DeWitt Davenport, now at the company's helm, says he has always known how important it is for the fortunate to give back. "We have always believed in giving back to those communities where our dollars come from," says Davenport from the company's South Yarmouth office, explaining that company employees as well as Davenport family members donate their time and matching funds to charitable causes.
Davenport says his own belief in the importance of giving back came from his parents and grandparents. "I believe philanthropy is a learned process," he says. "I learned first from my grandparents--they even held fundraisers at their own house." Such generosity was reinforced in his parents' household. "It's just been ingrained in me that it is part of our being here and part of our life," Davenport goes on to explain. "Family is important, but to us, the larger community is equally as important."
The John K. and Thirza F. Davenport Arts Foundation was established in 1985 in honor of DeWitt's grandparents, both artists who had a strong love of culture. "Their artistic hobbies became their passions, and we continue to support those passions in their memory," says Davenport, recalling that his grandfather was an artist and his grandmother played the melodeon.
"In a down economy, arts organizations see fewer dollars," Davenport says, noting that the foundation has recently received a high number of requests from arts organizations. "We take a look at each organization's track record and evaluate how the dollars are going to be spent. We want to make sure there is going to be a positive, comprehensive effect, both on the people involved in the arts as well as those in the audiences."
In addition, the Davenport Arts Foundation grants scholarships to Barnstable County residents in their last two years of undergraduate study as well as those pursuing graduate degrees. Scholarships are based on need, grades, and proven ability in theatre, music, or art. "Our first preference is to help graduate students who are studying in the visual performing arts," Davenport explains, noting that applicants must be Cape residents. "We hope they will move back to the Cape permanently."
Davenport says many of the artists who have received grant money stay in touch with the foundation. "It is really rewarding when we hear back from the people we have helped," he says. "They write to us and tell us what they are doing. Some have made substantial donations back to the foundation--I guess that's the real evidence of success."
The Palmer and Jane D. Davenport Foundation, named after DeWitt's parents, was established in 2007 to improve the overall quality of life on Cape Cod and the Islands. Davenport notes that while his father is deceased, his mother is very involved in the evaluation of all grant requests. "The foundation strives to help nonprofit organizations, including health and human services, education, and preservation organizations," he explains. "We take a close look at each request and consider the track record of the organization. However, it is the people behind the request that really make things happen."
"There are lots of organizations with great programs. That's where it becomes extremely difficult," Davenport says, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts among nonprofits. "There are many organizations with similar missions, which means we can help make two and two equal five for those in need. There are some great collaborative efforts underway here on the Cape, which is really encouraging."
-- Mindy Todd