David and Linda Stein have committed a $2 million legacy gift to United Way of Northeast Florida to ensure United Way is able to continue work that’s important to them beyond their lifetimes.

Their legacy gift is a progression of their long-term investment in United Way’s work. David, born and raised in Jacksonville, has supported United Way for more than 50 years, and he and Linda have invested their time and contributions to United Way as Tocqueville Society members since 1991.

For David and Linda, giving back is more than making a donation; it’s being active agents for change in the community they serve and inspiring others to do the same.

In 2006, David and Linda had a vision to shape the next generation by connecting young professionals with prominent community leaders. With a generous $1 million gift to United Way of Northeast Florida, the Stein Fellowship was created to promote philanthropy and community leadership, and inspire students to achieve. In addition to being mentored by Tocqueville Society members, United Way’s most generous and community-minded investors, young professionals have the opportunity to mentor a middle school student through United Way’s Achievers For Life initiative.

Since its inception in 2007, more than 150 young professionals, paired with more than 70 Tocqueville Society mentors, have learned from Jacksonville’s best and brightest.

“I love Jacksonville. I have thrived here and I want the same for you. Make this your home, make Jacksonville great,” said David as he welcomed the 2017 Stein Fellow class.

In addition to their support of United Way, the Steins were the guiding force behind the development of the Jewish Community Alliance, and the Quality Education for All (QEA) Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. This nearly $40 million fund is investing in 36 of the most challenging schools in Duval County by supporting high-quality teachers and leaders where these students need them most.

David has served on the JAX Chamber, the WJCT board, and the University of North Florida Foundation, where they have also established a scholarship endowment. They are also strong supporters of the Greenwood School for students with learning differences. David and Linda were instrumental in the successful capital campaign to build the new Greenwood School campus, and they have generously set up an operating endowment for the Greenwood School at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. In addition, they created an endowed scholarship for residents of the Arc Jacksonville Village.

Linda serves on the board of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Jacksonville Humane Society, Jacksonville University and MOCA Jacksonville. Linda also serves on the Mayo Clinic Leadership Council. Through Baptist Health Foundation, she established the Linda Berry Stein Going Home Endowment Fund, which provides critical needs for disadvantaged children after leaving Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Making a difference in their community is what matters most to David and Linda and their passion was most recently recognized at the Florida First Coast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon.

On Friday, Nov. 18, David and Linda were honored as Outstanding Philanthropist of the year, nominated by United Way for their incredible dedication to the community.

“We have always strived to ensure that our assets and investments in the community reflect our values and are proud of the work the organizations we support do each day,” Linda said. “We hope that our involvement in our community will inspire others, especially the next generation, to give, volunteer, and invest in Jacksonville.”