Share Fund’s Lasting Impact
Since the Greater Washington Community Foundation’s founding in 1973, thousands of individuals, families, and businesses have set up donor-advised funds, each one reflecting the values and philanthropic goals of its founder. The Share Fund is one of many and illustrates how one donor – in this case Julie Jacobson – can make a positive and lasting impact in our region.
Jacobson was first introduced by her financial advisor Kevin Murphy, who is with UBS and is now The Share Fund’s financial advisor, to The Community Foundation 15 years ago. In turn, the Foundation shared their deep community knowledge, expertise, and insight on how best to invest her financial resources in the community along with administrative support that allows her to make grants without the burden of running a private foundation.
Initially, Community Foundation staff member Silvana Straw and former staffer Kenny Emson introduced Jacobson to the local nonprofit landscape in general and effective organizations in particular. Since Jacobson was then working at an architectural firm with a commitment to supporting affordable housing, she started by investing in that cause. Over time, Jacobson – who is a proud DC resident – decided to focus her grantmaking on “improving life in the District and for District residents,” embracing arts and culture, food and shelter, education and literacy, youth services, workforce development, the environment, and advocacy. Today, the fund supports 300 organizations on an ongoing basis.
Jacobson, who is The Share Fund’s founder, works in partnership with Pamela Nash, a longtime friend and colleague who she brought on as Executive Director. Together, they perform their due diligence in consultation with Straw, who is celebrating her 34th anniversary at the Foundation. Straw has introduced Jacobson and Nash to small nonprofit organizations that represent their priorities and passions: under-the-radar, under-resourced groups they might not have found on their own and leaders who are addressing systemic change.
“This work has given me an appreciation for people who are boots on the ground and the unflagging efforts they put in,” says Nash. “It sounds trite, but it is humbling to meet people who are so selfless and dedicated.”
A highlight of the grantmaking, adds Jacobson, is getting to meet the many smart nonprofit executive directors whom she refers to as “forces of nature.” She also appreciates the opportunity to make connections among nonprofit leaders she knows. For instance, in recent years she connected Liane Scott, Executive Director of Grassroots DC, to Maureen Dwyer, Executive Director of the Sitar Arts Center.
Jacobson also is impressed with how nimble local leaders are in the face of changing and challenging times. “I have a lot to learn from them,” she says.
“One take-away for me,” adds Nash, “is there is no stand-alone service or event that will help people out of deep and abiding poverty. You need to wrap-around in every aspect of someone’s life to help them build that complete life structure. That is hugely challenging work,” work that The Share Fund is committed to funding.
Since its founding, The Share Fund has made a remarkable 3,300 grants ranging from $500 to $1 million each. Nash and Jacobson say their efforts are a result of their relationship with their Community Foundation partners. “Silvana Straw is the be-all and end-all,” they say, adding that she has especially been a critical resource on housing and homeless issues. “With The Community Foundation, you can get as much advice and depth as you’d like,” says Nash, adding that “the staff are dedicated, compassionate, and open-hearted and always have the interests of the region and its residents at the core of what they do.”