Greg Berlanti and Robbie Rogers

SOURCE OF WEALTH: TV Writer and Producer

FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth, LGBTQ Causes, TBD

OVERVIEW: Greg Berlanti and Robbie Rogers move philanthropy through the recently-minted Berlanti Family Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ people.

BACKGROUND: Born in 1972 in Rye, New York, Greg Berlanti graduated from Northwestern University. He had his first staff writer gig in his 20s on Dawsons Creek, later rising to Executive Producer. He’s since gone on to shows like Arrow, Supergirl, Brothers & Sisters, and Everwood. His shows have included the first gay superhero to headline a TV series, the first romantic kiss between two gay characters, and the first legal gay marriage on network TV.

Born in Southern California, Robbie Rogers  played college soccer at the University of Maryland, and later, professionally, with clubs like Columbus Crew and Leeds United.

ISSUES:

EDUCATION & YOUTH: The couple recently announced a $2 million commitment to Berlanti’s alma mater, the Northwestern University School of Communication. The gift endows the Barbara Berlanti Professorship in Writing for the Screen and Stage, named after Greg’s mother, who passed away in 2017.

LGBTQ CAUSES: Berlanti has donated to other LGTBQ groups, such as GLAAD and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. A couple of years ago, the Trevor Project recognized Berlanti for his support of the project’s mission to provide crisis intervention services and end suicide among gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning young people. The couple also made a $1 million gift to GLSEN, an organization working to create safe and inclusive K-12 schools for LGBTQ youth.

OTHER: The family have supported places like F*ck Cancer, which is dedicated to helping those affected by cancer, and the National Immigration Law Center.

LOOKING FORWARD: Berlanti is one of Hollywood’s most prolific and powerful show runners, recently inking a deal worth hundreds of millions. Only in his late 40s, he should be watched for greater giving through his family foundation in the coming years.

CONTACT:
Berlanti Family Foundation
501 Silverside Rd
Wilmington, DE 19809