Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie are reportedly changing the way their philanthropy donations are made. The couple founded Ballmer Group in 2015 and have donated more than 8 billion over the past two decades. According to a report by Fortune, they are now planning to spin off the Ballmer Group’s three regional offices into independent nonprofits while continuing to fund them. The move is aimed at bringing funding decisions closer to local communities and leaders. Steve and Connie Ballmer said the new structure will help ensure the organisations remain long-term resources while the Ballmer Group focuses on national initiatives that improve economic mobility.
Ballmer Group to create three independent regional offices
As stated in the report, Steve and wife Connie Ballmer will make the group’s regional office in three separate nonprofits:
- MoveUp Southeast Michigan
- MoveUp LA
- MoveUp Washington
The organisations will operate independently, build their own boards and continue their existing work while adapting to local needs. Staff in each region will transition to the new organisations over the next year, while current funding commitments to grantees will continue without disruption.
Why Steve and Connie Ballmer are making the change
Each of the three regions has a personal connection to the Ballmers. Steve Ballmer grew up in Southeast Michigan, the couple owns the Los Angeles Clippers in California, and Washington is their home state.“Our intention is to ensure that these local philanthropies can be permanent, ongoing resources in each region, while we concentrate our national efforts on advancing economic mobility in new ways,” Steve and Connie Ballmer said in a joint statement.Ballmer Group CEO Terri Ludwig said the goal is to keep decision-making close to the communities being served. “How do we keep staying close to the work, and how do we empower our leaders?” Ludwig told Fast Company.
Ballmers have donated billions over the years
As mentioned above, Steve and Connie Ballmer founded the Ballmer Group in 2015 after years of charitable work led by Connie Ballmer. Some of the group’s biggest donations include $425 million to the University of Oregon to establish the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health, $237.5 million to Blue Meridian Partners’ Place Matters Initiative, and a pledge of up to $165 million to Communities In Schools.Connie Ballmer also made headlines earlier this year after personally donating $80 million to NPR, one of the largest gifts in the history of public media.
