According to the National Center on Charitable Statistics, 70% of all non-profit organizations make it beyond their 10th anniversary. Unfortunately, that’s rarely because the cause of the organization has been solved.
As the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation celebrates its milestone 25th anniversary, it’s plain to see that its success and longevity are attributable to:
Dual purposes: the Foundation, based in Northbrook, Illinois, raises money and increases awareness for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer research and educating the next generation of commercial real estate professionals through hands-on learning, scholarships, mentorships and networking.
Evolving over time: The Foundation continually works to embrace new generations to be involved in its dual purposes. The Foundation began with an executive board primarily made up of mid-career-level friends and colleagues of the man for whom the Foundation is named; many remain active today. Later, to further build its base, an associate board of young professionals in their 20s and 30s was added. Then, a junior board comprised of children ranging in age from 8-18, was formed. Brilliant.
Twenty-five years.
That’s a lot of tissue samples collected and research projects funded: 27,000+ samples and 11 projects (who’s counting). Further, the Foundation has raised more than $4 million, delivered more than 500 Cancer Care packages, and launched the Eisenberg OncoSET program.
And that’s just for one of its paths. The Foundation’s work in real estate education has produced 1,900 mentorships, 200+ mentors, 44 real estate scholars; $500,000 in scholarship awards; and more than 100 university partners through its RE Challenges and Career Day programs. What a bright start for the next generations of real estate professionals!
As important as its dual purposes and ability to evolve over time are, the cornerstone of the Foundation’s success and longevity is the unique sense of family that energizes communities and volunteers. The roots of the Eisenberg Foundation family tree run deep: the commercial real estate industry, the cancer research and treatment communities of Northwestern’s Lurie Cancer Center, and the family itself.
The Foundation looks ahead to the next 25 years and beyond, empowered and energized by its network and emboldened by its primary causes. Its work is far from over, but with a powerful sense of family and commitment, the Foundation can and will make a difference.
On Thursday, October 17, the Foundation hosts its annual dinner—this year to celebrate the first 25 years and to look ahead. For information on how to join them, visit the foundation’s website.
