Letter from the Chair
The Generosity Commission is rooted in the idea that generosity shapes every community in America and influences us individually. It’s woven into the very fabric of our nation with individuals contributing in their own ways to the common good.
We’ve witnessed much change in the last decade and even more so in the last year — and we’re watching with great interest how generosity is evolving to meet our changing needs in society. Recent reports including Giving USA as well as upcoming research supported by the Generosity Commission (to be released starting in the fall) will help us understand that evolution and see how people everywhere are responding.
This research, the Generosity Commission’s work, and its task forces will spur new ideas and help expand a national conversation about how to reimagine and grow generosity in the coming years. The many forms of generosity – from personal gifts, crowdfunding, social entrepreneurship, and mutual aid to movement building, activism and advocacy – will be a part of that conversation and focus for the future.
I look forward to sharing additional progress and updates in the coming weeks. Thanks for your interest in the work of the Generosity Commission. You can learn more at the Generosity Commission website.
With warmest regards,
Ted Grossnickle
Chair, Working Committee
The Generosity Commission
Member Profile
Jerre Stead
Executive Chairman and CEO, Clarivate
About Jerre:
Jerre has had a long and highly successful career as a public company CEO. Clarivate, a global information services company providing insights and analytics to accelerate innovation, is the 10th public company in which he has served as CEO and/or Chairman. Prior to leading Clarivate, he served as Chairman and CEO at IHS Markit, Ltd. and previously as Executive Chairman and CEO at IHS Inc.
He has also held CEO and chairman of the board positions at Honeywell-Phillips Medical Electronics, Square D, AT&T Global Business Communications Systems, AT&T Global Information Solutions, NCR Corporation, NCR Japan, Legent Corporation and Ingram Micro.
Jerre and his wife, Mary Joy, are dedicated and generous philanthropists and volunteers. Jerre is a lifetime member of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Board of Visitors where he, Mary Joy and their family created the Stead Family Chair in International Philanthropy as part of their commitment to developing philanthropic leaders.
In addition, Jerre currently serves as chairman of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, chairman of the Board of Garrett Evangelical Seminary, and on the University of Iowa Henry B. Tippie College of Business Board of Visitors. He is a past chairman of the Center for Ethics and Values at the Garrett Evangelical Seminary and of the Electronic Manufacturers Association. He and Mary Joy recently served as co-chairs of the IowaFirst campaign for Iowa medicine and as For Iowa. Forever More. co-chairs for the UI Health Care campaign.
In addition, Jerre has served on 37 corporate boards during his career and received numerous accolades for his work, including the Kenneth B. West Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in recognition of his service on corporate and philanthropic boards.
In Jerre’s Words: Why is the work of the Generosity Commission so crucial?
The work of the Generosity Commission will make the world a far better place and help provide the opportunity for all to experience the joy of giving.
Current Insights on Generosity
Giving USA Report Shows Complexity of Giving in 2020
Giving USA 2021 report found that total charitable giving grew 5.1% in 2020, although giving in 2020 was complex. It was a record year, but data shows the results were uneven by nonprofit category and donor type. Learn More: Charitable Giving in the U.S. Reaches All-Time High in 2020
Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Provides Insight into Crowdfunding
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy report on crowdfunding provides insight into who crowdfunding donors are, why they give via crowdfunding sites, and how they differ from traditional charitable donors. Learn More: Charitable Crowdfunding: Who Gives, to What, and Why?
Rachel Hutchisson Discusses Evolution of Giving in 2021
The podcast Nuance of Impact takes a deep dive into the unseen moments that lead to social impact. Rachel Hutchisson, a member of the working committee of the Generosity Commission, joined the podcast to discuss the evolution of giving, generosity and community. Listen Here: What Does It Mean to Be Charitable in 2020?
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