2018 Richard Rockefeller Fellows Bring Chinese Philanthropy Insights to the U.S
This month, the Fund welcomed Oma Lee and Danxi Shen, young professionals in China’s growing philanthropic sector, as our 2018 Richard Rockefeller Fellows. Bringing expertise in Chinese charity law, private foundation grantmaking, and fostering social innovation, the fellows will explore American social sector best practices over the course of a six-month program at the Fund’s New York City office. During their stay, the fellows will visit leading philanthropic experts and institutions around the country, as well as participate in trainings. The 2018 Fellows’ full biographies are available on RBF.org.
Launched in 2016 as a tribute to former RBF board chair Dr. Richard Rockefeller, the Fellowship offers opportunities for young Chinese leaders to learn about strategic philanthropy for a sustainable future and to strengthen collaborative ties between the U.S. and Chinese philanthropic sectors. Dr. Rockefeller had been greatly inspired by the growth of Chinese philanthropy and the relationships he formed with some of the country’s philanthropic families. The Fellowship in his memory was jointly endowed by both American and Chinese philanthropic leaders, including the RBF, members of the Rockefeller family, the Lao Niu Brother & Sister Foundation, and the Dalio Foundation. The Lao Niu Brother & Sister Foundation, a second-generation Chinese family foundation, was established in 2014 by Mr. Niu Ben and his sister, Ms. Niu Qiong. They launched the foundation after a series of exchanges with members of the Rockefeller family at The Pocantico Center beginning in November 2011.
The RBF works in partnership with Chinese philanthropy sector leaders and the Institute of International Education to implement the Richard Rockefeller Fellowship.