The family’s collective philanthropy began in 1940 in Winona, Minnesota, when Laird and Natalie Bell, descendants of William Laird and Matthew and James Norton, established the Briarcombe Fund.
Since then, the foundation has undergone several name changes and a variety of operating styles. Historically, the family foundation primarily supported environmental stewardship, protection, education and conservation.
In 2006, the family company donated $25 million to the foundation, now called the Laird Norton Family Foundation. The increased investment in the family foundation coincided with a new strategic direction for the foundation:
Sixth Sense, which previously operated as a Laird Norton Company program, was integrated in to the Foundation in 2009 to strengthen the connection between the family foundation and the philanthropic activities of the family’s younger members.
The Foundation encourages and supports individual philanthropy through the Taproot Fund, which matches family members' charitable donations and volunteer commitments up to $1000 per family member per year.
In addition to the Laird Norton Family Foundation, Laird Norton family members are engaged in many other charitable activities – from foundations, trusts and funds to generous personal philanthropy, civic engagement and volunteer service.
In 2006, the family company donated $25 million to the foundation, now called the Laird Norton Family Foundation. The increased investment in the family foundation coincided with a new strategic direction for the foundation:
- Fund advisory committees were formed to involve more family members in the family foundation, catalyze informed personal philanthropy among Laird Norton family members, and educate future Laird Norton Leaders.
- Family members agreed to focus the Foundation's giving by developing program areas that reflect family values.
Sixth Sense, which previously operated as a Laird Norton Company program, was integrated in to the Foundation in 2009 to strengthen the connection between the family foundation and the philanthropic activities of the family’s younger members.
The Foundation encourages and supports individual philanthropy through the Taproot Fund, which matches family members' charitable donations and volunteer commitments up to $1000 per family member per year.
In addition to the Laird Norton Family Foundation, Laird Norton family members are engaged in many other charitable activities – from foundations, trusts and funds to generous personal philanthropy, civic engagement and volunteer service.
