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pointing out that Henry Ford probably wouldn’t have ever envisioned a gay black man leading his philanthropy,
either.

Apple is known for running on 100% renewable energy (and has committed to adding 4 gigawatts back to
the grid by 2020). It’s also the largest corporate donor to Product Red, which aims to eradicate AIDS by 2030
through largely medical interventions. But Jackson pointed out that that company has also given heavily to the
Malala Fund, which is working to ensure that every girl around the world has access to 12 years of free quality
education. Rather than earmark its donations for things like programs versus overhead, the company wants
the group to decide how that money might be best spent. “We’re not going girl by girl to say, ‘Okay, did you
get [the right amount of education] today?’” Jackson said. The majority of it was general support because that
organization, if it’s going to reach the potential that it should, needs time to grow, to plan, to set its objectives.”

Walker noted that such gifts help organizations grow in a healthy way to continue their missions after their
founders (like Henry Ford) depart. While some in the sector are beginning to favor a spend-down approach to
giving, committing huge sums against issues now as opposed to in perpetuity, Walker points out that some key
issues never stop needing protection. Nearly a half-century ago, for instance, the funder supported nonprofits
battling voter suppression in Southern states. It’s now doing so again as midterms approach.
Instead of an itemized receipt, such moves inspire hope. “There is no greater threat to a democracy than a
hopeless citizenry, because they will do desperate things,” Walker said.

About the Author

Ben Paynter is a senior writer at Fast Company covering social impact, the future of philanthropy, and
innovative food companies. His work has appeared in Wired, Bloomberg Businessweek, and the New York
Times, among other places.