In loving memory of Charles (Chuck) F. Feeney who died on October 9, 2023. His generosity and spirit touched the hearts of all who knew him and millions more who didn’t, yet whose lives were changed for the better because of him.
In giving away his $8 billion fortune through The Atlantic Philanthropies which as its ‘last big bet’ funded Atlantic Fellows, Mr Feeney ensured that it was the people with the expertise on the ground who were empowered to deliver the change his financial support enabled.
On the first anniversary of Chuck Feeney’s death, Victor Valcour, Site Director for Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health at UCSF, reflects on the contribution the founder of Atlantic Philanthropies made in setting up the program, one of seven Atlantic equity-focused programs around the world.
Recorded before Chuck's death, Victor begins by describing the first time he met Chuck with Chris Oeschsli, President & CEO of Atlantic Philanthropies.
“Humility, trust and allyship are words that come to mind when thinking about Chuck Feeney”, says Dr Tracey Naledi, Board Chair of Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity in South Africa. ‘Humility, because he did not like the spotlight which calls on us to advance the cause without advancing ourselves. Trust because in giving millions of dollars through Atlantic Philanthropies, Chuck trusted people on the ground to stick to mission; allyship because in giving that trust, Chuck created an environment which was empowering, rather than one which was restricting and constricting by not imposing direction (from the Global North)’.
Chuck Feeney’s legacy serves as a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when generosity is paired with a visionary mindset.
Fellows from each of the seven equity-focussed programs reflect on the work the Fellowship has enabled them to do in the communities they support as a result of Chuck’s funding of the global Atlantic community through The Atlantic Philanthropies.
Dedicated to the life, work and global impact of Chuck Feeney, founder of The Atlantic Philanthropies, and reflecting on the many tributes from Fellows and program staff.
