Inspired Philanthropy: Laurie M. Tisch Speaks about the Evolution of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund 
                                                           
In 2007, Laurie M. Tisch shifted her focus from donor advised philanthropy and stepped up her philanthropy by establishing her own foundation. Continuing her parents’ tradition of generosity and being a good neighbor she formed the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund to inspire fresh ideas and new thinking about ways to increase access and opportunity for more New Yorkers. From supporting the innovative NYC Green Carts initiative to bring fresh produce to underserved New York City neighborhoods, to underwriting the much-anticipated Illumination Lawn at a revitalized Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and providing major support for NYC Service and the NYC Civic Corps, an effort to increase volunteerism and civic engagement among New Yorkers, Ms. Tisch combines an entrepreneurial spirit with a lifetime of experience in leadership giving.

During her talk, Ms. Tisch will share her insights on the role of philanthropy in the Tisch family, her personal values and evolving philosophy of giving, how she identifies and evaluates potential projects, and she will talk about some of the Illumination Fund’s most recent grants.   Ms. Tisch will be introduced by philanthropic advisor, Hildy Simmons.


Laurie M. Tisch is the President of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, a charitable enterprise that builds on a longstanding commitment to enable more New Yorkers to take advantage of the rich opportunities that the city has to offer. The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund was created as an approach-based foundation to support strong leaders and institutions working to increase access and opportunity.  Ms. Tisch’s vision for the foundation is characterized by the word illumination; a metaphor for philanthropic investments that will fire imagination, spark opportunity and strengthen community.

Ms. Tisch’s deep conviction and sense of purpose in her philanthropy comes from years of experience building institutions, serving on Boards and from a committed, engaged civic life.  Ms.Tisch is the Chair Emeritus of the Center for Arts Education (CAE), where she led a multi-million dollar fundraising campaign that resulted in an investment of nearly $40 million in arts education programs in New York City schools. Ms. Tisch is also Chair Emeritus of the Children’s Museum of Manhattan where she set forth its vision and ethos and where she is now working with the Board to implement a vision for future expansion in programming and locations throughout New York City.  In addition, Ms. Tisch sits on the Board of Trustees of the Whitney Museum of American Art; is a member of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at Teachers College, Columbia University; and, member of the Mayor's Cultural Advisory Commission.  Ms. Tisch is also a member of the Board of Directors of the New York Football Giants, the NFL team co-owned by her family.