Help for the most vulnerable

The Foundation for Indigent Guardianship Inc. (known as FIG) was initially created for the sole purpose of supporting public guardianship within the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA).  FIG was incorporated under Chapter 617 of Florida Statutes in 2005. Soon thereafter, FIG was recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization.

FIG’s all volunteer Board of Directors is dedicated to the oversight of the organization which was established by state law to channel essential resources to the 17 Public Guardianship Agencies statewide who serve adults in Florida who are indigent, alone and need help living securely and with dignity.

In 2006, the Florida Legislature authorized the DOEA to establish a direct-support organization for its Statewide Office of Public Guardianship (SPGO). That same year, the DOEA entered into a contract with FIG to become that direct-support organization. FIG continues to serve in that capacity. In 2016, SPGO’s authority was expanded and it was renamed the Office of Public and Professional Guardians (OPPG).

We receive no state or federal money and as a direct-support organization, FIG is statutorily authorized to raise funds by requesting and receiving grants, and to receive charitable gifts, bequests of moneys, securities, or other property (these donations are tax deductible according to state and federal guidelines.)  The heart of FIG’s fundraising efforts, however, is the Florida Public Guardianship Pooled Special Needs Trust (FPGPSNT) which anyone can use who is in need of a special needs trust.  This is a great way for others to support Florida’s most vulnerable citizens placed by the Courts under the care of Public Guardians throughout the State.