b'CASE STUDYBULGARIA LEGACY GIVINGIN ACTIONWhile Helen Rinker Ashley lived her whole life in the United States, she maintained a deep connection to her familys homeland in Bulgaria. She visited family in her parents village of Voditsa many times, and as she put together her plans for her charitable legacy, she wanted to make a lasting impact on the community that helped shape her parents and siblings. In 2008, Helen and her advisors partnered with CAF America to create a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to be financed from the sale of her property and other assets upon her death. The Fund was conceived to improve quality of life in Voditsa through two key priorities: infrastructure and education.Through sustained programHelen knew the types of work she wanted to support with her funding, Helen Rinker Ashleyslegacy but did not designate specific charity beneficiaries to charitable legacy has createdundertake this work. Instead, she relied on CAF Americas expertise and local networks to undertake the planning and pathways for the people of Voditsaprogram coordination that were necessary to achieve her to pursue their dreams and givephilanthropic goals. back to their community wellAfter Helens passing and the settlement of her estate, CAF after the grant program ends. America implemented the Helen Rinker Ashley Fund, starting with a thorough assessment of the project needs, and formulation of a cohesive strategy for development and JESSIE KRAFFT administration. A key part of identifying and implementing President & CEO, CAF Americathese expansive projects was working in partnership with the people of Voditsa. CAF America also partnered with the BCause Foundation in Bulgaria to ensure the funds use and disbursement fulfilled all cross-border regulatory requirements, with BCause managing the enactment of the improvement projects locally.Through 2019, the Fund supported over fifteen critical projects that improved the community spaces of Voditsa, from rebuilding nearly every community building in the village and adding closed-circuit TV cameras in public areas for security, to installing a new water supply system, and rebuilding the clock tower. Helen Rinker Ashleys legacy has indelibly changed the lives of Voditsa residents, and her contributions will live on for years to come.9'