INDIANANPOLIS-The McCormick Foundation and its president and chief executive officer David L. Grange will be honored by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University at the 2009 Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis) Spirit of Philanthropy Awards on Wednesday, April 22nd in Indianapolis.
The foundation and Grange will be recognized for their invaluable support of the Center's work to increase the understanding of philanthropy and improve its practice worldwide.
Grange provides exemplary volunteer leadership as chair of the Center on Philanthropy's board of visitors. The foundation's generous operating support has helped the Center increase its fundraising capacity and strengthen and expand its communications efforts and use of technology.
With McCormick Foundation sponsorship, the foundation and the Center have convened several national summits bringing together key nonprofit and corporate leaders, scholars and policymakers to identify and address critical issues in the nonprofit sector and philanthropy. These events have focused on issues such as strategies for transitioning to the next generation of nonprofit leadership, ways to improve assessment of nonprofits' and foundations' effectiveness and accountability, and the relationship between nonprofits and the news media. A summit on preparing philanthropy and nonprofits to respond to disasters is slated for late 2009.
"The McCormick Foundation's outstanding support has been vital to the Center's ability to provide nonprofit organizations with the research, education and training they need to better serve their constituents and communities," said Patrick M. Rooney, interim executive director of the Center on Philanthropy. "The summits provide nonprofits nationwide with thought-provoking ideas and action steps that can help them excel in a rapidly changing environment. David's thoughtful leadership and good counsel have helped position the Center for continued success in aiding these important civic organizations."
The McCormick Foundation is committed to advancing the ideals of a free, democratic society by investing in children, communities and country. Through its six grantmaking programs, Cantigny Park and Golf, three world-class museums, and civic outreach program, the foundation helps build a more active and engaged citizenry. The foundation was established as a charitable trust in 1955, upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The Foundation is one of the nation's largest charities, with more than $1 billion in assets.
Grange previously served as the foundation's executive vice president and chief operating officer. He is the former Commanding General of the U.S. Army's First Infantry Division, known as the "Big Red One." His 30 years of military service include serving as a Ranger, Green Beret, Aviator, Infantryman, and as a member of Delta Force. Grange has an extensive commitment to philanthropy and community service. He is a member of the board of directors of the National Strategy Forum, the Society of the First Infantry Division, the Three Fires Council Boy Scouts, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Corporate Council. He is a trustee for the First Infantry Division Foundation and Marmion Academy.
The Spirit of Philanthropy Awards is an annual celebration hosted by the IU Indianapolis campus, the Indiana University Foundation, and the Center on Philanthropy to honor individuals, corporations, and foundations that have supported and contributed to university programs and departments through their gifts and voluntary service. University programs individually present a Spirit of Philanthropy Award to honorees whose efforts have assisted their work.
About the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University
The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University is a leading academic center dedicated to increasing the understanding of philanthropy and improving its practice worldwide through research, teaching, training and public affairs programs in philanthropy, fundraising, and management of nonprofit organizations. The Center is a part of the Indiana University School of Liberal Arts at IU Indianapolis.