Remembering R. Randolph Richardson

He may not be a household name, but the loss of R. Randolph Richard last month definitely warrants a conversation about his unconventional approach to philanthropy. The Chronicle of Philanthropy has already taken on the task of sharing with all of us just how monumental his ideas were. While some people listen approach philanthropic activity as a procedure that’s simple as “giving money to a worthy cause”, Richardson took it one step further. For him, the gifts he gave really mattered when they were given to the brightest people, whether they were known or not. Sure, an organization that has taken up a noble cause or has become a household name could be the recipient of a donation, but Richardson went out of his way to find those unknowns who would have trouble raising funds. In Richardson’s view, a big name wasn’t enough, it had to be a cause that could be well researched and and examined for years to come.