Tom Kalil, former staffer to Presidents Clinton and Obama and former Chief Innovation Officer of Schmidt Futures, announced the launch of Renaissance Philanthropy. The organization will work with high-net-worth individuals, families, and foundations to help design, launch, and operate high-impact philanthropic programs, focusing on science, technology, and innovation.
A 2018 study by the Bridgespan Group found that of the nearly 2,000 individuals and families in the U.S. with a net worth of over $500M the average level of giving was just 1.2% of their assets. Renaissance seeks to bridge the gap for high-net-worth individuals and foundations who want to support breakthrough ideas but lack the time and expertise to do so, particularly those who are still professionally active or do not wish to build large teams of in-house experts.
“Inspired by the role of wealthy patrons in the Italian Renaissance and the impact of institutions such as the Rockefeller Foundation on the Green Revolution and the creation of molecular biology, Renaissance Philanthropy’s mission is to fuel a 21st century renaissance by increasing the ambition of philanthropists, scientists, and innovators,” remarked Tom Kalil, who will lead as CEO of Renaissance Philanthropy.
Kalil brings over three decades of experience to Renaissance Philanthropy. At Schmidt Futures, he led programs aimed at finding solutions in science and technology for society’s most pressing challenges. Prior to Schmidt Futures, he served in both the Clinton and Obama administrations helping to design and launch innovative initiatives in data science, robotics, and STEM education. During his tenure as Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Science and Technology at UC Berkeley, he launched the Big Ideas@Berkeley program, which provided grants to students tackling global issues including healthcare, food shortages, and climate change. Kalil also chaired the Global Health Working Group for the Clinton Global Initiative from 2007-2008, and earlier served as principal staffer to Gordon Moore in his capacity as Chair of the SIA Technology Committee.
“By dint of his experience and creativity, Tom Kalil is superbly equipped to lead this new venture,” said Harvey Fineberg, president of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and Board Chair of the Science Philanthropy Alliance.” Hats off to Tom for launching this valuable service to science and philanthropy.”
The organization’s founding donation was given by Eric and Wendy Schmidt.
“In his work at the White House for Presidents Clinton and Obama, Tom played a key role in launching initiatives like the $40 billion National Nanotechnology Initiative and the BRAIN Initiative. More recently, we’ve worked together to launch science moonshots to accelerate innovation in fields such as synthetic biology, neurotechnology, and drug discovery. I am excited about Tom and his team’s work on this new and critical effort,” said Eric Schmidt.
