Listen to hear how Richard is forging a new way of family philanthropy. After 25 years in The Russell Family Foundation and co-Founding the Clementine Fund, Richard shares key learnings. He also shares examples of how they empower their partner communities, activate their values in every area of the business and practice trust-based philanthropy.

Richard Russell is a co-founder of the Clementine Fund – a foundation that exists to foster peace, justice, and well-being and to innovate within the world of philanthropy in the process. Richard serves as the Fund’s Executive Director, leading the board and staff, directing grantmaking and operations, and cultivating community relationships. In his work at the Fund, Richard is passionate about integrity and communication.

Alongside a career in communications consulting, Richard helped launch and govern The Russell Family Foundation (TRFF), a philanthropic organization founded with his siblings and parents Jane & George Russell. While with TRFF, Richard served multiple terms as Board President and helped the foundation advance its’ aims in environmental sustainability – including the dedication of the investment assets toward mission (now “impact”), enhancement of their community engagement strategy, and the production of a group of short films documenting important parts of the organization’s story over its’ first 20 years.

Separate from his work in philanthropy, Richard founded Studio Kumau (since 1984!), a consulting, design and production studio for collaborative, creative clients. Over the years this work included writing, leadership coaching, graphic facilitation, early work on “corporate culture”, as well as media production for proprietary programs. A writer and an artist himself, Richard has created and produced original music and lyrics, visual artwork and films throughout his lifetime. Richard also co-founded Pu’u O Kumau Ranch, an agricultural enterprise with a focus on regenerative farming and re-localizing the food supply.

Richard lives in Hawaii with his wife Jileen, where he enjoys writing and playing music with friends.