Philanthropy

2020 has become a moment in history we will never forget. From a global pandemic to a racial justice movement, we are in the midst of incredible change and unfortunate division. 

For me, these changes have reinforced the importance of philanthropy. 

Girl Scout camp is around the corner and the Renee LaBelle Parsons cabin is ready to welcome this year’s campers. Each word on the butterflies represents a #leadership quality Renee believes is important for girl development. Which words resonate with you? #girlscouts pic.twitter.com/KK2jysqg32

— TheParsonsFoundation (@WeDealinHope) May 22, 2019

As I look back on 2019, I hope that our charitable efforts have helped non-profit organizations thrive in our community and beyond. My husband, Bob, and I are the Co-Founders of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, TBRPF. 

In 2019, TBRPF donated more than $26 million through 46 grants.

Those grants  impacted more than 68,500 lives last year. 

We founded TBRPF eight years ago to help low-income and underserved populations and support causes that are often overlooked or underfunded by mainstream philanthropy.

A year after founding TBRPF, Bob and I signed The Giving Pledge, a public declaration to give away at least half of our net worth to charity. 

To me, philanthropy will forever feel like unfinished business. There are so many deserving and hard-working non-profits that need support. It’s why in 2020, I have ambitions to expand TBRPF’s grant recipient network.

This year, I am focused on effecting change for women and girls in marginalized communities. My goal is to help non-profits spark lasting change in their neighborhoods that inspires a new league of women and girls to become leaders, both personally and professionally. 

Article first published April 2020.