In 1968, when I began my career as a grant-seeker, I did not understand what foundations do besides write checks. Now that I have been president of this foundation for four years, I have a clearer sense of what these unique institutions can do.
Foundations can, of course, respond to funding requests.
They can also trigger a complex interaction of people, ideas, and institutions-sometimes creating new programs and having an impact on real world issues. At the Nathan Cummings Foundation we try to identify major problems and to seek solutions. We think of ourselves as partners in the activities of our grantees. Thus, while we provide financial support to environmental organizations, we also consider ourselves a part of the environmental movement. Let me use as an example of our process the work the Foundation has done in the area of mind-body health.