Who We Are
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal innovator and entrepreneur Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life.
Overview
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation was established in 1930 by breakfast cereal innovator and entrepreneur W.K. Kellogg, who defined its purpose as “…administering funds for the promotion of the welfare, comfort, health, education, feeding, clothing, sheltering and safeguarding of children and youth, directly or indirectly, without regard to sex, race, creed or nationality.…” To guide current and future trustees and staff, he said, “Use the money as you please so long as it promotes the health, happiness and well-being of children.”
The foundation receives its income primarily from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Trust, which was set up by Mr. Kellogg. In addition to its diversified portfolio, the trust continues to own substantial equity in the Kellogg Company. While the company and the foundation have enjoyed a long-standing relationship, the foundation is governed by its own independent board of trustees. The foundation receives its income primarily from the trust’s investments.
Over the years, the Kellogg Foundation’s programming has continued to evolve, striving to remain innovative and responsive to the ever-changing needs of society. Today, the organization ranks among the world’s largest private foundations, awarding grants in the United States, Mexico and Haiti.
Mission
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports children, families and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society.
Vision
We envision a nation that marshals its resources to assure that all children have an equitable and promising future – a nation in which all children thrive.
Values
The work of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is imbued with these values:
- We believe in helping people help themselves through the practical application of knowledge and resources to improve their quality of life and that of future generations.
- We believe all people have the inherent capacity to effect change in their lives, in their organizations, and in their communities. We respect individuals and value their collective interests, strengths and cultures.
- We believe stewardship requires fidelity to the spirit and to the intent of the founder, and the wise use of resources. We believe in being responsible, prudent, selfless and exercising good judgment.
- We believe innovation of thought and action leads to enduring and positive change in both formal and informal systems.
- We value integrity of purpose and action, and believe it is essential to all of our affairs.
History & Legacy
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation was established in 1930, by the inventor of ready-to-eat breakfast cereal, W.K. Kellogg, in his hometown of Battle Creek, Michigan. His signature became well known. But the man behind it was characterized by extraordinary humility and a visionary belief in people.
W.K. Kellogg cared about children, the conditions in which they were raised and what the future held for them. He believed in the power of communities to forge solutions for the health, happiness and well-being of their children. And, he wanted to equip people with the knowledge and resources to pursue those solutions.
Vision, humility and belief in people are the values stewarded by the Kellogg Foundation for 90 years. Today those values take form in community-led efforts on behalf of thriving children, working families and equitable communities.
Financials
WKKF and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Trust are committed to managing financial resources efficiently and effectively.
Annually, independent auditors are engaged to audit our financial statements and review the effectiveness of our internal controls. Results of our audits are typically released in December.
The foundation and trust also each complete Form 990-PFs, an informational return for U.S. private foundations filed with the IRS reporting assets, investments, expenses and grant activity. The 990-PF is due in January, but an extension is typically requested to provide time to gather investment portfolio documentation.
Fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2020
2020 Financial Statements (PDF, 545 KB, 28 pages)
2019 W.K. Kellogg Foundation 990-PF (PDF, 1.3 MB, 272 pages)
2019 W.K. Kellogg Foundation Trust 990-PF (PDF, 858 KB, 37 pages)
Social Bond Issuance, 2020
Social Bond Framework (PDF, 194 KB, 6 pages)
Sustainalytics Second Party Opinion on
W.K. Kellogg Foundation Social Bond Framework (PDF, 342 KB, 15 pages)
Fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2019
2019 Financial Statements (PDF, 343 KB, 25 pages)
2018 W.K. Kellogg Foundation 990-PF (PDF, 1.2 MB, 251 pages)
2018 W.K. Kellogg Foundation Trust 990-PF (PDF, 1.2 MB, 45 pages)
Our People
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Celeste A. Clark
Battle Creek, Michigan
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Milton Chen
San Francisco, California
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Richard M. Tsoumas
Battle Creek, Michigan
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Khan Nedd
Grand Rapids, Michigan
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La June Montgomery Tabron
Battle Creek, Michigan
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Ramón Murguía
Kansas City, Kansas
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Cathann Kress
Columbus, Ohio
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Roderick D. Gillum
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
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Christina K. Hanger
Plano, Texas
- (Pictured left to right and listed in order.)
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Dianna Langenburg
vice president for talent and human resources
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Carla D. Thompson
vice president for program strategy
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Paul Martinez
chief leadership and human capital strategist
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Ross Comstock
vice president for information systems and technology
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Kathryn A. Krecke
general counsel and corporate secretary
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La June Montgomery Tabron
president and CEO
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Joel R. Wittenberg*
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Mary Cohen*
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Cindy Smith
vice president for integrated services
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Donald G. Williamson
vice president for finance and treasurer
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Joseph Scantlebury*
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Alandra Washington
vice president for quality and organizational effectiveness
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Carlos Rangel**
vice president and chief investment officer
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Michael Murphy**
vice president for communication
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(Pictured left to right and listed in order.
*Retired or no longer with the organization
**Not pictured)