When Kathleen Simpson took over as the CEO of The Russell Family Foundation in 2020, “Our goals at the Foundation were upended because of COVID.” The CPA and financial investment specialist had most recently been the CFO of the organization, overseeing their investment portfolio and leading their financial strategy. “As CEO, I kept that responsibility, and we focused on a Total Resources Activation model that utilized everything in our power to have an impact,” Simpson said.
Combining the funds they had with grant money and investing their retained funds, the organization has grown from a 7% impact to an amazing 95% impact alignment under Simpson’s purview. The Russell Family Foundation (TRFF) invests in people and places to advance Kathleen Simpson Helps Russell Family Foundation Grow environmental sustainability and address the climate crisis. Its vision is to support a thriving, equitable, and sustainable earth.
With that vision in mind, TRFF implements and supports a variety of programs. The Catalytic Climate Finance initiative is aggressive in its goal to become Net Zero by 2030. “We are learning along the way and are committed to sharing our successes each step of the way,” Simpson said.
Another high priority program is Food for Climate Solutions. A relatively new program to TRFF, it addresses climate change while fostering a thriving regional food system. TRFF understands that food is fundamental, but how we grow it can play a big role in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Jane’s Fellowship Program hopes to ensure that generational leadership is evergreen. Through a 12-month cohort-based program, selected local Pierce County residents meet twice monthly to share in skills training, experiential learning, and community building. This program is named for Jane Russell and encourages equitable collaborations through informed action, integrative practice and deeper awareness and skillfulness around diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
Founded by George and Jane Russell, TRFF has been a way for extended family members to make a positive philanthropic impact locally, regionally, and globally. According to Simpson, “The Russell family really supports this community because they grew up here and they continue to invest because it has always been important to them from day one of the Foundation.”
For Additional Information
The Russell Family Foundation
trff.org
BY LYNN CASTLE