100 Women in Hedge Funds: Philanthropy

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evan katz: 100 women in hedge funds100 Women in Hedge Funds, founded in 2001, is now a globally recognized association that contains over 13,000 professional women with vast experience in the alternative investment industry. These women range from investors to female professionals within a wide range of financial services. 100 Women in Hedge Funds is known for its involvement in charity and various dedicated volunteer efforts led by its top members.

Through education, professional leverage initiatives, and philanthropy, 100 Women in Hedge Funds has made profound efforts for communities across the globe. According to their website, 100 Women in Hedge Funds are “educators, mentors, innovators, leaders, supporters, inspirers, influencers, motivators, partners, pioneers, and volunteers,” (100womeninhedgefunds.org). One of the organization’s most famous member is Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, who has attended numerous gala events for the organization’s philanthropy efforts.

evan katz: 100 women in hedge funds

Kate Middleton attending a gala sponsored by 100 Women in Hedge Funds

Over the years, 100 Women in Hedge Funds has enabled its members to make important differences in their communities through a series of philanthropic initiatives. Some of the organizations most notable successes (according to their website) have been:

  • Raising over $36 million for charities focused on women’s and family health, education, and mentoring
  • Fundraising initiatives including annual Galas and other supporting fundraising events throughout the year
  • Greatly impacting the lives of approximately 371,000 people through fundraising

How Hedge Funds Influence Philanthropy

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Hedge funds have a great influence on the world of philanthropy, filled with wonderful role models – some of whom you may know, others who are more quiet. For example, Paul Jones, founder of the Robin Hood Foundation, is one of the many public faces in the philanthropy culture associated with hedge funds.

In a recent video published by InstitutionalInvestor.com, Michael Novogratz, Principal and Director of Fortress Investment Group, explains how hedge funds play a vital role in philanthropies across the globe, noting that the best kind of economy a country can have is one where cultures are developed by positive impact – not just by the people who are giving away money, but by the ones who actually use money to have a great influence on the betterment of humanity.

Evan Katz hedge funds michael novogratz

Michael Novogratz, Principal and Director of Fortress Investment Group

Novogratz goes on to explain how hedge fund experts have more of an incentive to donate to causes that they are involved with in order to become active members of their communities and the cities they live in. Take the Robin Hood Foundation, which is known for being the largest poverty-fighting organization in New York City. Upon finding the organization, Paul Jones recognized the talent hedge fund experts had for raising money, and used those talents to the advantage and advancement of New York, a city very close to his heart and to the world of hedge funds. Because many people who work in the hedge fund industry are located in New York City, the Robin Hood Foundation thrives on passionate members who truly want to make the city poverty-free. Since its beginning in 1988, the foundation has raised over $1.95 billion – incredible!

In addition, hedge fund experts and investors are well-acquainted with developing strategies in order to make a profit, which is why philanthropies who are affiliated with hedge funds tend to have a large impact on their specific cause. Novogratz says that “in the hedge fund community and the tech community there are pockets where people really have unbelievable influence, and more of a responsibility for that part of the world to help. I have a feeling that it’s going to turn into excitement.”

About Hedge Funds Care

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Evan Katz hedge funds care

Hedge Funds Care is an international charity that aims to prevent and treat child abuse.  Supported predominantly by the hedge fund industry, Hedge Funds Care’s main goals are to raise as much money as they can to fund programs that teach about preventing and treating child abuse, and to showcase the philanthropy within financial industries (the hedge fund industry in particular).

Hedge Funds Care, also widely known as Help For Children, is the only grantmaking public charity with child abuse awareness as their primary focus when it comes to fundraising.  Throughout the U.S., the Cayman Islands, the U.K., and Canada, money is granted towards various child welfare organizations through a plethora of events hosted by hedge fund companies and associations across the globe.  Since 1998, HFC has totaled over $41 million in funding to raise awareness, treat, and prevent child abuse.

The money raised throughout these events is distributed to local nonprofit organizations whose missions also revolve around child abuse.  For the United States in particular, fundraising events take place in Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and New York. By dispersing the money into education tools, prevention services, interventions, research, training, and advocacy, there is hope that people all over the world will be more aware and understanding of the different types of child abuse that occur each day. With education placed as the primary prevention method, enhanced awareness and knowledge of abuse and neglect for parents, children, and professionals in the community is the ultimate and most dominant goal of the charity.

evan katz golf charity

In recent HFC news, the 8th Annual Denver Golf Tournament will take place this coming July at Arrowhead Golf Club in Colorado. The tournament will start promptly at 7:30 in the morning and will include multiple golf contests throughout the day along with lunch and cocktails.  For more information about the event, please check out HFC’s website here.