SOURCE OF WEALTH: Goldman Sachs, MF Global
FUNDING AREAS: Education, Community
OVERVIEW: Jon Corzine moves philanthropy through the Jon S. Corzine Foundation, whose grantmaking has been rather modest of late. Available tax filings indicate the foundation awarded around $100,000 in grants in 2017. He’s directed large sums to his alma mater and other select institutions, however.
BACKGROUND: Born in 1947 in an Illinois farming town, Jon S. Corzine graduated with a B.A. from University of Illinois in 1969, and earned his MBA from the University of Chicago in 1975. He began his career at Goldman Sachs in 1976 as a bond trader and became co-manager of the Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities Division. In 1980, he was named partner. He joined the Management Committee in 1984 and served as the CFO from 1991-1994. Corzine served as the Chairman and CEO of MF Global. Corzine was also Senator of New Jersey from 2001-2006 and Governor of New Jersey from 2006-2010. Corzine is the founder, CEO, and CIO of the JDC-JSC Opportunity Fund, a global macro/event driven hedge fund.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION: Corzine has directed millions to his alma mater University of Illinois, though a bulk of this giving appears to have taken place last decade. He’s also supported Rutgers University in New Jersey. Corzine has also served on the board of University of Chicago as well as an ex-officio member of Princeton University. Corzine is working with Fairleigh Dickinson University to establish the graduate School of Public and Global Affairs as Chairman of its Advisory Board while also serving as a visiting lecturer on politics and public policy at the University’s UK Wroxton campus.
COMMUNITY: Corzine has supported the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. As a founding member, he directed at least $2-$3 million to the outfit. He’s also directed funds to places like New York Philharmonic and William J. Clinton Foundation. Corzine is a member of the international board of Covenant House
LOOKING FORWARD: Corzine held a 1.250 percent stake in Goldman prior to its IPO, netting millions. Now in his 70s, Corzine still has time to emerge as a major donor and should be watched carefully.
CONTACT:
The Jon S. Corzine Foundation does not provide a clear avenue for getting in touch with the family but below is an address:
Jon S. Corzine Foundation
77 Water St., 9th Floor
New York, NY 10005
