INTERVIEW
DAVID BOHNETT
The Perfect Philanthropist
David Bohnett, 58, is a transplanted Chicagoan who founded GeoCities, a forerunner of social media sites akin to Facebook, which he sold to Yahoo in 1999. Since that time, as he said in a Los Angeles Times interview, he “invests where he can actually improve lives, empower individuals and build viable communities in meaningful ways.” Virtually unique in the Southern California environs, Bohnett does not approach philanthropy as a branding opportunity but rather as an altruistic way of doing good works as a reward in itself. His modesty is as remarkable as the many philanthropic outlets he supports, which range from voting rights, AIDS research, animal research and rights, LGBT initiatives, and gun violence prevention. Additionally Mr. Bohnett serves on the boards of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. His recent gift to the Philharmonic of $20 million endowed the chair for the Phil’s CEO and addressed the issue of underserved communities. Bohnett should serve as a model to all supporters of charitable institutions; he gives without expecting personal gain, which is why he is the perfect philanthropist. Foreground: Did philanthropy run in your family—was that part of your growing up? David Bohnett: It did. My parents were very involved in community activities. I grew up in Chicago; my parents and grandparents were from the South Side. As you learn things growing up and are exposed to things at an early age, you don’t think about it—it’s just part of your life. My mother volunteered for many years with the Illinois Children’s Aid Society, and for the longest time I thought that was one word since I heard it so often. My father was involved in the local community Chamber of Commerce, and they were involved with their church. If you’re exposed to philanthropy in the home it’s similar to if you are exposed to music, as you early on develop an appreciation for both. A lot 10
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of the work I have done with music and music education has to do with early exposure to the form. Foreground: Of the many charities you’re involved with, is there one that has a special place in your life? Bohnett: One is my recent gift to the LA Phil, which is comprised of two parts: one half is endowing and supporting the CEO role (in this case Deborah Borda), ensuring strong management for the future, and the other is an innovation fund for new audiences. If it was one it would have to be the LA Philharmonic, but then there are a handful of other organizations such as LACMA [Los Angeles County Museum of Art], where I have been very involved due to Michael Govan’s leadership, and amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research), Photography: John Russo