Abusing Donor Intent: The Robertson Family's Epic Lawsuit Against Princeton University

by Doug White

It was the largest one-time amount—$35 million—anyone had ever donated to benefit a university. The Robertsons were specific about the way the money was to be used. It was intended to help Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs focus on sending its graduates into those areas of the federal government concerned with international relations. "But the university," the son says, "was ignoring my parents' intentions." Furthermore, Princeton's administrators were "harming the country." That's not, as you might imagine, the way Princeton saw it—or sees it today.

How much control over a gift does a donor have after the gift is given?
How accountable is a non-profit recipient for the use of the gift?

"Robertson v. Princeton may be the most important case higher education has faced over the question of honoring the wishes of the donor." Wall Street Journal

"Doug White's careful and fair study of the seminal Robertson Foundation endowment litigation against Princeton University should be read by all donors and donees. As a former head of the New York State Law Department's Charities Bureau, I know donors have to have both courage and resources to enforce their rights, especially against iconic donees. Fortunately, the Robertsons had both." Bill Josephson, Former head of the Charities Bureau, New York State Attorney General's office

This book is based on extensive research and interviews with leading attorneys Victoria Bjorklund and Douglas Eakeley (Princeton) and Ron Malone and Seth Lapidow (Robertson family), experts for both sides, representatives of other major nonprofits, philanthropists, and high-profile public figures including George H.W. Bush, Brent Scowcroft, Chuck Robb, and Paul Volcker.

328 pages, Paperback

First published March 11, 2014

About the author

Doug White is an international thought leader in the world of nonprofits and philanthropy. He is the former director of Columbia University's Master of Science in Fundraising Management program, and for many years taught board governance, ethics, and fundraising. He advises selected public charities and private foundations, as well as individual philanthropists. He has written five books: "Wounded Charity," "Abusing Donor Intent," "The Nonprofit Challenge," "Charity on Trial," and "The Art of Planned Giving."

Reviews

[Robert Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an especially meaningful book to anyone who gives monies to any charities or is interested in the world of non-profit organizations. Well written, highly detailed. Quite interesting. A lot of work and effort went into this donor's battle against the University and the book is worth your time to read.

[Jennifer Dunworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you spend your time with donors to your nonprofit, this book is worth your time. Mr. White asks important questions about intention and its longevity.

[Pam Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book which in fact did happen is a brilliant piece of master, promises made to Princeton University by a couple who believed that their dream could be fulled, that students from foreign countries would earn free intense graduate levels of education in public administration so that students could take their knowledge back home, but this did not happen, the so called administrators frittered the money away. The couples grandchildren took a civil suit against Princeton University and won.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting take on the lawsuit against Princeton. But also reflective of how foundations and donors should work together.