The Gwyn Initiative
The Gwyn Initiative is a philanthropic construct developed by Wright Gwyn. It serves as a financial conduit for supporting 501(c)(3) organizations whose missions are developing and promoting a more balanced and inclusive society.
The Initiative is guided by the principle that all life has equal value. The philosophy closely resembles Aldo Leopold’s in that human society must develop a stewardship mentality in relation to ourselves and to our earth’s natural resources. It emphasizes the concept that each human is entitled to a share of the earth’s resources BUT is also charged with the responsibility to act as a steward, or caretaker of the planet as a whole.
The Initiative's "Inner Circle" of family and friends are responsible for seeking out “grassroot” organizations that follow a similar philosophy. We are not bound to any category of community service or any geographic location. In fact, the Gwyn Initiative takes great pride in allowing its individual members the freedom to explore their particular areas of interests wherever it may lead them. These areas of interest could include, but are not limited to:
- Environmental
- Nutritional
- Educational
- Medical
- Agricultural
- Entrepreneurial
- Scientific
- Animal Husbandry
- Child Development
- Social Injustice
Each year we individually research various organizations we feel are possible candidates for financial support. After nine months of research, members submit their organizational choices. A "portfolio" of candidates is produced and mailed to all members of the Inner Circle for their consideration, and if necessary, for further inquiries.
Final selections occur during its Annual Meeting in October. This is the time members can advocate for their candidates. After a healthy and thorough discussion, we vote and selections are made. All selections are based on one or all of the following criteria:
- promotes diversity and inclusiveness
- provides for immediate and basic needs
- fosters self-development and self-determination
Letters and checks are later mailed to those organizations that were selected.
The Initiative is structured to grow over the years, thus allowing us to distribute to more organizations in years to come. Although there will be only a small number of individuals within the Inner Circle making the final selections, we will be reaching out to other family members and friends, as well as to those organizations previously selected, in the hopes of discovering unknown organizations that are doing good work. We realize this is only a small contribution of what is needed. However, we also realize that those who are able must take the "initiative" in supporting these worthwhile organizations.
"We may not be able to do everything, but we can do something!"
The Gwyn Initiative was initially funded through inheritance dollars from the Gwyn Estate.