Our Giving Pledge,

Most people believe that money has an innate power to solve problems. Money is only an accelerant, which in the right hands can supercharge high performance. In the wrong hands money can lead to destructive ends. We view our money as an obligation and a tool to accelerate a more peaceful world for humanity.

We have never been interested in the “toys and distractions” that wealth can provide. For example, to help protect the environment we both drive modest hybrid cars. We both believe that our wealth creates a responsibility to use it for the benefit of humanity. For us, this means not simply giving to those in need, it means empowering people to choose their prosperity and reject conflict.

For 25 years, we have focused our philanthropy on programs promoting peace and security, women’s issues, and economic development. We have funded over $115 million to our 3 non-profit foundations, joining with best in class partners working to create a better world. The Secure World Foundation works with governments, industry, international organizations, and civil society to develop secure, sustainable, and peaceful uses of outer space. The One Earth Future Foundation empowers entrepreneurs to design, test, and scale programs to help reduce organized political violence; principally in Somalia and Colombia. The Arsenault Family Foundation has partnered with Norway, Sweden, and Denmark to finance entrepreneurs in Somalia helping create jobs and providing economic stability for the country and the Somali people.

We are deeply committed to the goals of the Giving Pledge, committing to donate 98% of our wealth to our foundation and non-profits. We embrace and encourage the Pledge’s call for top philanthropists to “give smarter” as it is vital that donated money be effective in achieving results. We require our partner organizations to have a long-term strategy and to demonstrate measurable impact. We have a healthy fear of the many pitfalls philanthropists encounter. We look forward to developing and learning best practices with other Pledge member’s.

Joining the Giving Pledge memorializes our deep commitment to supporting global philanthropic work. We hope to join other philanthropists to encourage economic development in fragile states, develop secure and peaceful uses of outer space, and augment the role of women. All towards the goal of creating a peaceful world.

We are proud to add our voice and resources to the benefit of others.

 

Peace & Prosperity,