The Darr Family Foundation is somewhat unique to the field of family philanthropy. The founder, William (Bill) H. Darr, is still living, but not a board member. Similarly, the executive director is non-family.

Honoring a living founder

Bill Darr grew up on a small farm in Ellington, Missouri. He pioneered a food dehydration technique for underutilized chicken and egg products. Over 40 years, Bill built four food ingredient technology companies with a global footprint. The family sold all corporate entities in 2019.

Bill feels every child should have the opportunity to receive an education. He credits a lot of his success to Missouri State University. As a student, a professor took an interest in Bill, and offered him his first job. Bill funded many organizations in this realm, most notably the William H. Darr College of Agriculture at Missouri State University.

The Darr Family Foundation was started in 2002 to continue Bill’s legacy of giving. Its mission is to empower at-risk youth to overcome barriers to opportunity through open grant cycles, as well as larger targeted initiatives. The foundation operates from a $16 million endowment, and funding typically aligns with “red-flags” that are identified through a community-wide assessment.

Read the full article about Darr Family Foundation by Heather Zoromski at Exponent Philanthropy.