SOURCE OF WEALTH: Airbnb
FUNDING AREAS: Education, TBD
OVERVIEW: Nathan and Elizabeth Blecharczyk signed the Giving Pledge, stating that their interests include “education, scientific research, medicine, space exploration, conservation of the planet and more effective governance.” The couple do not appear to have a formal family foundation.
BACKGROUND: Nathan Blecharczyk graduated from Harvard University with a degree in computer science. However, he had an early start in business, founding an online marketing company while still in high school. In 2008, he co-founded peer-to-peer room and home rental company Airbnb.
Elizabeth attended Wellesley College, and then attended medical school at Tufts University. She was once a resident at Stanford where she worked her way to becoming Pediatric Chief Resident. She is now a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford Children’s Health.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION: The Blecharczyks are involved with St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children, where Elizabeth volunteered during medical school. Elizabeth serves on the board of advisors at Tufts University School of Medicine and the board of trustees at Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. They have contributed to College Track, a California-based nonprofit that supports college-bound students from underserved communities.
LOOKING FORWARD: Only in their 30s, the Blecharczyks are just getting started in philanthropy. They are based in San Francisco, and the Bay Area is an important region of grantmaking. Elizabeth, a doctor, works at Stanford Children’s Health. The couple both have strong ties to the Boston area. The couple’s schools—Harvard, Wellesley and Tufts—could see strong support, as could Stanford. Elizabeth has spoken about her Catholic school education, as well. The couple are set to give away the majority of their wealth.
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