Kenneth Langone- Philanthropy
As a philanthropist, Ken Langone has donated close to $150 million to charity. Some of Ken Langone's largest contributions support his alma maters, New York University and Bucknell University. For his philanthropic support, Ken Langone has received many honors and awards, such as when Roman Catholic Pope Benedict VXI knighted Ken Langone for financially supporting conservative Catholic causes. In addition, Ken Langone personally oversees the Home Depot affiliated philanthropy called "Ken's Kids," which assists youth with disabilities in making the most of education, finding employment, and achieving financial independence.
Contributions to Medicine
The Cancer Research Fund of Damon Runyon-Walter Winchell Foundation:
- The Cancer Research Fund of Damon Runyon-Walter Winchell Foundation raises money to fund cancer research by supporting innovations of young scientists in the struggle to find a cure. Since 1946, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has invested over $200 million on behalf of more than 3,000 scientists.
- The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation honored Ken Langone, Vice Chairman for the Foundation, at its Living Vision Breakfast fund raising event, which raised over $2.3 million dollars for pioneering young scientists researching a cure for cancer.
The Children's Oncology Society (Ronald McDonald House):
- The Children's Oncology Society, better known as the Ronald McDonald House, helps children and families in need receive necessary medical care. The Ronald McDonald House Family Room program also provides a place of rest within hospitals for families struggling with severe medical crises. RMHC has awarded more than $440 million dollars in grants and program services worldwide.
- The Ronald McDonald House in New York lists Ken Langone as a Director on the Board.
Contributions to Education
Bucknell University:
- Ken Langone and his wife Elaine made an $11 million dollar donation to Bucknell University to found the Kenneth G. Langone Athletics and Recreation Center in April of 2003. 26 varsity athletic programs currently use this facility. Funding from the $11 million contribution also paid for the The Arthur D. Kinney Natatorium, the 4,000 seat Gary A. Sojka Pavilion, and the Krebs Family Fitness Center.
- The Kenneth G. Langone Scholarship at Bucknell has awarded 64 Bucknell students with financial assistance in recognition of their high integrity, loyalty, and steadfast determination.
- The Official Site of Bucknell University Athletics provides an overview of Ken Langone's contribution and appropriation of his gift.
- Bucknell University also honors Ken Langone with the Alumni Association "Achievement in Chosen Profession" Award.
New York University:
- Ken Langone has donated $6.5 million dollars to the Kenneth G. Langone Part-Time Evening MBA Program at the New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business. The funding finances the addition of new professorships, new curriculum, and providing unique services for students attending part time night programs.
- The New York University School of Medicine also recognizes Ken Langone as New York University's Most Generous Supporter in 163 years and honors him with the Albert Gallatin Medal.
Prep for Prep:
- Prep for Prep is an investment organization that prepares young people from underprivileged minority backgrounds for leadership roles through programs that identify the best and brightest and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.
- Ken Langone contributed a Leadership gift to Prep for Prep of $25,000+ in 2006.
Tomorrow's Hope Foundation:
- Founded in 2004, the Tomorrow's Hope Foundation solicits donations to support Catholic Elementary Schools in the Diocese of Rockville Center. The Foundation relies on contributions from individuals and corporate donors to address declining enrollment and increased financial pressure.
- Tomorrow's Hope Foundation lists Ken Langone as Chairman on the Board of Directors.
Other Contributions to Charity
Harlem Children's Zone:
- Harlem Children's Zone seeks to benefit the lives of children in New York's most underprivileged and underfunded districts. Founded in 1970, the organization serves approximately 13,000 children and adults, including over 9,500 at-risk children. The organization provides a place of community as well as education, social service and recreation.
- The Harlem Children's Zone lists Ken Langone as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Bread of the World:
- Bread of the World addresses the problem of world hunger and poverty through charitable funding and government lobbying. The organization began in 1972 through the joint efforts of Catholics and Protestants seeking to mobilize people of faith in influencing U.S. policy.
- Bread of the World recognizes Ken Langone's contribution of $50,000-$99,999 among its donors.
Aviva Family and Children's Services:
- Founded in 1915, Aviva Family and Children's Services provides care, treatment, and services to abandoned, neglected, abused and at-risk youth and their families in Los Angeles.
- Aviva Family and Children's Services recognize Ken Langone for his contribution of $10,000+ to the assistance of families in need in its 2004 newsletter.
The Robin Hood Foundation:
- The Robin Hood Foundation raises money to fund effective programs and services in New York City working to end hunger and poverty. The Robin Hood Foundation evaluates the effectiveness of its contributions and works to ensure that every dollar directly targets poverty.
- The Robin Hood Foundation lists Ken Langone as a member of its Board of Directors.
The New York Philharmonic:
- The New York Philharmonic is the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States. Recognized as one of the greatest symphony orchestras in the world, the New York Philharmonic plays regularly at Avery Fisher Hall, but appears elsewhere in concert for such occasions as the Grammy Awards.
- Ken Langone sits on the Board of Directors for the New York Philharmonic.
Ken's Kids
- Home Depot founded Ken's Kids to assist young adults with special needs in their transition from students to valued employees. Ken's Kids began in 1998 as the pioneering vision of parents of children with special needs. Concerned that their children would find it difficult to obtain satisfactory employment in the market place, these parents brainstormed with members of their community for a solution to the problem.
- As the co-founder of Home Depot, Ken Langone stepped in to help by offering to fund a program that would train young adults with special needs between the ages of 18 and 21 to take on valuable roles in the workplace through employment with Home Depot in the greater Philadelphia area. In keeping with his beliefs, Ken Langone felt that such a program would help these individuals achieve financial independence as valued members of a company and validate their contributions to the community.
- As a result of Ken Langone's sponsorship in the program, Ken's Kids hired full time coaches to offer comprehensive services for its youths. As a result, the program qualified as a registered nonprofit and named itself "Ken's Kids" as a tribute to Ken Langone, whose personal involvement and financial support enabled its existence.
- Today, Ken's Kids has given individualized time and attention to dozens of young adults with special needs entering the work place. Through the combined efforts of these students, their parents, Home Depot management, and Home Depot co-workers, these individuals have learned to live more independent lives.