While NCRP appreciates and encourages participation from the grantmakers we assess, our Philamplify reports are written with or without foundation cooperation. However, to date, all of the foundations evaluated have responded in some way to our research. Whether they’re grateful for the feedback or not, all have engaged in dialogue with us about our findings and taken at least some of our recommendations to heart. We’ve never encountered complete radio silence.
That is, until our latest assessment. Today marks the release of our Philamplify report on the Hess Foundation, which asks, “Will This Secretive Foundation Evolve Beyond Checkbook Philanthropy?” In the course of our research, the foundation never responded in any way to our attempts to get in touch – sadly augmenting our chief finding that grantees and peers crave more open communication from this mysterious family foundation.
The $800 million Hess Foundation was established by Leon Hess, founder of oil company Hess Corporation and former owner of the New York Jets. It’s currently led by his son and current CEO of Hess Corporation, John Hess, joined by his sisters Marlene and Constance and two friends of the family. It primarily gives to large and elite organizations in the New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia metro areas, most of which have personal ties to the Hess family, including museums, educational institutions and medical centers.
Read “Hess Foundation: Will This Secretive Foundation Evolve Beyond Checkbook Philanthropy?” Now!
Our assessment, written by philanthropy expert Elizabeth Myrick, details how the foundation could be more effective by increasing its transparency and communication, and following other concrete recommendations. As Elizabeth said, “It’s a classic case of checkbook philanthropy getting in the way of truly meaningful philanthropy.” While there’s no sign of malfeasance on the part of the foundation leadership, it’s clear that they’re only doing the bare minimum in terms of achieving social justice impact.
Our Philamplify video on Hess shows just how hard it is to get any response from the foundation. After months of ignored phone calls, emails and even certified mail, I spent a rainy day driving from office to office in the tristate area trying to get someone from Hess to meet with me. In the end, it wasn’t surprising that no one did – only disappointing how this foundation is losing opportunity after opportunity to engage stakeholders and really make a difference.
Visit philamplify.org to read the Hess Foundation assessment, agree or disagree with our recommendations, comment on the report, take our poll and share which foundation you think should be “philamplified” next. As always, philamplify.org users have the option to remain anonymous.
Imagine the impact on our communities when foundations get the feedback they need – especially foundations like Hess, which lack any internal mechanisms for receiving input. You can help break the isolation bubble in philanthropy – be a part of this movement and share your thoughts about the Hess Foundation assessment today.
Aaron Dorfman is executive director of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP). Follow @NCRP on Twitter and join the #Philamplify and #PhilamplifyHess conversations!
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