Goldman Sachs Philanthropy and James Donovan

Before it became Venture Philanthropy, charitable endeavors at Goldman Sachs were implemented through the Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund.  Today, the way the foundation works is by “augmenting grant making with the intellectual capital of Goldman Sachs people.”  Many individuals give of their time and skills to Venture Philanthropy – indeed, close to 2,000 individuals through business guidance, acting as mentors, sitting on advisory boards or boards of trustees and more.  James Donovan for example, served on the board of the Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund from 2002 to 2006 and donated his time and skills too.  There are extremely business-savvy people at Goldman Sachs and their knowledge is incredibly helpful to such a foundation and its important work.