An Accidental Philanthropist
How A Small Family Foundation Made A Big Difference
"As a supporter to the Environmental Funders Network in the early days, Winsome played an important role in the success of the environmental sector in England as well as the United States."
—Florence Miller, Environmental Funders Network, London, England
An Accidental Philanthropist
Coming Soon
This is the story of how a chance encounter led to romance, marriage, and a partnership covering a half century of creative philanthropy by Michael and Winsome Dunn McIntosh. In the 1970s, they began using an unexpected inheritance to expand the protection of America’s natural resources through life-giving early support to the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club’s legal arm. On numerous occasions they demonstrated how a small foundation can have an outsized impact in the United States and abroad where a dynamic non-profit they founded, London-based ClientEarth, carries forward legal protections for the environment around the world. At 80 years of age, Winsome continues to promote the role of women in philanthropy and their place in the management of non-profit organizations.
REVIEWS
What readers are saying
"This memoir captures a life of personal growth, risk-taking, entrepreneurism, and adventure. Winsome’s very personal journey will resonate with and inspire strong-willed women seeking to lead lives of value and impact."
—Frances Beinecke, president emerita, Natural Resources Defense Council
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"You changed my life with a question: 'Would you like to have a cup of coffee?' What followed was an introduction to climate scientists, activists, and individuals who educated me on the issues and pushed me forward to act."
—The Reverend Richard Cizik, president of the New Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good
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"As a supporter to the Environmental Funders Network in the early days, Winsome played an important role in the success of the environmental sector in England as well as the United States."
—Florence Miller, Environmental Funders Network, London, England
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"Winsome captures the enthusiasm and forcefulness of the early days of the environmental movement. At great risk, she and Michael used their foundation to develop public interest law, using relatively small amounts of money for big impact. Their work to prevent clearcutting in The Tongass in Alaska resulted in millions of acres being preserved."
—John Adams, founding director of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
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"This book is a primer for novice philanthropists. The effect of the McIntoshes’ collaboration is truly breathtaking. Winsome is a guiding light for women leaders in the environmental movement."
—Liz Sutherland-Riney, EarthJustice board member.
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"Winsome McIntosh has been a leader in the environmental and women’s movements for many years. No one else has had her breadth of experience in funding social change. Her book is a personal journey of how one person can make a huge difference by joining strategic vision with insight, courage, and empathy for others."
—James Thornton, ClientEarth
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"McIntosh illustrates time and again the value of being open to risk and of charting one’s own path. The ins and outs of her time in various organizations are related in a way that feels comprehensive but never exhaustive. In addition, the ratio of the professional to personal is spot-on."
— Foreword Clarion Reviews, 4 out of 5 stars