RGK Foundation

RGK Foundation is an independent foundation established in 1966 by Ronya and George Kozmetsky. For many years, the Foundation's primary focus was medical and educational research without geographic restriction. Projects supported in earlier years included studies in several areas of national and international concern including health, corporate gov... ernance, energy, economic analysis, and technology transfer. The Foundation also sponsored conferences that enhanced information exchange and developed linkages among business, academia, community, and government. The Foundation's programmatic areas of interest have broadened over the years to include Education, Community, and Health/Medicine. The Foundation's primary interests within Education include formal K-12 education, literacy, and higher education. The Foundation's interests within Community include a broad range of human services, community improvement, abuse prevention, and youth development/educational enrichment programs. The Foundation's interests within Health/Medicine are programs that promote the health and well-being of children and families, programs that promote access to health services, and, on a more limited basis, medical research programs. Since 1966, the Foundation has awarded over 3,500 grants totaling more than $133 million. Ronya Kozmetsky led the Foundation until she retired in 1996, at which time her son, Gregory A. Kozmetsky, assumed the chairmanship. Ronya continued to serve as an active member of the Board of Trustees until her death in 2011. Dr. George Kozmetsky served as chairman of the board from 1966 to 1989, after which he continued to serve on the Board of Trustees until his death in 2003. An Adjunct Board was formed in 1996 for the purpose of preparing direct descendants of Ronya and George Kozmetsky and their spouses for service on the Board of Trustees. Members, who must be at least 20 years old, are provided a hands-on opportunity to learn about philanthropy, grant making, and nonprofit governance.Read More