In 2021, The George Gund Foundation awarded more than $52 million to 220 recipients, mostly throughout Northeast Ohio. The recipients range from arts and cultures organizations like Karamu House, to social justice initiatives like The Marshall Foundation, to groups like Refugee Response, which seeks to address effects of climate change.
Looking back through the Foundation's history - since its inception in 1952 – it has doled out a mind-boggling $816 million in grants.
And now, there's change of leadership at the philanthropic giant - as earlier this year, and after 18 years, David Abbott announced he was stepping down as President of The George Gund Foundation.
They are large shoes to fill - but on Abbott's heels is Anthony Richardson, who will be stepping in from his role as Executive Director of The Nord Family Foundation.
The change comes amidst a period when many of the region's long time executives are relinquishing control, and making way for new leadership.
Today on the program, we’re joined by both the outgoing and incoming leaders of the George Gund Foundation with a look at all that’s been accomplished, and all the work that still needs to be done.
Also on the program today we hear about a new project here at Ideastream Public Media that highlights often overlooked voices of the community. It’s called “Sound of Us” and our Justin Glanville shares the first collection of stories.
Finally, a preview of this month’s Science Café lecture. Natalie Smolenski from Hyland Innovation discusses the growing importance of block chain technology, and how it will increasingly come to shape our lives.
Science Cafe Lecture - "Blockchain in a Decentralizing World"
https://www.facebook.com/events/690936535182978/?ref=newsfeed
- David Abbott, Outgoing President, The George Gund Foundation
- Anthony Richardson, Incoming President, The George Gund Foundation
- Giana Formica, "Sound of Us" Participant and LGBTQ+ Youth Voice
- Justin Glanville, Reporter and Producer, Ideastream Public Media
- Natalie Smolenski, Head of Business Development, Hyland Innovation
