The Walter Family Reaffirms Longstanding Philanthropic Commitment and Forcefully Rejects False and Defamatory Claims

The Walter Family today reaffirmed Mark and Kimbra Walter's (the "Walters") longstanding commitment to philanthropy and the organizations, causes and communities they have supported for decades.

Recent media speculation suggesting that the Walters are not fulfilling their philanthropic commitments, including claims that changes in the funding structure of certain organizations reflect a broader need to conserve cash, is false and easily disproven.

Their philanthropic strategy has not changed, existing financial commitments remain in place, and they are fully committed to ensuring the organizations they support have the resources necessary to fulfill their missions.

These false narratives are irresponsible and create unnecessary uncertainty for the thousands of young people, families and communities those organizations serve.

For more than two decades, Mark and Kimbra Walter have committed hundreds of millions of dollars to organizations and initiatives focused on serving under-resourced communities, expanding educational opportunity, and protecting wildlife and the ecosystems that sustain them.

That commitment is not slowing down.

The Walters intend to contribute hundreds of millions of dollars more in the years ahead and will continue standing behind the causes and institutions that have defined their philanthropic work for decades.

The Walters' philanthropy has also been strengthened by longtime partners who share the same conviction and commitment.

"Liz and I have worked alongside Mark and Kimbra Walter in several of these efforts, including The Academy Group from its earliest days, just as they have stood alongside us in causes we care deeply about," said Don Thompson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Avenue, LLC.

An Enduring Commitment to Impact Across their giving, the Walters have focused on building institutions that expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and sustain impact beyond annual donations.

That approach is visible across organizations and initiatives including: The Academy Group: an opportunity program committed to closing the opportunity gap — based on the premise that with equal access to resources, students from the most challenging backgrounds will outperform those from the most privileged communities.

Chicago Beyond: a national philanthropic organization that seeks to build a world in which every individual, regardless of zip code, has equitable access to opportunities.

Cleveland Avenue State Treasurer Urban Success Initiative : a $70 million impact initiative launched by Cleveland Avenue to help bridge the capital and resource gap for Black, Latinx and women-owned businesses in underserved communities on Chicago's South and West Sides.

LA Rises : a central place where Angelenos can find resources, learn about the status of recovery and rebuilding across sectors, and get trusted information from government resources, community organizations, and neighborhood leaders who are working in partnership to support the recovery of our shared hometown.

OneGoal: partners with high schools and colleges in low-income communities to ensure college and postsecondary planning, preparation and support are no longer extracurricular luxuries but integral components of the high school experience for all students.

Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation: tackling the most pressing problems facing Los Angeles with a mission to improve education, health care, homelessness and social justice for all Angelenos.

MetroSquash: combines academic support, enrichment opportunities and the competitive game of squash to empower students to make their mark on society.

Chimp Haven : the world's largest chimpanzee sanctuary, home to nearly 300 chimps formerly used in biomedical research.

White Oak Conservation : a ...