Our Structure
Uniquely Structured for Impact
Sam and Nancy Gary believed that business, policy and philanthropy can — and should — work together to solve the toughest challenges in our community. In addition to our foundation, we have two other entities that allow us to leverage the power of markets and government to drive systemic change and build family wealth.
Expanding the Philanthropic Toolbox
Our unique structure gives us the ability to tackle complex challenges from multiple angles, creating longer-lasting impact than any single approach could achieve alone.
1
Gary Philanthropy
Our foundation utilizes catalytic grantmaking to create long-term sustainable change, expanding the impact of our public, private and nonprofit partners as well as our new ventures.
2
Gary Advocacy
Our policy arm advances comprehensive policy and advocacy initiatives, invests in a thriving policy ecosystem, and supports ongoing improvement of public systems that better support kids and families at the state and local level.
3
Gary Ventures
Our investment company helps us put our entire balance sheet to work — philanthropy, below-market and market-rate investments alike — to transform systems for kids and families and build family wealth.
“We hope to demonstrate that our economic endeavors and our community aspirations not only can be, but must be, interdependent.”
Sam Gary,Gary Community Ventures Founder
Organizational
News & updates
Philanthropy Is An Act of Love
Nancy Gary, co-founder of Gary Community Ventures, marks the organization’s 50th year and looks to the future.
What does it really take for a family to get ahead?
We talk a lot about what families need to make ends meet. We talk far less about what they need to actually get ahead.
Universal Childcare Is Possible
Together, everyone at the table listens with humility, acts with courage and responds honestly about the barriers that remain.
Program gives teens investment accounts & financial education
What becomes possible when young people enter adulthood with the assets that allow them to build personal and generational wealth.