Mission, Vision, and Principles

MISSION

The Pocantico Center shall be managed and used for the purpose of serving the common good locally, nationally, and globally in creative and innovative ways that are consistent with Rockefeller family philanthropic traditions and that further the missions and reflect the values of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

VISION: A PLACE APART, YET ENGAGED

  • An historic family home, and its varied collections, that have been preserved for the enjoyment and education of the surrounding community and larger public.
  • A park of exceptional beauty with significant flora and fauna—a place to restore and inspire the human spirit and a resource for nature study.
  • An international conference center where people from diverse backgrounds and intellectual disciplines come together to discuss critical local, national, and international challenges.
  • A place for research, inquiry, and creativity relating to Rockefeller family traditions and interests in such fields as philanthropy, public service, sustainability, and the arts.

PRINCIPLES

PRESERVATION

The historic character and quality of the principal buildings, art collections, and gardens, and the landscape architecture of the property as a whole shall be maintained in accordance with the highest standards of historic preservation.

ADVANCING PHILANTHROPY

A major purpose of the programs at Pocantico shall be the expansion and enhancement of philanthropic initiatives.

SERVING THE PUBLIC

Another major purpose of the programs at Pocantico shall be to share the Rockefeller family story, the historic sites and art collections, and the beauty and biodiversity of the park with the general public, including the neighboring community.

PROGRAMMATIC COHERENCE

As a general rule, in order to ensure coherence in the philanthropic initiatives conducted at Pocantico, these initiatives should be consistent with the goals and objectives of the RBF’s programs.

CONTEMPLATIVE EXPERIENCE

The planning of programs at Pocantico shall ensure that there are opportunities for the quiet, un-crowded enjoyment of the surroundings and for contemplative experience, as well as for the many other activities appropriate to the place.

ETHICS

The oversight and management of all affairs relating to the operation of the Pocantico Center shall be conducted in keeping with the highest ethical standards for a nonprofit institution.

EXCELLENCE AND EVALUATION

All programs and events at Pocantico shall be designed and implemented with the goal of meeting the standard of professional excellence. In order to learn from experience in the quest for that excellence, programs and operations of the Pocantico Center will be reviewed and evaluated at frequent intervals.

DIVERSE INTERESTS

Programs and activities at Pocantico shall appeal to multiple groups with diverse interests-from bird watchers, to art aficionados, to international policy experts-and shall do so with sensitivity to the cultural diversity of visitors and participants.

RESPONSIVENESS AND FLEXIBILITY

Programs and operations at Pocantico shall remain responsive to changing times and public interests, and shall be flexible in adapting to new circumstances and opportunities.

INTERACTION

Opportunities shall be provided for interaction among participants in different programs, when appropriate, so as to promote the rich mix of ideas that transforms perspectives and spurs innovation.

ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY

The health of local ecosystems, with special attention to biodiversity, shall be protected and restored and every effort shall be made to minimize and eliminate any adverse impact of the operations at Pocantico on the larger natural environment and people.

GOVERNANCE

The administration of the property and all programs shall be conducted within the framework of policies and a budget that ensure long-term financial security.