News and Updates
Star Tribune: Former Medtronic CEO and his wife, who have donated over $250 million, honored at Guthrie gala
Minnesota humanitarians Bill and Penny George received the distinguished arts philanthropist award Friday from the Guthrie Theater at its annual gala.
Penny and Bill George Visit KSTP Live
This week, the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis will recognize Penny and Bill George for their contributions to the theater company. Penny and Bill join Chris Egert and Megan Newquist to talk about their contributions to the arts, and how the George Family Foundation has funded millions of dollars of other philanthropic projects.
Bill George Speaks with MPR About $1M Gift to Harvard
After Trump threats, the George Family Foundation donates $1M to Harvard. Bill George spoke with MPR News host Tom Crann about the move.
Twin Cities Business: Bill George Donates $1M to Harvard
Bill George, the former Medtronic chief executive and prominent Minnesota philanthropist, knows that his $1 million donation to Harvard won’t plug the multibillion-dollar hole the school is facing. But he hopes he’s setting an example.
On Tuesday, the George Family Foundation announced that it is giving $1 million to the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership to “extend and expand” the foundation’s namesake fellowship program there.
‘Stand up and be counted.’ Q&A with Bill George on Moral Leadership
This week, the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Center for Public Leadership (CPL) announced an expanded commitment to training the next generation of leaders with a new $1 million gift from the George Family Foundation.
During a recent visit to the HKS campus, Bill George talked with the Center for Public Leadership about how leaders find their moral compass and follow it in difficult times.
KARE 11's Foodie Finds: Green Garden Bakery
George Family Foundation grantee-partner Green Garden Bakery is on a mission to change the world—one veggie-infused baked good at a time.
A Full Circle Y Story: Tricia’s Journey of Family, Inclusion & Growth at the YMCA
Tricia’s YMCA story is a testament to the power of community, connection, and well-being. From her stepdaughter Nevaeh growing up in Y programs to her own career in early childhood education, Tricia’s journey has come full circle.
Minnesota is a refuge for trans health care. The Midwest Trans Health Education Network is working to keep up with demand.
The Midwest Trans Health Education Network has trained about 50 health care providers from all over the region, including in rural areas. Over eight virtual sessions, they prepare members of each cohort to be able to take care of trans patients.
GFF Grantee Partner Family Tree Clinic is Seeing Rise in Gender-Affirming Care in Minnesota
People are flocking to Minnesota as a trans refuge. Providers like Family Tree Clinic are struggling to meet the demand.
Faces of Minneapolis Saint Paul 2023 Names YMCA as Face of Wellbeing
YMCA of the North - George Wellbeing’s Penny George, Michelle Edgerton, and Sally St. John are featured in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s Faces of Minneapolis Saint Paul Minnesota 2023.
"Authentic" is the Merriam-Webster 2023 word of the year
Merriam-Webster has announced "authentic" as its word of the year for 2023. As this article in Inc. calls out, “Being authentic is crucial, especially in leadership and human interaction. Unfortunately, sometimes, we choose to hide our true selves to achieve a specific outcome. We wear a mask and try to impress others by working the room.”
Power couple Penny and Bill George believe in doing 'a force of good in the world'
The Georges are among the Minnesota humanitarians who use their talents and treasure to address stubborn social challenges. Before an early fall bike ride, the couple sat down with the Star Tribune to talk about their upbringing, crucibles and hopes.
Marnita's Table Leads Community Conversations on Public School Safety
Our grantee-partner Marnita's Table recently led a community dinner and conversation on safety for the Saint Paul Public Schools, which is Minnesota's second largest school district.
Conservation Minnesota Supports Youth-led Efforts to Combat Climate Change
The Star Tribune recently shared an article about youth-led efforts to combat climate change, and the Conservation Crew program at our new grantee-partner Conservation Minnesota received a mention.
KARE 11's Lifting Voices: Melanin in Motion
George Family Foundation grantees Minneapolis Parks Foundation and The Loppet Foundation collaborated with community-based program, Melanin in Motion, to connect communities of color to outdoor adventure opportunities.
KSTP Segment Features Irreducible Grace Foundation's New Facility
St. Paul, MN (Jan. 20, 2023) — An old schoolhouse in St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood is now home to a youth program with new life. The building is a space one local nonprofit has been waiting for to do important work with St. Paul’s Black youth.
Penny and Bill George Talk with MPR News Host Angela Davis
Minnesota Public Radio News host Angela Davis talks with Penny and Bill George about the struggles and losses that shaped their values and how their values are shaping their philanthropy.
Bill George Featured in FOCUS Magazine Following Transformational Gift to Sigma Chi Foundation
Order of the Constantine and Significant Sig Bill George, GEORGIA TECH 1964, joined wife Penny and the George Family Foundation to make a transformational gift to the Sigma Chi Foundation in support of the Authentic Leadership or "Self" track of Sigma Chi's Transformational Leader program.
YMCA Expands Acupuncture, Holistic Healing Programs to St. Paul Midway and Beyond
St. Paul, MN (Oct. 12, 2022) — After surviving breast cancer in 1996, Penny George was taken aback by the lack of non-clinical hospital services that might aid in her recovery. Where was the holistic healing, the massage therapy, the guided meditation and mindfulness coaching?
YMCA of the North Receives $8 Million Gift for Groundbreaking George Wellbeing Initiative
Minneapolis, MN (Oct. 4, 2022) — The YMCA of the North, the second-largest YMCA system in the country, is the recipient of an $8 million gift from Penny & Bill George and the George Family Foundation to expand the Y’s innovative George Wellbeing initiative.