“The wall that matters already stands: the spiritual wall that divides us a nation and a people.” Stephen Heintz argues that while historic diversity has contributed to the division in our politics, it can also strengthen our democracy.
Accepting the Council on Foundations 2018 Distinguished Service Award, RBF President Stephen Heintz offered remarks on the state of philanthropy in these turbulent times.
RBF Board Chair Valerie Rockefeller, Founding Trustee David Rockefeller, and President Stephen Heintz in 2015. (Todd Shapera Photography)
David Rockefeller pledged to auction his collection of art, antiquities, furniture, and other personal items after his death and to distribute the proceeds to a number of charitable organizations. He made a $250 million gift to the RBF, the largest of his philanthropic bequests.
First presented in 1984, 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.”
Have we got a long way to go? Absolutely. But we have proven we can recover from setbacks, regroup, rethink, and set out anew on the struggle for peace, social justice, and environmental sustainability.
