SOURCE OF WEALTH: Howard Publications
FUNDING AREAS: Healthcare, Educational & Policy, Humanitarian
OVERVIEW: Robert Howard conducts philanthropy through the Howard Charitable Foundation, which gives primarily to healthcare, educational, and domestic humanitarian charities.
BACKGROUND: Born in Minnesota, Robert S. Howard attended University of Minnesota and served as an army private and Air Force lieutenant in World War II. He launched Howard Publications and built it into a chain of 19 dailies, including the North County Times and the Blade-Citizen outside of San Diego. He sold in 2002 for $694 million. Howard, who’s also held cable TV holdings and has made money in oil and gas exploration and production, keeps an exceptionally low profile.
ISSUES:
HEALTHCARE: Howard has directed tens of millions to Scripps Health. He’s also given millions to Scripps Memorial Hospital. Many of these gifts were in the early 2000s. However, the foundation recently directed a 7-figure gift to Eisenhower Medical Foundation in Rancho Mirage, California near Palm Springs.
EDUCATIONAL & POLICY: In 2005, Howard made a $1 million gift to San Dieguito Boys and Girls Club. Grantees have included College of the Desert Foundation and Rancho Mirage Writer's Festival. A component of Howard’s giving also prioritizes right-of-center policy organizations. He’s directed funds to places like Hoover Institution, Heritage Foundation, and Fund for American Studies, an “educational non-profit that develops future leaders.”
HUMANITARIAN: Grantees have included Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, United Way of San Diego County, and Teen Adolescent Placement Services. Howard, a WWII veteran, has also supported places like Wheaton American Legion, Merton Dale Post #80.
OTHER: Howard, through his foundation, has directed smaller sums to cultural and environmental outfits — with an eye toward Southern California. These have included: Coachella Valley Repertory and Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, whose mission is to “inspire people through education and outreach to preserve the Agua Hedionda Lagoon as an accessible and healthy watershed.”
LOOKING FORWARD: In his 90s, Howard’s philanthropy will likely continue with his established interest areas. His son William E. Howard, should be watched as giving moves to the next generation. The family also has ties to the Seattle area.
CONTACT:
Richard D. Newell
4616 25th Ave. N.E., PMB 617
Seattle, WA 98105
(760) 586-4044