It started with a leap of faith.
A generous gift of charitable assets, entrusted to an emerging community foundation barely a year old, with a bold vision to become the center of gravity for philanthropy in Orange County. Who could have known that leap would become the foundation for a lifelong relationship, with unparalleled impact fueled by OCCF’s own growth and development.
Elizabeth (Betty) and Richard (Dick) Steele
The Richard and Elizabeth Steele Fund, established in December 1990 as OCCF’s first donor-advised fund with a contribution of $241,500, stands as a living monument to the amplified power of giving through OCCF.
Richard (Dick) and Elizabeth (Betty) made additional gifts to their OCCF fund of a staggering $23 million during their lifetimes, generating grants of nearly $18 million to nonprofits in Orange County, across the country and around the world.
To give away money is an easy matter and in any man’s power. But to decide to whom to give Betty with her daughters Trish, Libby, and Anne it and how large and when, and for what purpose and how, is neither in every man’s power nor an easy matter. – ARISTOTLE
Dick and Betty Steele
When Dick passed unexpectedly in 1996, OCCF supported Betty to honor his legacy while finding her own philanthropic voice. We worked closely with Betty for more than two decades, helping her support the causes closest to her heart, including health and human services, education, animal welfare, arts and culture and disaster relief, until her passing at the age of 96.
Betty Steele
Upon Betty’s passing in 2018, additional assets were received through her estate and the fund’s principal was endowed, ensuring that its impact will continue to grow in perpetuity. With OCCF’s astute investment oversight, an additional $17.7 million in earnings has been added to the fund’s value over time, so that today the endowment holds more than $29 million in assets and generates annual support for local nonprofits totaling $1.25 million— a significant charitable payout that will continue to grow over time.
OCCF has been honored to steward Dick and Betty Steele’s philanthropy during their lifetimes and beyond. What started as a leap of faith became a deep and trusting relationship of 35 years and counting, allowing the Steele’s spirit of generosity to flourish for good, for ever.
