SOURCE OF WEALTH: Excel Communications
FUNDING AREAS: Health, Education, Arts & Culture, Texas Community
OVERVIEW: Kenny Troutt and his wife Lisa once moved philanthropy through the White Cake Family Foundation, though the current status of the foundation is uncertain. He and Lisa are interested in areas such as health, education, and the arts.
BACKGROUND: Kenny Troutt graduated from Southern Illinois University. In 1988, he founded long-distance phone company Excel Communications and took the company public in 1996. In 1998, Troutt merged Excel Communications with Teleglobe in a $3.5 billion deal. He is based in Dallas, Texas.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION: Troutt and Lisa have been heavily involved with Lisa’s alma mater University of North Texas (UNT). The Troutts gave a $500,000 gift to UNT’s College of Visual Arts and Design to support the Michael Faircloth Fashion Design Program. Lisa attended the college and had a career in fashion design. UNT is also home to the Lisa and Kenny Troutt Scholarship. The couple has also been involved with SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts and UNT College of Education.
HEALTH: The Troutts have been involved with places like UT Southwestern Medical Foundation and Baylor Health Care System Foundation.
ARTS & CULTURE: The couple have been involved with nonprofits like Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
TEXAS COMMUNITY: Lisa sits on the board of Salvation Army DFW. Lisa has also been involved with Laura W. Bush Women’s Initiative Council. In previous years where the White Cake Family Foundation was active, the Troutts directed large funds to Communities Foundation of Texas.
LOOKING FORWARD: The current state of Troutt philanthropy is somewhat unclear, but perhaps their giving will ramp up again. It is also worth noting that the Troutts are active horse racing fans and Troutt founded several youth basketball teams. Perhaps more sports philanthropy will occur down the line.
CONTACT:
White Cake Family Foundation
5956 Sherry Ln, Ste. 1350
Dallas, TX 75225
