded primarily through endowment or contributed assets rather than ongoing fundraising. Grant distributions likely flow to religious organizations, churches, ministry training programs, and educational institutions aligned with its charitable and religious purposes. The foundation was incorporated in Florida in 2016 and received its IRS determination letter in 2018, making it a relatively young foundation that has been building its grantmaking capacity. Given its non-operating status, the majority of expenditures should be in the form of grants to other qualifying organizations rather than direct program operations. Specific grant sizes and recipients are not publicly disclosed beyond the Form 990 filings.

## Peer Comparison: Legacy Life Foundation vs. Similar Florida Religious Foundations

Legacy Life Foundation is smaller than most established community and religious foundations in the region but holds meaningful assets for a family-led private foundation. Its non-operating classification and limited public presence suggest a more personal, relationship-driven grantmaking approach compared to the open-application models used by community foundations like the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation.

Legacy Life Foundation has shown recent organizational activity suggesting continued engagement and possible restructuring. In June 2023, the foundation filed multiple merger-related documents and amended its articles of incorporation with the Florida Division of Corporations, indicating a consolidation or reorganization of related entities. The foundation maintains several affiliated LLCs including Legacy Life FL LLC, Legacy Life Florida LLC, Legacy Life Group LLC, Legacy Life Holdings LLC, and Legacy Life Insurance Agency Inc., suggesting a broader family enterprise structure. Annual reports were filed for both 2024 and 2025, confirming the foundation remains in active and good standing with the state. The foundation's registered agent is President Margherita Gardner at the Lakewood Ranch address. The listed website (sarahgardnerministries.com) belongs to Sarah Gardner Ministries, an online Christian teaching ministry founded by Sarah Gardner who previously pastored Life Christian Church in Naples, FL (now Grow Church, led by her daughter Tracy). The connection between Sarah Gardner Ministries and Legacy Life Foundation appears to be through the Gardner family network, though the two entities serve different functions — the foundation as a grantmaking vehicle and the ministry as a direct teaching platform.

For organizations seeking funding from Legacy Life Foundation, several strategic considerations apply. First, understand that as a private non-operating foundation with limited public presence, Legacy Life Foundation likely operates through relationship-based grantmaking rather than open competitive applications. There is no published application form, deadline, or formal process. Second, alignment with the foundation's religious and educational mission is essential — proposals should clearly demonstrate how the work advances religious education, ministry training, or charitable purposes consistent with Christian faith traditions. Third, given the Gardner family's connection to both the foundation and Sarah Gardner Ministries (which focuses on Christian teaching and discipleship), organizations with programs in pastoral training, church planting, or religious education may find the strongest alignment. Fourth, ensure your organization has clean 501(c)(3) status, as the foundation's charter specifically limits distributions to qualifying exempt organizations. Fifth, consider reaching out through the Lakewood Ranch/Bradenton faith community network, as local religious organizations may have existing relationships with the foundation's leadership. The foundation's phone number (248-894-7557, a Michigan area code) suggests the Gardner family may have roots in the Detroit metro area, which could be another geographic connection point for potential grantees.