A new philanthropic advisory nonprofit, Renaissance Philanthropy, is set to revolutionize the way wealthy individuals give back to transformative science and technology projects. Founded by Tom Kalil, a former staffer to presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and backed by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and his wife, Wendy, the organization aims to bridge the gap between what philanthropists are currently doing and what they are capable of achieving.
Kalil emphasizes the need for specialized expertise in sourcing, evaluating, selecting, and managing projects in the fields of science and technology, where potential donors often lack the capacity to make informed decisions. Renaissance Philanthropy seeks to provide guidance and support to donors, encouraging them to set ambitious goals and support projects that have the potential to make a significant impact on society.
The advisory’s name reflects its ambition to support a 21st-century Renaissance fueled by science, technology, and innovation, akin to the Italian families who supported artists like Michelangelo and da Vinci during the Italian Renaissance. By connecting philanthropists with like-minded individuals and assisting them in uncovering projects with outsized impact potential, Renaissance Philanthropy aims to inspire donors to give in a more creative and ambitious manner.
Kalil highlights the importance of creating partnerships with the private sector, public sector, and other philanthropists to ensure that the projects supported by donors have a tangible impact on the world. With a focus on establishing collaborative funds and fostering multi-donor initiatives, Renaissance Philanthropy aims to catalyze investments in groundbreaking science and technology projects that may not receive traditional funding.
Overall, Renaissance Philanthropy represents a new approach to philanthropy, encouraging donors to think creatively and ambitiously about how they can support projects that have the potential to drive significant progress in science and technology. By providing expert guidance and fostering partnerships, the organization aims to empower donors to make a lasting impact on society.