SOURCE OF WEALTH: Guidewire Software
FUNDING AREAS: Disaster Relief, Humanitarian Aid, Economic Development, Environment
OVERVIEW: The Branson Family Foundation supports organizations in the areas of disaster relief, humanitarian aid, economic development and the environment. Grantmaking is international in scope.
BACKGROUND: Ken Branson graduated with a BSEE from Princeton University and an MBA from Stanford University. He worked at Booz Allen & Hamilton. Branson went on to co-found Guidewire Software, a software publisher for property and casualty insurers. Cheryl Branson The Bransons conduct their philanthropy through the California-based Branson Family Foundation, which they founded in 2006. This funder mainly supports large, well-established organizations in its areas of interest and maintains a low profile.
ISSUES:
HUMANITARIAN AID: The Bransons, via their foundation, have supported American Red Cross, CARE and Doctors Without Borders.
HUMAN RIGHTS: Grantees have included Human Rights Watch, Southern Center for Human Rights, Planned Parenthood International and Global Fund for Women.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The family has supported Heifer International and Village Enterprise.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: Grantees have included World Wildlife Fund, National Parks Foundation and Environmental Defense Fund.
LOOKING FORWARD: The Branson Family Foundation’s annual giving has increased steadily over the past several years from $600,000 to slightly over $1 million. Expect the Bransons to stick established nonprofits and NGOs in their select interest areas.
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