Whiteman 4G Foundation
John O. Whiteman, president of the long-established Whiteman Foundation, sought to create a foundation for his 11 grandchildren. In 2006, the grandchildren, then ages 10 to 16, worked with John to create the foundation, named 4G because these young people are the fourth generation of the Whiteman family to be involved in philanthropy.
At the organization’s first meeting, John O. Whiteman discussed the major philanthropic spheres for the grandchildren to consider when making grants. The board voted for the following areas of focus:
- Human Services, including Children’s Issues, Abandonment, Responsible Parenting, Harassment and Bullying
- Health, including Children’s Cancers, Diabetes and other issues
- Education, including Scholarships and Infant Brain Development Research
During its first year of operation, the 4G Foundation made grants to Chrysalis, Banner East Children’s Hospital, East Valley Child Crisis Center, Liberty Wildlife and UMOM New Day Center.
Through the Generations
“The foundation allows the kids to see how people live every day. They live in a protective bubble. It’s been good for them to see that not everyone has the benefits in life that they have, but it also allows them to see they can make a difference in the lives of others.” –Jeff Whiteman, CEO of Empire Southwest and father of four 4G members
“We are in such a unique position in our community, in that we have opportunities to change things for the better. Even if it’s only a drop in the ocean, we can be part of something great. The legacy left to us by our forebears is that we share and do good with what we have been given. This is what I want to do and this is what I want to pass down.” –Christy Whiteman Wilson, mother of five 4G members
Innovative School Initiative
In the spring of 2010, the 4G Board came to a consensus that they would like to further define a focus to their grant making. The board embarked on a strategic planning process that covered a myriad of possible topics and after input from all members, the group decided to support elementary schools for a three year period at $10,000 a year. These dollars were to support projects that would not be possible without the 4G dollars. Interestingly, the Whiteman 4G board members are all products of the public school system.
Four districts were invited to submit a response to a RFP. The Chandler and Creighton School Districts were awarded the 3 year commitment for innovative projects. The Chandler is implementing a Core Knowledge program to increase literacy through an interdisciplinary approach. The Creighton District has initiated a creative new model for parent teacher conferences.
In the spring of 2011, the districts provided an update on the progress of these initiatives; the board was pleased with the outcomes. This program will enter its second year in the Fall of 2011.
4G Grant History
2011
2010
- Audubon $500
- Children’s Action Alliance $500
- Chandler Unified School District $10,000
- Creighton School District $10,000
- East Mesa Child Crisis Center $10,000
2009
- Singleton Moms $10,000
- Azbrainfood $10,000
2008
- Wellness Community $8,000
- St Vincent DePaul $8,000
- United Food Bank $15,000
- Florence Crittenden $4,000
- New Global Citizens $3,000
- Genesis High School $3,000
- Santa Elves $2,500
2007
- East Valley Child Crisis Center $12,000
- Banner East Children’s Hospital $6,000
- Chrysalis $8,000
- Liberty Wildlife $4,000
- UMOM $7,500
- Santa Elves $2,500