SOURCE OF WEALTH: Motorola, Harrison Street Capital
FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth, Policy, Health, Environment, Global
OVERVIEW: Christopher Galvin and his wife Cynthia conduct their philanthropy through the Christopher B. Galvin Family Foundation, which according to available tax filings, gave away a little over $2.2 million in a 2017. The Galvins strongly support their mutual alma mater, Northwestern University, the recipient of a recent $10.25 million gift from the family. Galvin also sits on the board of American Enterprise Institute. Chicago serves as an important region of giving.
BACKGROUND: Galvin received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University. He joined Motorola Solutions Inc. in 1967 and went on to serve as chairman and CEO. In 2005, Galvin cofounded Harrison Street Capital and currently serves as chairman.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION & YOUTH: Galvin and Cynthia strongly support their mutual alma mater Northwestern University, which their son and other members of their extended family have also attended. In fall 2016, the Galvin family gave Northwestern a $10.25 million gift, mostly in the form of unrestricted support for the Kellogg School of Management. Galvin is also a trustee of Northwestern.
The Galvins have also supported Collegiate Directions, “a nonprofit organization committed to closing the education gap by assisting low-income students to and through college”, Curriki, Illinois Math and Science Academy, and UVA Fund.
POLICY & GLOBAL: Galvin supports and sits on the board of American Enterprise Institute. Other grantees have included Chicago Council on Global Affairs, whose board Galvin is also on, One Acre Fund, and Refugees International.
HEALTH: Galvin and Cynthia have supported Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Sibley Hospital Foundations, and The Westerly Hospital Foundation, among others.
ENVIRONMENT: Past grantees have included Montana Land Reliance and RARE.
LOOKING FORWARD: Galvin is in his 80s and still engaged in business. Grantmaking was up in a recent year, however. Expect Northwestern to remain a high priority of this funder.
CONTACT:
The Christopher B. Galvin Family Foundation does not provide a clear avenue of contact but below is an address:
Christopher B. Galvin Family Foundation
33 Indian Hill Rd.
Winnetka, IL 60093
