SOURCE OF WEALTH: General Atlantic
FUNDING AREAS: Education, Arts & Culture, Environment
OVERVIEW: David and Laurie Hodgson conduct their philanthropy through the 5 51 5 Foundation. The Hodgsons’ giving centers around the Northeast, particularly New York and Connecticut, and their interests include education, the arts and the environment. According to available tax filings, the foundation awarded close to $190,000 in grants in 2018.
BACKGROUND: David C. Hodgson graduated from Dartmouth College in 1978 and completed his MBA from Stanford in 1982. That year, he joined General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity company in New York, and is now Vice Chairman and Managing Director.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION & YOUTH: The Hodgson’s education funding has mainly centered around higher education. The Hodgsons have supported Teachers College at Columbia University, Boston University, Denison University, Stanford University, Teach for America, and Summer Search, an organization that seeks out “students with great potential, but unequal opportunity, and partners with them to ensure their success in school, work, and life.” Hodgson is also a trustee of Dartmouth College and co-chair of Echoing Green, a fellowship program for young leaders and entrepreneurs.
ARTS & CULTURE: The Hodgsons’ son, who is autistic and passionate about art, is an influence on the couple’s philanthropy in the area of arts and culture. Grantees have included organizations that provide cultural experiences to children and the disabled such as the Falls Village Children’s Theater of Connecticut and Daniel’s Music Foundation, which provides free participatory music programs to individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. Other arts grantees include the Kaufman Music Center and the Sharon Playhouse, also in Connecticut. Hodgson serves as chairman of the Manhattan Theatre Club, an off-broadway venue in New York City.
ENVIRONMENT: The couple has supported several environmental organizations, including the National Audubon Society, the Central Park Conservancy, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
LOOKING FORWARD: Annual grantmaking out of the 5 51 5 Foundation has waned in recent years. Expect the family’s to stick with their select interest areas in the near future.
CONTACT:
5 51 5 Foundation does not provide a clear avenue of contact but below is an address:
The 5 51 5 Foundation
755 Park Ave., Apt 12B
New York City, NY 10021
