5 Family Foundations Working Toward Positive Change
Typically rooted in values of philanthropy and social improvement, private family foundations are major contributors to the vitality of local institutions, programs, events, and services. The ones included here, spanning the US, all share a commitment to enhancing lives in their communities. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
5 Philanthropic Family-Run Organizations
| Organization | Location | Mission |
|---|---|---|
| The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation | Atlanta, Georgia | Promote positive change in peoples' lives and build and enhance the communities in which they live |
| The Petit Family Foundation | Plainville, Connecticut | Honor the memories of Jennifer-Hawke Petit, Hayley Elizabeth Petit, and Michaela Rose Petit by continuing the kindness, idealism, and activism that defined their lives |
| George Family Foundation | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Foster wholeness in mind, body, spirit, and community by developing authentic leaders and supporting transformative programs serving the common good |
| The Schultz Family Foundation | Seattle, Washington | Lift the human spirit and bring possibility to everyone, regardless of skin color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or station in life |
| Lewis Family Foundation | Boston, Massachusetts | Empower young people, develop courageous citizens and leaders, level the playing field for educational and job opportunities, and create strong strategic alliances in collaboration of shared vision and goals |
The Work of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Income Inequality in the U.S.
| Percentile | Average household income |
|---|---|
| Bottom 90% | $34,074 |
| Top 10% | $312,536 |
| Top 5% | $477,293 |
| Top 1% | $1,363,977 |
| Top 0.1% | $6,747,439 |
Sheri Schultz Discusses Her Foundation Role
In Depth
From empowering youth and revitalizing communities, to protecting victims of violence and supporting veterans, there are many family-led philanthropic organizations tackling a wide array of societal problems. Here in no particular order, are several family foundations working toward the greater good.
Up first, in the #1 spot, we have The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Formed in 1995, this organization promotes innovative solutions to transform the lives of youth and their families. The Blank Foundation has invested more than $560 million in early childhood development, education, green spaces, community transformation, and the arts.
Arthur Blank, the foundation's chairman and namesake, co-founded The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, in 1978. In 2014, the foundation created the Westside Neighborhood Prosperity Fund, a long-term commitment to invest in catalytic projects to ignite positive change and transform both people and places in Atlanta's Westside communities.
In 2014, the foundation created the Westside Neighborhood Prosperity Fund, a long-term commitment to invest in catalytic projects to ignite positive change and transform both people and places in Atlanta's Westside communities.
Coming in at #2 is The Petit Family Foundation. This organization honors the memories of Jennifer Lynn Hawke-Petit and her daughters Hayley Elizabeth and Michaela Rose by continuing the kindness, idealism, and activism that defined their lives. It works to foster the education of young people, especially women in the sciences.
The Petit Family Foundation also seeks to improve the lives of those affected by chronic illness, and to help and protect those affected by violence. One initiative of the foundation, Michaela's Garden Project, is designed to encourage families and youth to become more involved in community service through gardening.
In the #3 spot is the George Family Foundation. Founders Penny and Bill George created this organization in 1994. The group works to develop authentic leaders and to support transformative programs that serve the common good. Its focus areas include integrative health, spirituality and mindfulness, youth development and the environment.
Its focus areas include integrative health, spirituality and mindfulness, youth development and the environment.
Since its founding, this Minneapolis-based institution has developed trusted working relationships with grantees in order to build sustained engagement. The Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, the National Parks Conservation Association and the Mindful Life Project are all included among the George Family Foundation grantees.
Next up, at #4, we have The Schultz Family Foundation. This organization works to bridge the growing opportunity divide in the United States. Its approach to youth development and economic mobility focuses on both traditional and innovative programs such as mentorship, access to housing, job readiness and community connections.
The foundation also works to ensure successful transitions from military service for post-9/11 veterans and their families. In addition to national programs, this group responds to natural disasters and other emergencies. Homelessness is a significant interest of the foundation, as well as educational initiatives and the well-being of animals.
Homelessness is a significant interest of the foundation, as well as educational initiatives and the well-being of animals.
And finally, #5 on our list is The Lewis Family Foundation, which seeks to transform peoples' lives and build strong communities. Founded by Alan and Harriet Lewis, this organization's work is focused in Boston, Massachusetts and Kensington, New Hampshire. It also operates within global communities such as Kenya and Tanzania.
The Lewis Family Foundation accomplishes its goals of empowering young people and developing courageous leaders by creating strong alliances with key strategic partners. Its work ranges from increasing the college graduation rate in underserved neighborhoods, to building schools around the world, and establishing a community farm model.
