Robert and Genevieve Lynch

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Aristeia Capital

FUNDING AREAS: Environment, Global Peace, Arts, Education

OVERVIEW: Robert Genevieve Lynch conduct their philanthropy through the Kenbe Foundation, which prioritizes the environment and global peace. Available tax filings indicate that the foundation awarded $340,000 in grants in 2017.

BACKGROUND: Robert Henry Lynch Jr. graduated from Cornell University and also received an MBA from the school. Lynch is a founding partner of Aristeia Capital.

ISSUES:

ENVIRONMENT: The couple has supported Riverkeeper and National Resources Defense Council via their foundation. Marine habitat protection seems a particular interest.

GLOBAL PEACE: Foundation President Genevieve Lynch first became involved in philanthropy when she took a course on the subject through the Rockefeller Foundation. She went on to cofound the Pluralism Fund, which focused on human rights and civil rights in Iran and Pakistan before shuttering in 2011. The Kenbe Foundation has bankrolled peace-related projects in the U.S., the Caribbean, South Asia, and the Middle East. Grantees include Every Mother Counts, Center for American Progress, Earthjustice, Human Rights Watch, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

ARTS: Grantees include LilySarahGraceFund, which is "committed to supporting teachers in underfunded public elementary schools to reach all learners through the arts." Note that Genevieve once worked as an independent film producer and a journalist. 

EDUCATION: Lynch has supported his alma mater Cornell. Genevieve has also been involved with Village Community School, the Haitian Education and Leadership Program, the High School for Food and Finance, and the Edible Schoolyard Project.

LOOKING FORWARD: Lynch is still very much engaged in business and should be watched for greater giving down the line. Genevieve has had several careers and her diverse interest areas could drive new philanthropy. 

CONTACT:

The Kenbe Foundation does not provide a clear avenue of contact, but below is an address:

The Kenbe Foundation
c/o Genevieve Lynch, 1140 Avenue of the Americas, 11th Floor
New York City, NY 10036

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