R. Robert Linowes: A Force of Nature

Back in 1993, The Community Foundation administered $31 million in charitable assets for fewer than 90 funds. Ten years later, it was managing $240 million and 350 funds. (Today, the numbers have grown to $455 million and 770 funds.)

Our dramatic growth is due, in no small part, to the leadership of the late R. Robert Linowes, one of Washington’s most prominent business leaders and fundraisers, and chairman of The Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees from 1992 to 1997.

Linowes took over at a time when the organization needed strong leadership. Those years were a time of renewal, commitment, and community involvement. 

For starters, Linowes reconstituted the Board of Trustees. Because of his extensive network of personal contacts, board membership brought enhanced credibility and visibility to The Community Foundation.

Influential leaders such as Katherine Graham, John T. Hazel, Joan Maxwell, Laurence Hough, Stewart Bainum, Vicki Sant, Michele Hagans, Diane Bernstein, and Charito Kruvant lent far more than their names to the reenergized organization. Linowes expected them to make The Community Foundation their top priority by attending meetings, boning up on local issues, and opening their wallets. That hands-on approach lives on today.

In addition, Linowes hired William B. Hart, former head of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, who was well regarded in philanthropic and investment circles, to direct the organization. In a 2003 interview, Hart credited Linowes with the unprecedented growth and achievement experienced by the Foundation during the decade. “Bob was a force of nature, willing to shake any tree. He convinced board members they could create something that could really make a difference. That opportunity doesn’t come along very often,” said Hart.

It was a stimulating time for The Community Foundation, a time when the organization became more focused and more strategic. Growth took many forms: assets and grants increased dramatically, as did interest in The Community Foundation. And during Linowes’ tenure, The Community Foundation established a local affiliate (now known as our local office) in Montgomery County, setting the stage for an affiliate (now our local office) in Prince George’s County too.

But while Linowes looked for ways to grow the organization, he never lost sight of the people at its center: donors, nonprofit organizations, and a dedicated staff.

In turn, The Community Foundation honored him with the Linowes Leadership Awards, launched in 1997 to recognize our community’s “unsung heroes” – individuals working quietly but in extraordinary ways to improve communities and inspire the public to follow their example of leadership and service.  The awards recognized 53 heroes over nine years with each honoree receiving a cash award of $1,000 plus an additional $1,000 for a nonprofit organization of their choice.

“The strength of The Community Foundation,” said Linowes during his tenure on the Board, “is that it gives the community the kind of respect it deserves by demonstrating that there are people who care.” It’s a legacy that lives on today.