Our Values Guide Us Today and Always

Today marks my 25th anniversary as president and CEO of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. As I prepare to step down later this year, I find myself reflecting on a quarter-century of social progress—much of it supported by the Fund and our dedicated grantee partners—and on a passing year that put it all at risk.

But I am also feeling contemplative. My impending retirement coincides with a milestone for our country. The U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration this summer will mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence first asserted the values to which the nation has aspired ever since: “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

2026 will be a hinge year when the United States can choose to reaffirm the ideals of its founding and continue the work of realizing them, or imperil the possibility.

On the final day of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, when asked what form of government had been created, Benjamin Franklin famously replied, “A republic—if you can keep it.” His words resonate more today than perhaps any other time in U.S. history. In this pivotal moment, responsibility for the future of democratic self-governance lies with the citizens.

The horrific shootings of ICE protesters in Minneapolis in recent weeks are a dark reminder of how thin the line is between liberty and tyranny. The response of brave Minnesotans demonstrates the power inherent in the horizontal bonds of civil society and community.

Elections this fall will put two centuries of U.S. representative democracy to the test. Only if we manage to ensure that they are truly free, fair, and inclusive; persuade a disillusioned electorate that their participation matters; count every ballot; and show up for one another, peacefully and lawfully, can we hope to slow the slide toward authoritarianism and begin to rebuild trust in democratic systems—and in each other. The consequences will extend beyond our borders, with implications for peace and democratic norms worldwide and for the future of our planet.

Civil society is an essential partner in defending U.S. democracy.

Recognizing the stakes, the RBF Board of Trustees approved an additional $10 million in major grants to six existing RBF grantees with strong track records in supporting free and fair elections, defending the rule of law, and protecting individual rights and liberties.

Challenging times require philanthropy to do more. Combined with our 2022 commitment to spend an additional $100 million on climate work over ten years, this surge in funding increases the RBF’s 2026 grantmaking by more than 40 percent, while preserving our ability to operate in perpetuity and respond to future needs.

Although our budgets, programs, and strategies have fluctuated over my tenure, our values have remained constant.

Rooted in the Rockefeller family’s philanthropic tradition, our values guide not only why but how we pursue impact. Living them requires intention and daily practice.

Attacks on philanthropy and civil society in 2025 prompted us to articulate our values comprehensively and concisely. They build on the reality of global interdependence, which has been central to our approach for decades. If we accept the deep connections among all human and non-human life and the systems that sustain it, then we are called to respect the dignity of all beings; to act in solidarity with others who share and shape our environment; to contribute to a common future with integrity; and to embrace the humility to recognize that none of us achieve our goals alone and we must learn from our mistakes and disappointments.

The Rockefeller philanthropic legacy looms large over all aspects of our work.

For more than three decades, the RBF has operated The Pocantico Center on the former Rockefeller family estate in Tarrytown, NY. Pocantico hosts artist residencies and conferences for nonprofit organizations, presents new works of performing and visual art, and offers the public access to learn about this nationally recognized historic landmark. In 2026, public tours of the estate will be on hiatus while we reimagine the visitation program to streamline and enhance the visitor experience across our campus. We plan to relaunch tours in 2027 with a renewed focus on accessibility and telling a fuller story of the Rockefellers’ business, philanthropic, and cultural history.

Three successive generations of Rockefeller family members have provided exceptional leadership of the RBF Board of Trustees, and today, family members comprise half of the board. At the end of last year, we welcomed—or, in some cases, welcomed back—four new family trustees: Jessica Case, Eric Dayton, Peggy Dulany, and Valerie Rockefeller. Also joining the board is Jeremy Ben-Ami, founder and president of J Street, one of the Fund’s longest standing Peacebuilding program grantees.

The board has engaged Russell Reynolds Associates to support the search for my successor. The job specification is now available on our website. I am confident that the RBF will attract a leader of exceptional caliber—someone who will carry forward the Fund’s values, provide bold and principled leadership, and ensure the RBF remains innovative and impactful in the years ahead.

My final months at the Fund will no doubt be both energizing and, at times, challenging. They will also be filled with conversations and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and friends around the world who have inspired me over the past 25 years with their intellect, grit, and commitment. Whatever lies ahead, I know they will continue to advance the work toward a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world.