For Barbara Brandt, philanthropy is a family affair. Growing up, her parents and grandparents instilled in her values of service, gratitude, and generosity, encouraging Barbara to devote her time and resources to helping others. So, when Barbara became a mother and grandmother herself, she wanted to pass down these values to future generations.
I hope that my children and grandchildren live the way I was raised, which was that you always give back, you’re always inclusive, and you’re always grateful for what you have,” explained Barbara. Barbara, who is a longtime Columbus resident, has dedicated her life and career to philanthropy. As founder and president of a philanthropic consulting firm, Barbara has coached families, nonprofits, foundations, and corporations in their charitable planning and giving strategies. She also formerly served as the Director of Development for the College of Humanities at The Ohio State University, as well as for The Columbus Foundation. A dedicated community volunteer who has served on numerous nonprofit boards, Barbara, now retired, continues to devote herself to charitable giving, volunteer projects, and her family.
Nearly two decades ago, Barbara approached The Columbus Foundation wanting to find ways to engage her seven grandchildren— Alex, Hannah, Henry, Joshua, Libby, Sari, and Stanford—in philanthropy. It was important to Barbara that her grandchildren be given the opportunity to explore their own charitable interests, as well as educate themselves on issues impacting the world around them. Although her grandchildren live throughout the country and vary in age, Barbara wanted them to feel connected to each other and to philanthropy, and to know they had the power to make a difference.
That’s when Lisa Jolley, JD, CAP®, AEP®, Senior Director for Donor Services at The Columbus Foundation, suggested that Barbara create a Donor Advised Fund for her grandchildren, putting them in charge of deciding which organizations to support. In 2005, Barbara established the Brandt Family Next Generation Fund, initially allocating $250 a year to each grandchild to grant to a nonprofit of their choice. However, before they could donate to their selected nonprofits, Barbara stipulated that the grandchildren first conduct research on the organizations.
The goal, Barbara explained, was to encourage her grandchildren to be thoughtful about their giving and find causes that resonated with them—and it worked. Barbara’s oldest grandson, Joshua Abolt, said, “Not only has this fund exposed me to how many great charities are out there doing incredible work, but it has also taught me how to research the health and stability of an organization.” Through the fund, Joshua, who works as a behavior specialist at an animal shelter in New York, has supported organizations that promote animal welfare, service animals for veterans and first responders, and more.
Today, Barbara’s grandchildren— who now range from age 19 to 31—can each grant up to $1,000 a year through the fund. To date, they’ve awarded more than $150,000 in grants to nonprofits in their respective communities and beyond.
PICTURED: Barbara Brandt at her home in Columbus.
As Hannah Royer Hennessy, Barbara’s oldest granddaughter, shared, “It has been an amazing opportunity. Being part of this fund instilled the value of giving at an early age and made us all start to think about what is important to us.” Hannah, who lives in Atlanta and works as a healthcare consultant, has supported numerous nonprofits through the fund, including organizations dedicated to women’s reproductive health, Alzheimer’s research, gun violence prevention, and other causes.
Hannah’s sister, Sari Royer, a f irst-grade teacher in Tampa, agreed. “Instilling values of giving at a young age is so important. It teaches empathy and kindness, and can help young people f ind their passion.” For Sari, that passion includes supporting organizations that combat food insecurity, aid Holocaust survivors, and support children and families within her school community.
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Beyond donating money, Joshua, Hannah, and Sari all agreed on another lesson they’ve learned from their grandmother: the importance of giving back through volunteering. “When you are able to physically volunteer, connect with people in your community, and show up to support causes that matter to you, nothing is more valuable,” said Sari.
Beyond donating money, Joshua, Hannah, and Sari all agreed on another lesson they’ve learned from their grandmother: the importance of giving back through volunteering. “When you are able to physically volunteer, connect with people in your community, and show up to support causes that matter to you, nothing is more valuable,” said Sari.
“I’m confident that they will pass on the sense of being responsible for their community, for the well-being of everyone,” said Barbara. “They’re terrific. I’m a big fan of my grandchildren.”