| The impetus for starting a
foundation in 1946 came from the family's concern for the many local charities
they supported. They realized that conditions that typically follow economic
depressions and wars could affect their ability to support charities in time of
greatest need. A philanthropic philosophy thus evolved: |
| 1946 |
Trust Indenture creating the
Galveston Fund is signed by the five donors (I.H. Kempner, Daniel W.
Kempner, R. Lee Kempner, Stanley E. Kempner and Harris L. Kempner) and the five
founding trustees (Daniel W. Kempner, R. Lee Kempner, Harris L. Kempner, I.H.
Kempner, Jr., and Frances A. Lynch).
Asset value began at $38,500;
trustees approved grants to seven churches totaling $1,300. |
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| 1950 |
Galveston Fund name changed
to Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund to honor progenitors. |
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| 1956 |
By terms of the Last Will and
Testament of Daniel W. Kempner, the Jeane B. Kempner Fund was
established to provide fellowships for graduates of The University of Texas
Medical Branch to pursue advanced studies. During 44 years, more than $2
million has been awarded from this Fund. |
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| 1958 |
By the terms of the Last Will and
Testament of Gladys Kempner, the Kemper Park Fund was established for
repairs and improvements to Kempner Park.
The trustees established a
Visiting Professorship at The University of Texas Medical Branch in
memory of Daniel W. Kempner.
The I.H. Kempner, Jr.
Scholarship Endowment was established at Harvard College in memory of Mr.
Kempner. |
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| 1959 |
The first student loans were made.
This program, now the Harris L. Kempner Student Loan Program, has made
available more than $2 million in loans circulated to over 500 students. |
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| 1963 |
The Family Matching Gifts
Program began. Since its inception, more than $1 Million n charitable
contributions by family members has been matched by the Fund. |
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| 1964 |
The I.H. Kempner Professorship
in Human Genetics was established at The University of Texas Medical
Branch. |
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| 1968 |
The Gladys and R. Lee Kempner
Professorship in Child Psychiatry was established at The University of
Texas Medical Branch. |
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| 1972 |
The Harris L. Kempner
Professorship in Humanities in Medicine was established at the University
of Texas Medical Branch. |
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| 1983 |
The Jennifer L. Ezell Memorial
Scholarship Fund was established. |
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| 1987 |
The Harris L. Kempner Memorial
Award was established to benefit organizations selected by his widow, Ruth
Levy Kempner. |
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| 1990 |
In recognition of Leonora K.
Thompson's service as chair of the Fund, a Community Enrichment
Award was established in her name with a revolving fund to provide seed
money for an annual benefit event for The Grand 1894 Opera House. |
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| 1991 |
The Advisory Committee
system was established to involve third and fourth generation family members in
the Fund's grant program; they review and recommend for funding proposals of a
global nature. |
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| 1992 |
The Fund initiated Program
Related Investments to provide low-interest loans for residential and
commercial community development projects. |
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| 2000 |
The University of Texas Medical
Branch established the Fannie Kempner Adoue Professorship on Cognitive
Rehabilitation in appreciation of a grant from the Fund toward that
initiative. |
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| 2001 |
With assets values at $43 million
the Fund will continue to provide small grants that fill a gap, act as a
catalyst, give new ideas a jump-start, and help existing, well-run
organizations to continue to operate. |
| 2007 |
The directors reinforced their philanthropic commitment to Galveston with added emphasis on improving the health and well being of Galveston families. |
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