With nearly 30 years in banking, Neil D. Steinberg knows the potential money can have. But he also knows its limitations; leadership is also needed.
Former Rhode Island Foundation board member George Graboys conducted the national search in 2008 that led to Steinberg becoming president and CEO of the foundation. The process revealed Steinberg’s understanding of the need for decisive leadership.
“[Steinberg] was diversified in his background and had a record of success,” Graboys told PBN. And “he had prepared his own first-100-day plan.”
With foundation assets at nearly $800 million – and awards of more than $165 million in grants over the past five years – Steinberg has brought strategic business sense and collaborative problem solving to the nonprofit. He understands more is accomplished by banding together in areas as diverse as housing, education, health care, children, families, LGBTQ issues, the arts, animals and the environment, making the foundation a leader in civic involvement.
With an eye toward being more proactive, the organization’s 2012 “Make It Happen Rhode Island” initiative eventually spurred activity across economic sectors ranging from the College & University Research Collaborative to Buy Local RI.
The foundation underwrote a $1.5 million Brookings Institution study last year to identify state industries in which spending would net the best long-term results.
To mark this, the Rhode Island Foundation’s 100th year, Steinberg has led the charge to raise $10 million to restore Roger Williams Park, in partnership with the Providence Parks Department.
Gov. Gina M. Raimondo has praised the foundation for its help with her Lean Government Initiative, which uses lean business-management principles to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
“We can be honest brokers,” Steinberg said. “We’re saying what we think. … That actually has attracted more donors.” •
