Angell Foundation President’s Memorial Letter
Dear Friends,
On the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, I grieve with you and remember the lives tragically lost too soon on this day — including the my dear friends, Angell Foundation’s founders, David and Lynn Angell.
David and Lynn were profoundly kind, empathetic, and generous people. They had a unique and genuine love of life that drove their commitment to building a better, more equitable, and more compassionate world.
As I reflect on the twenty years since David and Lynn’s passing, I am tremendously proud of the work we’ve done in their honor. Most importantly, every step of the way, Angell Foundation has intentionally reflected the values, commitments, and passions of the Angell’s. Their legacy and impact lives on through our work.
With your support, Angell Foundation has invested $85 million* in transformative opportunities across three focus areas — Education As Opportunity, Food Equity, and Transformational Leadership:
- Education As Opportunity: We fund organizations that support students from underserved communities in successfully completing post-secondary degrees or certificates that lead to meaningful careers. Our grantees are committed to removing the barriers that stand in the way of success for so many. They provide essential academic, social, and financial supports that keep students on the path to completion and open pathways to employment opportunities.
- Food Equity: We fund a cohort of hunger relief organizations that strive to meet the immediate food needs of underserved communities. Simultaneously, we offer grants to broader efforts that promote equitable, sustainable food systems and educate the public-at-large about the reality of communities struggling with food insecurity.
- Transformational Leadership: We fund efforts that provide opportunities for people to engage in processes that transform the way they think, especially in how to use their skills, talents, and influence to make a positive impact within their communities and organizations. Additionally, we fund programs that encourage those in leadership positions to develop practices and habits that will enable them to sustain their effectiveness and resilience over time.
Our investments have supported hundreds of programs that provide opportunities for individuals to access resources and skills that enhance their ability to lead fulfilling, productive lives, and make positive contributions to their community. Perhaps Today, in honor of those we lost on September 11, 2001, please join me in reflecting thoughtfully on the lives lost and in re-committing ourselves to ceaselessly treating others with empathy, dignity, and love.
Further, we invite you to join The National September 11 Memorial & Museum’s annual commemoration ceremony.
With peace and gratitude,
Perry Oretzky
President, Angell Foundation
*Angell Foundation’s grantmaking process is by invitation only. We regret that we are unable to review or consider unsolicited requests for funding.