Olivia Swanson Haas (1895-1995) was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to philanthropy and the arts. As one of the founders of the Haas Fund, she dedicated her life to supporting a wide range of causes, including education, healthcare, and the preservation of American history.
Olivia was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Swedish immigrant parents. She attended the University of Chicago, where she earned a degree in economics. After graduating, she worked for the Chicago Public Schools before marrying Walter A. Haas, Sr., in 1922.
In 1953, Olivia and Walter established the Haas Fund, a private foundation dedicated to supporting organizations that "make a meaningful difference in the lives of people." Over the years, the fund has granted millions of dollars to a diverse array of non-profits, including:
Olivia Swanson Haas was known for her vision and leadership in the philanthropic community. She served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the American Council for the Arts, the San Francisco Symphony, and the California Historical Society. She was also a driving force behind the creation of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Olivia Swanson Haas's legacy extends far beyond her lifetime. The Haas Fund continues to support important causes, having granted over $600 million to date. Additionally, her dedication to the arts has helped preserve American history and culture for future generations.
According to the National Endowment for the Arts, the arts generate:
In the 1960s, San Francisco's landmark Ghirardelli Square was threatened with demolition. Olivia Swanson Haas played a key role in saving the historic building by providing funding for its restoration. Today, Ghirardelli Square is a vibrant tourist attraction and a testament to Olivia's vision.
The Haas Fund has long recognized the importance of early childhood education. In 2005, the fund launched the Early Education Initiative, which invests in programs that provide high-quality early learning experiences for underserved children. Over the past decade, the initiative has granted over $100 million to support early childhood education.
In 1992, Olivia Swanson Haas donated $10 million to establish the Olivia Madison House at the University of California, Berkeley. The house provides a home for students who are pursuing careers in social justice. To date, the Olivia Madison House has supported over 1,000 students and has become a model for other social justice programs across the country.
Olivia Swanson Haas's life and work offer valuable lessons for all of us:
Individuals and organizations can follow these strategies to make their philanthropic giving more effective:
Philanthropy matters because it:
Philanthropy benefits all of us by:
Olivia Swanson Haas's legacy inspires us all to make a difference in the world through philanthropy. Join us in supporting the organizations and causes that are important to you and help to create a more just and equitable society for all.
Category | Amount Granted |
---|---|
Education | $25,000,000 |
Healthcare | $15,000,000 |
Arts and Culture | $10,000,000 |
Civic and Social Justice | $5,000,000 |
Environment and Sustainability | $2,500,000 |
Category | Amount |
---|---|
Economic Activity | $763.6 billion |
Jobs | 5.1 million |
Business Support | 1.3 million |
Year | Amount Granted |
---|---|
2005 | $20,000,000 |
2010 | $30,000,000 |
2015 | $40,000,000 |
2020 | $10,000,000 |
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