More Than Money

It seemed like the most strategic investment possible: help the wealthiest people learn to put their money where their values are, and their philanthropy will transform society. (The Giving Pledge made famous by billionaires had its roots here.) That’s why our first $1M investment went to More than Money, an educational network for people who wanted to use their resources to create “a more joyful, just, and sustainable world.”

This thoughtful donor education informed and influenced our founder Ruth Ann Harnisch’s grantmaking from the early days of the Foundation. Getting people of extreme privilege to put their money to work on social goals is still one of our priorities, inspired by and partnering with many connections made through MtM and its members. MtM was a pioneering organization in talking about the responsibilities of people with personal wealth. MoreThanMoney Journal is still available online although the organization’s work is now carried on by many other nonprofits and for-profit financial institutions. MtM is where Ruth Ann was introduced to the concept and impact of professional coaching, which had a powerful effect on the direction of her own philanthropy and life.