In this Issue:

• • Faith, Philanthropy, and Civic Life: An Interview with Romanita Hairston
  • Expanded Perspective: Faith as a Catalyst
  • Financial Support for ECRF Participants
  • Public Policy and Philanthropy Series: Romanita Hairston

Romanita Hairston serves as the CEO of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, and is not only a leading voice in philanthropy but also a keen spokesperson for the ways in which faith plays a vital role across sectors, the motivation it provides many for giving and service, as well as the role that it plays in creating healthy communities. Romanita draws on more than two decades of experience that includes work in the nonprofit (World Vision), for profit (Microsoft), and philanthropic (Murdock Trust) sectors alongside a consistent commitment to board service. We at Lake Institute have been fortunate enough to have worked with Romanita through events and partnerships over the past year and are honored to host her at the School of Philanthropy later in February. Below she offers some key thoughts at the intersections of faith, philanthropy, and civic life.  

David King (DK): Across your career, you have worked for some of the leading nonprofits, for-profits, and faith-based organizations in the world. What has led you over the past few years to return to philanthropy?  

Romanita Hairston (RH): It was a sense of calling that brought me back to philanthropy, a quiet whisper that my highest and best use could be found in this work.  

For one, I have a deep ideological connection to philanthropic work. The word philanthropy originates from the Greek word, philanthrōpía, which means “love of humanity.” In many ways, philanthropy exists for the sake of the world, that compassion and goodness can work on behalf of human flourishing. This is an idea that I hold close to my heart, inspired by my own personal faith and lived experience. 

There is also a practical reason. Philanthropy has a distinct opportunity within the civic sector to influence our communities through service while also holding a uniquely important unifying role across the tri-sector intersection of the social, public, and private sectors where it can serve as a catalyst for change, connection, and engagement. Each of these areas operate with distinct, primary motivations or lenses that inform their mission and work but are rooted in a shared goal to provide outcomes that improve lives.  

DK: What do you see as the distinct contribution of the philanthropic sector? 

RH: Philanthropy, as part of the civic sector, is often funded through endowments and assets under management with some fundraising as well. Our sector’s focus is on civic and social issues alongside well-being at the individual and community level. The public sector, funded by taxes, aims to provide public services and enforce laws. The private sector functions through the lens of profit motives and is funded through sales and investments of private capital. The distinction in missional focus, operating lenses, and funding sources shape how organizations within each sector engage with society as a whole and how each can support human flourishing.  

While every sector of society bears a responsibility to contribute to the common good, philanthropy has an outsized opportunity to lead the way by investing in civic renewal, supporting effective pluralism, and promoting tri-sector collaboration. Philanthropy is not subject to voters, shareholders, or customers generally. I see this freedom as an important responsibility that must be stewarded well. We must have accountability to the common good and enduring values that honor human dignity. 

DK: What are the key similarities or differences you have seen in working across these sectors that stand out to you?  

RH: The reality today is that in many ways tax status is not what primarily distinguishes sectors. It is often the size and scale of organizations that distinguish their sophistication and culture at the operating level. The operational drivers are certainly varied, and measures of success differ greatly. Returning shareholder value is a very different goal than improving the graduation rates in a school, a district, or a state. Profit and market competition are very different drivers than social impact and community well-being. While there is some overlap in the drivers, the “primary” motivations are distinct. Yet, each have their purpose in a healthy and thriving society.   

 What I have found to be remarkably similar in highly effective organizations across sectors is that mission or purpose is central. Whether it is advancing technology, addressing access to economic opportunity, or promoting education, each sector aims to meet human need. Two other similarities across sectors are the centrality of collaboration and partnerships and the necessity of innovation and vision.  

DK: In your leadership at the Murdock Trust as well as a board member and convener across the philanthropic sector, what do you see as the most pressing issues at present?  

RH: In all honesty, a greater shared sense of priorities and a greater shared willingness to sacrifice seems to be the most pressing issue for society as whole. At Murdock, as we step back and look at the landscape, we have identified specific priorities and areas of focus that guide our work. I firmly believe there is more than one way or road to address any one issue. The challenge is often finding the road to which we are best suited to travel. At a time when our society can exert pressure for organizations to be everything to everyone, we are working to identify where our strengths and opportunities are at their greatest potential to meet human need and promote human flourishing. 

As a more granular example, at the Murdock Trust, we have three cross-cutting organizational priorities. These priorities are shaped by key elements of our strategy, the emerging needs of our geographic region in the current climate, and a commitment to evergreen donor intent. They include effective pluralism, the validity of science and the value of faith, and the future of the nonprofit sector: 

• In supporting effective pluralism, we believe difference of opinion and belief are important as long as they respect human dignity. We believe effective pluralism allows us to discern and determine the “highest common denominator” solutions (the best solutions for the most people) while being necessary to strengthen our democracy.
• In focusing on the validity of science and the value of faith, we recognize that the pursuit of truth and multiple ways of knowing are important to innovation and discovery. We continue to believe in both the scientific and intuitive ways of knowing that help to shape a curious and open world. We believe both are important to a flourishing society and strong communities.  
• In ensuring the future of the nonprofit sector, we seek to ensure a pipeline of healthy leaders, tech-enabled solutions that free people for deeply human work, and generosity.

(David King and Romanita Hairston’s conversation continues in the Expanded Perspective below.)

To hear more from Romanita Hairston in person, join us February 24 from 4:30 to 5:30 PM ET for a thought-provoking discussion as part of Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Public Policy and Philanthropy Series. She will be in conversation with Dr. Amir Pasic and Diane Kaplan, exploring how philanthropy shapes policy and drives meaningful change. Attend in person at the Madam Walker Legacy Center or via Zoom to gain valuable insights from leaders in the field. Register today!

As Chief Executive Officer, Romanita Hairston oversees all activities of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. An accomplished team builder, convener, and leader, Romanita draws on more than two decades of experience and service in her leadership and stewardship of the foundation’s mission. This includes work in the nonprofit (World Vision), for profit (Microsoft), and philanthropic (Murdock Trust) sectors alongside a consistent commitment to board service (Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, Candid, Global Women, India Partners, Urban Alliance, Urban Impact, Kids in Need, and Impact Latin America) born out of a desire to engage in her highest and best use. A graduate of the University of Washington, Romanita earned her MBA from Eastern University (Philadelphia).