The Scripps Family Impact Fund was created in 2019 by descendants of legendary philanthropists Edward W. Scripps and his sister, Ellen Browning Scripps. Keen to carry on the philanthropic legacy of their predecessors, members of the large and diverse family sought a way to combine resources to invest in “big impact” charitable projects. Out of this desire, the Scripps Family Impact Fund was founded as a partnership between the fourth, fifth, and sixth generations of the Scripps family, with the hope that it will remain a fixture of family affairs for years to come.
A Strong Legacy of Giving, Made Stronger Together
For generations, a commitment to philanthropy has been a hallmark of the Scripps family. In 2018, members of the fifth generation recognized that pooling resources for collective giving could significantly enhance both individual efforts and the overall impact on recipients. The Scripps Family Impact Fund was established to amplify the benefits of family giving, foster leadership development among younger generations, and promote unity while strengthening the Scripps family legacy.
How The Scripps Family Impact Fund Turns Intent into Impact
Funded entirely by personal gifts from Scripps family members, the Scripps Family Impact Fund takes a unique approach to transformational giving.
Each autumn, the Fund’s board—composed exclusively of fifth- and sixth-generation family members—selects an area of focus for the coming year. After researching nonprofits within that field, the board identifies organizations that align with both the annual theme and the Fund’s vision. In the spring, selected organizations are invited to submit grant applications, which are then reviewed and evaluated by the board. The pool is narrowed to three finalists, each of whom is asked to submit a brief video about their organization, its mission, and its intended impact. Family members then review the grant submissions and videos, then vote to determine which organization(s) will receive funding.
The First of Many Stories of Transformational Impact
In the fall of 2018, the fund announced the children’s services as the focus area for its first grant.
Love146, an organization dedicated to fighting child trafficking, won the first grant of $270,000 in 2019. The grant went to Love146’s general fund, enabling them to expand their reach and strengthen their programs, and marked the beginning of an ongoing partnership between the Scripps family and Love146
As the founder of Love146 said:
…only people of audacity change the world. Thank you for being people of audacity. Thank you for investing deeply into the lives of children. Thank you for renewing our hope.
A Promise for the Future
In its first six years, the Scripps Family Impact Fund has distributed nearly $10 million to outstanding organizations, proving the power and reach of collective giving. Increased enthusiasm for the fund’s work ensures it will continue to make transformational gifts, empowering nonprofits to achieve meaningful impact and drive lasting change.
