Newman’s Own Foundation is an independent, private foundation formed in 2005 by Paul Newman to sustain the legacy of his philanthropic work. Funded entirely through the profits and royalties of Newman’s Own products, the Foundation does not maintain an endowment, raise funds, or accept donations. The Foundation believes that each of us, through the power of philanthropy, has the potential to make a difference. Since 1982, when Paul Newman first declared, “Let’s give it all away,” more than $550 million has been donated to thousands of non-profit organizations helping people in need around the world.
We're launching Radically Good News--a monthly roundup of thought pieces, funding & event opportunities, and inspiration for anyone who wants to learn about and participate in nourishing and transforming the lives of children who face adversity. Join at https://t.co/3BQ1gj5Bym pic.twitter.com/u6dLuwMw7K
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Newman’s Own Foundation uses the power of giving to help transform lives and nourish the common good.
In the Beginning…
It started as a bit of a lark. In 1980, Paul Newman and his pal A.E. Hotchner filled empty wine bottles with his homemade salad dressing to give as gifts for the holidays. After friends and neighbors came clamoring for refills, Paul and “Hotch” were convinced that the special recipe was good enough to be bottled and sold.
Newman’s Own Salad Dressing was officially launched in 1982 and, surprisingly, became an instant success. The first year of profits exceeded $300,000 and Paul declared, “Let’s give it all away to those who need it.” Without ever taking personal compensation, Paul shared his good fortune. It was a unique concept at the time giving away all after-tax profits but he believed that helping others was just the right thing to do.
The Foundation continued to grow with Newman’s Own Pasta Sauce, Lemonade, Microwave Popcorn, Salsa, frozen pizza and frozen skillet meals. Paul went against conventional wisdom by creating all-natural food products from his own recipes and insisting that quality always trumps the bottom line.
Giving at a Glance
Connecticut Council for Philanthropy - an association of grant makers committed to promoting and supporting effective philanthropy for the public good.
Dynamo Academy - providing facilities, services and training in the social enterprises sector, volunteer, community service, and sustainability.
Edible Schoolyard New Orleans – is a signature program of FirstLine Schools, whose mission is to create and inspire great open-admissions public schools in New Orleans
Edible Schoolyard NYC – work to incorporate health, wellness, and sustainability into New York City’s public school curriculum.
Fair Food Network - a national non-profit dedicated to growing the good for a more just and sustainable food system.
Farmer Veteran Coalition - bringing together farmers, veterans, industry experts, and advisors, FVC demonstrates a successful model that strengthens the agricultural community of our country in both rural and urban areas.
FoodCorps - connects kids to healthy food in school.
Green Chimneys - an innovative and experimental school, considered to be the most diverse of its kind. The school integrates animal-assisted and nature-based activities into comprehensive special education and therapy programs to help children with emotional, behavioral, social and learning challenges.
Jones Valley - a Pre-K12 education nonprofit in Birmingham, Alabama that builds teaching farms and implements Good School Food
National Alliance for Hispanic Health – a premier science-based nonprofit focused on improving the health and well-being of Hispanics.
National Farm to School Network - an information, advocacy, and networking hub for communities working to bring local food sourcing and food and agriculture education into schools and preschools.
Net Impact - empowers a new generation in building a sustainable future.
Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA, formerly National Relief Charities) - a nonprofit committed to championing hope for a brighter future for Native Americans living on remote, isolated and impoverished reservations.
RE•Center Race & Equity in Education (formerly The Discovery Center) - committed to building an equitable and just world where everyone has what they need to grow and thrive.
Safe Water Network - develops and implements innovative solutions to provide safe, affordable water to people in need in India, Ghana, and Kenya.
SeriousFun Children’s network - camps encourage and enable children to reach beyond the barriers of their illnesses.
Shining Hope for Communities - provides free education for girls and a network of empowerment and poverty-alleviation programs in the Kibera slum of Nairobi, Kenya.
The Food Trust - mission is to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food and information to make healthy decisions.
Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy - advances nutrition knowledge, research and service to help people and communities around the world enjoy healthier, more sustainable lives.
Wellness in the Schools (WITS) - inspires healthy eating, environmental awareness, and fitness as a way of life for kids in public schools.
Wholesome Wave - a national non-profit making fruits and vegetables affordable for the people who need them most.