The widow of McDonalds’ founder, Ray Kroc, may have left more than $US1.5 billion to the Salvation Army, its US branch has announced.

The Army said the exact amount of the gift won’t be known until the administration of the estate is completed, but that the figure of $1.5 billion was based on an estimation from the trustees.

The money had been specifically designated for the development of community centres across the country.

Joan Kroc died in October last year and the Salvation Army is one of a number of organisations that have received bequests from her estate.

Commissioner W. Todd Bassett, the national commander of the Salvation Army in the US, said the organisation was thrilled but “genuinely humbled” by the enormous gift.

“We recognise the deep sense of trust with which she had placed this gift in our hands,” he said in a statement.

“Her passion for children and families and her hope for community peace will live on forever through this incredible gift.”

The Army estimates that the gift could provide for as many as 30 community centres, modelled on one already built in San Diego using a $92 million gift from Mrs Kroc.

- David Adams