George Strawbridge Jr.
/SOURCE OF WEALTH: NA
FUNDING AREAS: Education, Health, Environment & Animals
OVERVIEW: George Strawbridge Jr. moves philanthropy through the Margaret Dorrance Strawbridge Foundation of Pennsylvania, which gave away $756,000 in a recent year. The foundation bears the name of his late mother. Grantmaking focuses on the Northeast.
BACKGROUND: George Strawbridge Jr. graduated with a bachelor's degree from Trinity College in Hartford, and earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, where he specialized in Latin American history and politics. He went on to become an adjunct professor at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. He is a grandson of John T. Dorrance, who developed the process for condensing soup and purchased the Campbell Soup Company. Strawbridge is a leading owner and breeder of steeplechase horses. He’s also worked as an investor.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION: Strawbridge has given cumulative gifts of $1 million or more to Widener University where he taught and holds an honorary degree. Through his foundation, he’s also supported places like Bowdoin College, and St. George’s School. His son Stewart attended these Northeast institutions.
HEALTH: Strawbridge appears to have a particular interest in cancer research in his health philanthropy. He’s given a few million to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). He also gave $2 million to create the Margaret Dorrance Strawbridge Foundation Translational Cancer Research Endowment at the Lucille P. Markey Cancer Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
ENVIRONMENT & ANIMALS: Grantees have included Brandywine Conservancy, where Strawbridge is an honorary trustee, Equine Advocates, and Main Coast Heritage Trust.
LOOKING FORWARD: Grantmaking through the foundation hasn’t been overwheming of late, and it is currently involved in a Probate - Trust lawsuit. It is unclear how this will impact future giving.
CONTACT:
The Margaret Dorrance Strawbridge Foundation of Pennsylvania I. does not provide a clear avenue for getting in touch with the family, but below is an address:
Margaret Dorrance Strawbridge Foundation of Pennsylvania I.
2929 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
