Nancy R. Douzinas | New Ways of Working Together: A Role for Philanthropy

Launching November 3rd!

New Ways of Working Together: A Role for Philanthropy

“Nancy Douzinas was a pioneer in bringing positive social change to the nation’s first suburb. This book demonstrates how a family foundation can significantly influence public policy through commitment and expertise.”
— Rita Ciolli, Editorial Page Editor, Newsday

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About the Author

My philanthropic journey involved moving from a career as a practicing psychologist and family therapist to becoming the president of the Rauch Foundation. The foundation was created by my father and uncle, and in its early years it operated as an expression of what was important to them. When the foundation faced its first generational succession and I became its leader, there was an opportunity to rethink and redirect our mission and efforts. I want to share what we did and what we learned, both the missteps and the major successes, with others who face the ever-changing challenges and bear the great responsibility of running a family foundation.

BIOGRAPHY

What People Are Saying

“Nancy Douzinas was a pioneer in bringing positive social change to the nation’s first suburb. This book demonstrates how a family foundation can significantly influence public policy through commitment and expertise.”

— Rita Ciolli, Editorial Page Editor, Newsday
“The Rauch Foundation has been a long-term partner of The New York Community Trust-Long Island office. Together, we have worked to establish regional partnerships that address Long Island’s major challenges—affordable housing, race relations, and strengthening the nonprofit sector. This story should be of interest to all nonprofits.”

— Tom Rogers, Superintendant, Syosset School District, Rauch Foundation Board Member
“Private philanthropy is critically important to moving important community projects forward. Who better to confirm that than Nancy Douzinas, whose generosity paid for the valuable data generated by LI Index which [...] led to the approval and construction of the Third Track improvement project for the LIRR, a project [...] that would not have been completed without the help of the Rauch Foundation.”

— Kevin S. Law, Executive Vice President, Partner, TRITEC
“As Long Island’s Nassau County executive of many years, I had the opportunity to work closely with the Rauch Foundation on a number of projects. Their annual Long Island Index report was a must-attend event, and it provided useful and valuable information for county government that aided our decision-making.”

— Tom Suozzi, US Congressman Representing New York’s 3rd Congressional District
“Nancy Rauch Douzinas has played a catalytic role in elevating, illuminating, and tackling regional issues on Long Island. She has always started with research to focus understanding, discussion, and potential solutions. She values hearing from everyone, including traditionally underrepresented populations, and she has never shied away from uncomfortable issues. These are all traits that should continue to guide the region going forward.”

— Elaine Gross, Founder and President Emerita, ERASE Racism
“The Rauch Foundation contributed enormously to the betterment of life on Long Island through very careful analysis of data that resulted in imaginative proposals that have had a long-lasting impact. It was my great pleasure to work with the foundation to help realize the wonderful philanthropic vision they brought to Long Island.”

— Bruce Stillman, President, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
“Philanthropy in America has roots in a belief that charity and caring for others is for the common good. The Rauch Foundation, through the Long Island Index, provided an extraordinary example of a private initiative promoting both a region-wide perspective on current issues and strategic planning for public benefit. The Long Island Index was both an assessment and a guide in an objective manner, something for which philanthropy is well-suited because it is not bound by either political or profit considerations. It truly was a private action in service to the public whose legacy endures.”

— Robert A. Scott, President Emeritus and University Professor Emeritus, Adelphi University
“This book describes the Rauch Foundation’s history of bold and persistent experimentation in addressing persistent challenges facing its home region, Long Island, NY. It also describes how the foundation critically evaluated the effectiveness of these efforts, terminating programs that were found to be ineffective, and sustaining and often expanding programs that were determined to be effective catalysts for change. Behind it all stood the Foundation’s President, Nancy Douzinas, and her determination to use thefoundations programs to improve the lives and livelihoods of the Long Islanders, and in particular of its disadvantaged residents. And while many foundation executives are afraid to take bold risks and to stir controversy, Nancy took on challenges —such as the ultimately successful multi-year campaign to build the Long Island Rail Road’s Third Track— needed to secure the Island’s future wellbeing.”

—Bob Yaro, President Emeritus, Regional Plan Association

In the Media

21st-Century Governance Part 2: Strategically Using Partnerships & Collaborating for Systems Change

Webinar

April 10, 2024

21st-Century Governance Part 2: Strategically Using Partnerships & Collaborating for Systems Change

Webinar

April 10, 2024

National Center for Family Philanthropy

Learn from family philanthropy leaders with extensive experience in collaborative approaches, hear real-world success stories, and gain practical advice.

Speaking Engagements

With the release of her new book, Nancy R. Douzinas is available for select speaking engagements, book events, and media interviews. Please fill in the contact form for inquiries.

CONTACT