Once Jane began deliberating about making a legacy gift in 2010, she was excited about a foundation carrying her name to be used for Swedish and Nordic community needs. Like other women of independent means of her generation, Jane knew that setting up a foundation in her name would inspire other women to do the same. Her legal and financial advisors were happy to carry out her wishes. She appointed her husband, Jim Lea, along with Kristine Leander and Don Wahlquist as the original Board members and the best stewards of the funds. Jane died in 2015 and Jim served on the Foundation Board until just before his passing in 2016.

From the outset, the Board set up three criteria for major donations:

1. Is the budget balanced between income and expenses?
2. Is there a history of financial reports that demonstrate the financial health of the organization?
3. Do the Board members of the Jane Foundation have confidence in the leadership and direction of the requesting organization?

These criteria have not changed since the first gift was given to the Swedish Club in 2011 and they remain in place for major gifts today.