NET WORTH: Unknown
SOURCE OF WEALTH: FriendFinder Networks
FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth, Environment, Arts & Culture, TBD
OVERVIEW: Andrew Conru moves philanthropy through the recently-minted Conru Foundation. He previously gave through the Furnessville Foundation, whose grantmaking touched education, environment, and the arts. Conru also launched Compute.org, which sponsors the development of software applications for world causes and the RobotArt competition.
BACKGROUND: Andrew B. Conru was born in Indiana. He graduated with BS degrees in economics and engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana, an M.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota, and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering design from Stanford University in 1997. In 1996, he launched FriendFinder.com, an early social networking site to help people connect with like-minded activity partners. He’s been involved with the launch of over 20 internet startups through the years.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION & YOUTH: Conru started the RobotArt competition for students and professionals involved in robotics, machine learning and image processing with a passion for art. Conru has a passion for both technology and art and wanted to encourage their combined advancement. The Conru Foundation, meanwhile, announced that it would award “40 public schools with free, easily-programmed robots that can grab paintbrushes and create portraits, landscapes, and other computer-aided designs.” Via the Furnessville Foundation, Conru supported Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Oregon State University, NYU, Columbia University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and University of Minnesota.
ENVIRONMENT: Furnessville Foundation grantees have included Climate Solutions, Conservation Northwest, Alaska Wilderness League, and media outlet Grist.
ARTS & CULTURE: Conru has supported Seattle Theatre Group and Ballet Des Moines via Furnessville.
OTHER: At the start of the decade, Conru launched the nonprofit Compute.org with $5 million, awarding internet and software startups with grants. The current status of the nonprofit is unclear. Via Furnessville, Conru has also supported American Atheists, Freedom From Religion Foundation, and Equality Now.
LOOKING FORWARD: Conru is only in his 50s. At the end of 2017, the net assets of the Furnessville foundation were transferred to the Conru Foundation. While his previous interests should be noted, this may spell a shift in Conru’s giving.
CONTACT:
Conru Foundation
200 W. Mercer Street
Seattle, WA 98119
LINK: Conru.com