Mark and Rachel Dibner
/SOURCE OF WEALTH: NA
FUNDING AREAS: Arts & Culture, Environment, Education, Humanitarian
OVERVIEW: Mark and Rachel Dibner conduct philanthropy through the Argus Fund, which gave away $774,000 in a recent year.
BACKGROUND: Mark Dibner is a son of he late David Dibner, the former chairman of the Burndy Corporation, an electrical connectors company. He keeps a low profile.
ISSUES:
ARTS & CULTURE: The Dibners are interested in public radio and music education. They made a $150,000 grant to WTRI towards a digital conversion project. As Dibner puts it, “The foundation believes in supporting WRTI's important role in the classical music and jazz public radio world." They’ve also supported The Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology at the Smithsonian. Other grantees have included NPR, County Theater, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and Seattle Music Partners. It appears there is no concrete arts grantmaking strategy; rather, the DIbners entertain an array of interests across multiple areas, as well as supporting large institutions.
ENVIRONMENT: The family appear to have a particular interest in marine conservation. Grantees have included Wildlife Conservation Network, Seacology, The Marine Mammal Center, and Reef Environmental Education Foundation.
EDUCATION: The couple have supported Rachel’s George School. They’ve also supported Eckerd College, where they’re parents. Other grantees have included Wilton Education Foundation and Northeast High School. Most education grants support organizations with which the couple is affiliated.
HUMANITARIAN AID: Grantees have included Medical Care International.
LOOKING FORWARD: Expect family giving to continue to track with established interest areas.
CONTACT:
The Argus Fund does not provide a clear avenue for getting in touch with the couple, but below is an address:
Argus Fund
220 Hillendale Dr.
Doylestown, PA 18901
