RBF President Stephen Heintz to Receive Council on Foundations Distinguished Service Award

The Council on Foundations today announced that it will honor Stephen Heintz, President of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, with its 2018 Distinguished Service Award.

First presented in 1984, the Distinguished Service Award is known as philanthropy's highest honor, according to the Council on Foundations website. The Award “highlights those who not only have accomplished a great deal in the field of philanthropy, but have done so while exemplifying the intellect, integrity, and leadership to which the field aspires.” Previous recipients include David and Lucile Packard of The David and Lucile Packard Foundation (1994), Steven A. Minter of The Cleveland Foundation (2003), and Vartan Gregorian of the Carnegie Corporation of New York (2013).

“Stephen Heintz’s deep commitment to the principles of philanthropy has led to him being one of the most respected leaders in the field in the United States and globally,” said Gene Cochrane, interim president and CEO of the Council on Foundations, in a press release for the Council. “Under his leadership, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund has been both a trusted grantmaker and convener. He has led discussions on some of the more challenging issues of our time, including climate change, U.S.-Iran relations, the European integration of the Balkans, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as concerns right here in the United States surrounding the erosion of democracy.”

"Stephen is an intellectual who derives as much joy as he does pride from his work," said Valerie Rockefeller, chair of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund Board of Trustees. "Over his 17-year tenure, he has shaped the Fund’s efforts with his vision, dedication, and thoughtful collaboration with the family and trustees. Under Stephen’s leadership, the Fund has tested boundaries, embraced innovation, and partnered with inspired and inspiring grantees to maximize our global impact and uphold the philanthropic legacy and commitment of the Rockefeller family. Together with the Board of Trustees, I extend our most heartfelt appreciation to Stephen and our sincere congratulations for this incredible and well-deserved recognition."

Other winners to be honored at the November 28 awards ceremony include recipients of the Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking, the Wilmer Shields Rich Award for Excellence in Communications, and the Chapman Prize.  To learn more about the awards or to register to attend the ceremony, visit cof.org/2018awards.