Multiregional: A Hollywood Producer’s Philanthropy Focuses on Several Cities

Harvard grad Thomas C. Werner received his start in Hollywood at ABC television in the 1970s before going on to co-found Carsey-Werner Television with Marcy Carsey. Werner served as an executive producer on shows like The Cosby Show and A Different World. Werner is also a co-owner of the Boston Red Sox: one source put his net worth at $600 million, making him one of Massachusetts’ wealthiest residents.

We’ve dug into Marcy Carsey's philanthropy before, which has supported public policy outfits, among other causes. Werner and family engage philanthropy through the Werner Family Foundation, which awarded under $1 million in a recent year.

Related: How This Veteran Television Producer Bankrolls Public Policy Outfits

The Werner Family Foundation’s recent grantmaking reveals interests in several areas including education, human services, the arts, and Jewish causes. While some of these organizations are based in Boston and the Northeast, other sites of philanthropy include Milwaukee, Austin, and Los Angeles.

What’s behind this multiregional giving? Werner's daughter Carolyn, who founded WeViva, runs the Austin, Texas-based nonprofit that provides affordable fitness and nutrition for low-income families. The Werner Family Foundation’s grantmaking has supported WeViva.

Son Teddy meanwhile has ties to Milwaukee, and daughter Amanda has been based in Boston. The family, via their foundation, has supported Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Zoological Society of Milwaukee, the UCLA Foundation, and Communities in Schools of Los Angeles.

For a full overview of this funder’s work, read our profile of Thomas Werner linked below.

Related: Thomas C. Werner