Event Highlights: Philanthropy in Atlanta

Last Thursday, donors of The Community Foundation gathered to hear from a dynamic panel of individuals about their personal and family philanthropy and how they’ve been able to make a difference in the region through their giving. The event, “Looking Back, Looking Forward: Philanthropists that Changed Georgia,” also featured a presentation about the history of philanthropy in our region and the impact several key leaders have had on our community over the years.

Panelists:

• Thomas K. Glenn, II, president, Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Foundation
• Amy Rollins Kreisler, executive director, The O. Wayne Rollins Foundation
• Donata Russell Major, president, Herman J. Russell Foundation
• Jamil Zainaldin, president, Georgia Humanities Council
• Moderated by Lynn Huntley, vice chair, Jessie Ball duPont Foundation

Key Highlights:

• Jamil Zainaldin discussed three philanthropists that have made a significant difference in the Atlanta community. They were James Oglethrope, Franklin Roosevelt and Robert Woodroof.
• Oglethrope, Roosevelt and Woodroof show us that philanthropy is learned and taught (from generation to generation); each took a strategic and impactful approach to their giving; their philanthropy was rooted in their strong work ethic and morality; they gave early and often; there was a personal stimulus or experience that motivated their approach; and they saw themselves “of the world” not better than or separate from it.
• Zainaldin said that these philanthropists did not do good simply because they had the time or the money, they did it as an expression of who they were; there was no distinction between how they lived and their philanthropy.
• Impactful philanthropy opens a door to others that was previously denied or unavailable, and through which “belonging” in the community is affirmed (Zainaldin)
• Zainaldin shared that Eleanor Roosevelt’s giving/connection with Georgia isn’t as well known; she was shocked at the Jim Crow system of the south; she would go on to carve out a First Lady role uniquely hers; the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” (she chaired the drafting committee) was a demonstration of her philanthropic ideals and passions
• The connection between individual freedom and community is a very unique aspect of our country; America has been the place where people are free to find themselves, and do it as part of a community
• Donata Russell Major referenced her father’s life growing up in the Great Depression and his desire from a young age to be self sufficient as a great influence in her philanthropic values
• Major says her realization as a young person of the haves and have nots impacted her desire to give others the opportunities she has had
• Tom Glen through his perspective as a grantmaker said he has deep admiration for the nonprofits and people making a difference
• Glen says your attitude about your own blessings affects your view on philanthropy and your values related to giving back
• Amy Rollins Kreisler says her grandfather, O. Wayne Rollins, and his humble beginnings influenced his focus on education and making opportunities available to others
• Kreisler discussed the importance of having the right people involved in family philanthropy, and the challenges of passing along the legacy to younger generations
• The panel agreed that “serious philanthropy is hard work” – identification of the issues and needs, and the institutions that can solve these problems
• They also agreed that we need philanthropy more than ever today; also agreed on the importance of philanthropy as a tool for social change but also connecting the past to the future