In 1960, Indianapolis businessman Pierre F. Goodrich founded Liberty Fund, a "hopeful contribution . . . to the preservation, restoration, and development of individual liberty." In its Summer 2010 issue, Philanthropy told the story of Goodrich's life, business career, and philanthropic objectives. Click here to learn more about Goodrich's passion for education and his lifelong pursuit of wisdom, and how Liberty Fund's directors and staff honor Goodrich's intent 50 years later.
Kenneth E. Behring is a man on the move. After a lifetime of chasing opportunities, he spearheaded a much-needed renovation at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Ken Behring was instrumental in creating exhibitions that celebrate the American presidency, honor our fallen soldiers, and get citizens of all ages excited about American history. He is also deeply involved in funding global health and education programs. As the founder of the Wheelchair Foundation, he has overseen the distribution of 800,000 free wheelchairs to desperately poor, disabled people around the world. Mr. Behring spoke to Philanthropyabout his efforts in global health, his work in education, and his support for the study and celebration of American history.
A recent article in Fortune credits Skillman Foundation president Carol Goss as "a last best friend" of Detroit's dysfunctional public schools. As the Governor of Michigan has seized control of Detroit Public Schools and put it into the hands of an emergency financial manager, Goss and the Skillman Foundation are convening support from business leaders and philanthropists (both in Detroit and around the country) for the children of Detroit. "One encouraging sign," writes Steven Gray, is that "Goss persuaded a national association of donors, the Philanthropy Roundtable, to bring one of its conferences to the Motor City last March. The group's president, Adam Meyerson, admits, 'We never considered Detroit.' If nothing else, Goss has made headway in transforming Detroit's image from lost cause to a worthy one."
Click here to review meeting materials from the Roundtable's conference in Detroit.
Randolph Foundation president Heather Higgins and Philanthropy Roundtable president Adam Meyersonwere recently featured in the Washington Legal Foundation's "Conversations With..." feature, joined by Hillsdale College president Larry Arnn and former Pennsylvania Governor and U.S. Attorney General Richard Thornburgh. They explain Americans' uniquely charitable spirit and the role that philanthropy plays in our democracy, and they also detail the growing movement to impose further government regulation on the philanthropic sector and more narrowly define which charitable causes are "in the public interest." As Higgins says, "So long as organizations provide a public benefit, broadly defined, and are neither political nor operate for private benefit, the 'market' of individual decisions is allowed to flourish. The result is a vibrant and responsive charitable community."
Click here to read the full transcript of the conversation.
