Sir Donald Gordon

Introduction about

Donald Gordon

Sir Donald Gordon was a highly successful South African entrepreneur and a generous philanthropist.

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orn on June 24, 1930, he left a profound impact on the financial sector and the arts and business communities. In recognition of his remarkable achievements he was honoured with the title of Achiever of the Century by The Financial Mail and was knighted in 2005 for his services to the arts and to business. He also received honorary doctorates in Economic Science from the University of the Witwatersrand and in Commerce from the University of Pretoria.

As a schoolboy Gordon faced financial constraints that prevented him from studying science. Nonetheless, his determination led him to study accounting part-time while working. In 1953, he qualified as an accountant and subsequently founded Liberty Life, a life insurance company that grew to become one of South Africa’s greatest success stories. Liberty Life gained control over prominent entities like the Standard Bank Group, the Guardian National Insurance Company, South African Breweries, the Premier Group, and other major companies.

The Donald Gordon Foundation
was created in 1971 which makes us one of the oldest and largest philanthropic foundations
in South Africa.

Briefly about

Our History

A deep commitment to philanthropy and development, intended to to improve societal well-being and foster sustainable growth.

A

t its inception, the foundation adopted a charitable giving philosophy, seeking to address the pressing needs of individuals and communities affected by the inequalities and injustices of the time. It focused on supporting those who had suffered under apartheid, aiming to empower them to break free from the shackles of discrimination and gain access to education and opportunities that unjust laws had denied them.

Briefly about

Our Funding
Principles

Our actions are informed by a deep understanding of the circumstances at hand.

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he objects of the Donald Gordon Foundation are to provide welfare, humanitarian, health care and education benefits primarily within South Africa, and the Donald Gordon Second Foundation, which was created many years later, aims to further the advancement, promotion and development of scientific medical and technological research and education and the practice of medicine; the relief of poverty; the promotion and support of the Arts and any other purpose or purposes which are charitable according to the law.

Briefly about

What We Do Not Fund

While we recognize the importance
of a wide range of initiatives, we have identified specific areas where our funding will not extend.

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he need for philanthropic funding is infinite but, sadly, our resources are not unlimited. Whilst always sensitive to contemporary issues we have, over the past 53 years, honed and focused our funding priorities and policies.

Briefly about

Our Flagships

We recognize and value the vibrancy that a multitude of
Non-Governmental Organisations bring to Civil Society, and how important it is for people to be able to impact positively on their own lives, and those of their family, friends, neighbours and community.

Nevertheless, our approach is to prefer larger initiatives to address social needs that will make a lasting impact. We highlight here three of our ‘flagship’ projects: The Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (DGMC) which has made a major contribution to health and wellbeing; The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) whose role in the education of leaders in business and education is vital and The Chevra Kadisha, which cares for Gauteng’s Jewish Community ‘from cradle to grave.’

Sir Donald Gordon

Introduction about

Donald Gordon

Sir Donald Gordon was a highly successful South African entrepreneur and a generous philanthropist.

B

Briefly about

Our History

A deep commitment to philanthropy and development, intended to to improve societal well-being and foster sustainable growth.

A

Briefly about

Our Funding
Principles

Our actions are informed by a deep understanding of the circumstances at hand.

T

Briefly about

What We Do Not Fund

While we recognize the importance
of a wide range of initiatives, we have identified specific areas where our funding will not extend.

T

Briefly about

Our Flagships

www.donaldgordon.org

Quick Links

Address

Email Address

Sir Donald Gordon

Introduction about

Donald Gordon

Sir Donald Gordon was a highly successful South African entrepreneur and a generous philanthropist.

B

Briefly about

Our History

A deep commitment to philanthropy and development, intended to to improve societal well-being and foster sustainable growth.

A

Briefly about

Our Funding Principles

Our actions are informed by a deep understanding of the circumstances at hand.

T

Briefly about

What We Do Not Fund

While we recognize the importance of a wide range of initiatives, we have identified specific areas where our funding will not extend.

T

Briefly about

Our Flagships

www.donaldgordon.org

Quick Links

Address

Email Address

Our Funding
Principles

While we recognize the importance
of a wide range of initiatives, we have identified specific areas where our funding will not extend.