Donald Trump

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Reality Television, Real Estate

FUNDING AREAS: Health, Human Services, NYC Community, Veterans

OVERVIEW: Donald Trump conducted much of his grantmaking through the Donald J. Trump Foundation until its court-ordered dissolution in 2019. Grantmaking involved modest sums to a number of different organizations that served it’s founder’s business needs. New York City and Florida were significant sites of philanthropy. His grantmaking has also been involved with the charities of other celebrities.

BACKGROUND:  Donald J. Trump was born in Queens, New York in 1946. His father was a real estate developer who built and operated apartments in New York City. Trump went to New York Military Academy, Fordham University, and later, Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1968 with a degree in economics. Trump worked with his father during the summers and then joined his father's company, Elizabeth Trump & Son, after graduating. In 1971, Trump took control of the company, which he later renamed the Trump Organization. In 1980, he opened the Grand Hyatt, which made him the city's best known developer. In 2004, Trump starred in the hit NBC reality series The Apprentice, and later The Celebrity Apprentice. In 2017, Trump became the 45th President of the United States. He lost his bid for reelection in 2020 after which he encouraged a coup attempt on January 6, 2021.

ISSUES:

HEALTH: Trump has given modest sums to a number of national health organizations such as American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Alliance for Lupus Research, Autism Speaks, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Achilles International, and more. One particular health cause does not appear to be favored over any other. In 2011, Trump and his siblings gave a $1 million grant to support and name the Institute for Implant Analysis at the Hospital for Special Surgery, which treated Trump's parents. 

HUMAN SERVICES: Last decade, Trump gave at least $1 million to the United Way. He has supported Central Iowa Shelter & Services, City meals-on-Wheels and the National Network to End Domestic Violence, among others.

NYC COMMUNITY: Trump has given grants to New York City organizations such as the New York City Police Foundation, Ronald McDonald House of New York, and New Yorkers For Parks, among others. It is worth noting that he also gives sums to Florida organizations, with a handful of grants going to Palm Beach and other areas.

VETERANS: Trump donated $1.1 million to Marine Corps—Law Enforcement Foundation. He also helped net $4.5 million for some two dozen veterans groups including American Hero Adventures in Eugene, Oregon, which provides "stress relieving, and bonding activities to the combat wounded... and their families"; Navy Seal Foundation; and Veterans Airlift Command. Via his foundation, he has supported places like Vietnam Veterans Workshop, Veterans in Command, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, and Amvets National Service Foundation. 

OTHER: Trump has given assorted sums to other celebrity charities such as the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation, which deals with domestic violence. Other Trump philanthropy has been contradictory at times, such as his support of Gay Men's Health Crisis and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which has decried the influence of the "gay lobby." 

LOOKING FORWARD: Following his foundation’s dissolution for ethical and legal misconduct, it is unclear if Trump will establish another formal grantmaking vehicle. Also, it is unlikely that Trump will make any significant charitable donations while his finances are under criminal investigation.