Difference between revisions of "Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation"

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Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation based in Cincinatti, Ohio.  
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Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation based in Cincinatti, Ohio.The organization is named for Lovett and Ruth Peters, the parents of current president Daniel S. Peters. L. Peters was heavily involved in the oil and gas industry, and also founded the [[Pioneer Institute]] at age 75, a member of [[State Policy Network]], a network of conservative think tanks across the country. D. Peters described his father's values in Lovett's Boston Globe obituary:
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:"Mr. Peters was fervent in his belief in the supremacy of the free market, limited government, and the importance of education for all."<ref> Lawrence, J.M. [http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/obituaries/articles/2010/11/19/lovett_pete_peters_founder_of_pioneer_institute_at_97/?page=2 Lovett 'Pete' Peters, founder of Pioneer Institute dies at 97], 2010 </ref>
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[[File:Peters-102.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Daniel S. Peter, President of Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation and Philanthropy Roundtable board member]]
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The foundation primarily donates money to conservative think tanks, such as [[State Policy Network]], and [[DonorsTrust]], a [[Koch brothers]] backed organization to distribute funds to right-wing groups. Its other cause is geared towards reforming public education by supporting privatization of education through voucher schools, private schools, charter schools, and organizations with the same values, keeping with L. Peters value of a strong education. Some of these organizations include [[Alliance for School Choice]] and the Center for Education Reform.
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Peters spent 17 years in executive positions at [[Procter & Gamble]], <ref name = "Philanthropy Roundtable Board of Directors"> [http://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/who_we_are/board/daniel_s_peters Board of Directors: Daniel S. Peters] </ref> who was a member of [[ALEC]]'s Private Enterprise Board, until they cut ties in April 2012. <ref>Color of Change, [http://colorofchange.org/press/releases/2012/4/23/colorofchange-applauds-procter-gambles-decision-en/ ColorOfChange Applauds Procter & Gamble's Decision to End its Membership in ALEC], press release, April 23, 2012, accessed April 2012</ref>
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In 2011, the foundation reported $5,546,498 in total revenue, $1,838,191 in expenses, and $2,754,149 in total assets (fair market value). <ref name = "2011 Form 990"> [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/208/934/2011-208934367-08b3eec6-F.pdf 2011 Form 990] </ref>
  
 
==Ties to DonorsTrust, State Policy Network, Philanthropy Roundtable==
 
==Ties to DonorsTrust, State Policy Network, Philanthropy Roundtable==
  
In 2011 alone, the foundation donated just under to $800,000 to [[State Policy Network]] think tanks and its associate members, including the [[Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions]], [[Commonwealth Foundation]], and the [[Mackinac Center for Public Policy]]. Many of the associate members who received funds are organizations in favor of charter schools, voucher programs, and school choice programs, such as [[Alliance for School Choice]] and the Center for Education Reform. <ref name = "2011 Form 990>, [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/208/934/2011-208934367-08b3eec6-F.pdf], 2011 organizational tax filing, 2011 </ref>
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In 2011 alone, the foundation donated just under to $800,000 to [[State Policy Network]] think tanks and its associate members, including the [[Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions]], [[Commonwealth Foundation]], and the [[Mackinac Center for Public Policy]]. Many of the associate members who received funds are organizations in favor of charter schools, voucher programs, and school choice programs, such as [[Alliance for School Choice]] and the Center for Education Reform. <ref name = "2011 Form 990"> [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/208/934/2011-208934367-08b3eec6-F.pdf 2011 Form 990]</ref>
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Peters is also a board member of [[Philanthropy Roundtable]], an organization established by the [[Bradley Foundation]] to facilitate donations to conservative think tanks and organizations. Peters also chaired the Roundtable from 2002 to 2008. <ref name = "Philanthropy Roundtable Board of Directors"> [http://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/who_we_are/board/daniel_s_peters Board of Directors: Daniel S. Peters] </ref> The foundation also donated $60,000 to [[Philanthropy Roundtable]] from 2009-2011. <ref name = "2011 Form 990"> [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/208/934/2011-208934367-08b3eec6-F.pdf 2011 Form 990] </ref> Peters expressed how his foundation has benefitted from its association with [[Philanthropy Roundtable]]:
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:"Let me turn briefly to The Philanthropy Roundtable—where I serve as a board member. I love the Roundtable because of the opportunity to network and learn from fellow entrepreneurs and philanthropists. I also appreciate the Roundtable’s K–12 education programs (our area of focus at the Peters Foundation). Let me just say that, if you can find a better program for philanthropists focused on reforming K–12 education, please let me know." <ref> Peters, Daniel S. [http://philanthrofiles.org/2012/04/04/asf-and-the-philanthropy-roundtable-why-i-belong-to-both/#more-924 ASF and the Philanthropy Roundtable: Why I Belong to Both] 2010 </ref>
  
Peters is also a board member of [[Philanthropy Roundtable]], an organization established by the [[Bradley Foundation]] to facilitate donations to conservative think tanks and organizations. <ref name = Philanthropy Roundtable Board of Directors> [http://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/who_we_are/board/daniel_s_peters], Board of Directors: Daniel S. Peters, </ref> The foundation also donated $60,000 to [[Philanthropy Roundtable]] from 2009-2011. <ref name = "2011 Form 990>, [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/208/934/2011-208934367-08b3eec6-F.pdf], 2011 organizational tax filing, 2011 </ref>
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Between 2009 and 2011, Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation has donated $375,000 to [[DonorsTrust]], where donors can separate a large sum of funds to separate accounts to distribute to various right-wing causes. However, this process makes it extremely difficult to locate the true donor, and make it easy for wealthy individuals and corporations to hide their distributions when "funding sensitive or controversial issues." <ref> DonorsTrust, [http://www.donorstrust.org/AboutUs/FAQs.aspx Donors Trust FAQ], accessed December 2012.</ref>
  
 
==Groups Funded==
 
==Groups Funded==
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===Funding to SPN Members===
  
===2011===
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Of the $4.2 million given in contributions from the Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation, just over $2.25 million were given to member organizations and associate members involved with the [[State Policy Network]]. These contributions from 2009 to 2011 include:
Of the $1,524,500 given in contributions from Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation, just under $800,000 were made to members in [[State Policy Network]]. Other contributions include but are not limited to: <ref name = "2011 Form 990>, [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/208/934/2011-208934367-08b3eec6-F.pdf], 2011 organizational tax filing, 2011 </ref>
 
  
*[[Alliance for School Choice]] received $50,000.
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*[[Alliance for School Choice]] received $100,000.
*[[American Enterprise Institute]] received $25,000.
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*[[American Enterprise Institute]] received $80,000.
*Aspire Public Schools received $30,000.
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*[[Americans for Tax Reform]] received $50,000.
*[[Atlas Economic Research Foundation]] received $35,000.
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*[[Atlas Economic Research Foundation]] received $55,000.
*[[Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions]], received $52,000.
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*[[Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions]] received $202,500.
*[[Cato Institute]] received $5,000.
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*[[Cato Institute]] received $10,000.
*Center for Civil Society received $10,000.
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*[[Center for Education Reform]] received $75,000.
*Center for Education Reform received $20,000.
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*[[DonorsTrust]] received $400,000.
*Charles River Center received $25,000.
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*[[Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice | Foundation for Educational Choice]] received $55,000.
*[[Commonwealth Foundation]] received $25,000.
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*[[Foundation for Economic Education]] received $25,000
*[[DonorsTrust]] received $150,000.
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*[[Heritage Foundation]] received $75,000.
*[[Foundation for Economic Education]] received $25,000.
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*Institute for Humane Societies at [[George Mason University]] received $30,000.
*[[Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice]] received $25,000.
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*[[James Madison Institute]] received $10,000.
*Hillsdale College received $25,000.
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*[[Landmark Legal Foundation]] received $50,000.
*Hispanic CREO received $50,000.
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*[[Mackinac Center for Public Policy]] received $100,000.
*Innosight Institute received $105,000.
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*[[Manhattan Institute for Policy Research]] received $20,000.
*Innovative Learning Stratagems received $25,000.
 
*Institute for Human Studies at [[George Mason University]] received $10,000.
 
*[[Mackinac Center for Public Policy]] received $25,000.
 
*[[Manhattan Institute for Policy Research]] received $10,000.
 
 
*[[National Center for Policy Analysis]] received $50,000.
 
*[[National Center for Policy Analysis]] received $50,000.
*New Common School Foundation received $50,000.
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*[[National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation]] received $80,000.
*North American Council for Online Learning received $100,000
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*[[Pacific Research Institute]] received $310,000.
*Ohio Association of Public Charter Schools received $10,000.
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*[[Philanthropy Roundtable]] received $75,000.
*[[Pacific Research Institute]] received $120,000.
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*[[Pioneer Institute]] received $402,500.
*[[Philanthropy Roundtable]] received $25,000.
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*Prometheus Institute received $75,000.
*[[Pioneer Institute]] received $202,500.
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*[[State Policy Network]] received $145,000.
*Prometheus Institute received $25,000.
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*Students for Liberty received $5,000.
*[[Reason Foundation]] received $25,000.
 
*School Choice Ohio received $50,000.
 
*[[State Policy Network]] received $10,000.
 
*Success Charter Network received $100,000.
 
 
*[[Thomas B. Fordham Foundation]] received $5,000.
 
*[[Thomas B. Fordham Foundation]] received $5,000.
  
===2010===
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===Other Contributions===
Of the $1,070,000 in contributions made, $620,000 were made to organizations affiliated with [[State Policy Network]]. Other contributions include but are not limited to: <ref name = "2010 Form 990"> [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2010/208/934/2010-208934367-07651dff-F.pdf], 2010 organizational tax filing, 2010 </ref>
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Other contributions from 2009-2011 include:
  
*Agudath Israel received $100,000.
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*Agudath Israel received a total $270,000.
*[[American Enterprise Institute]] received $40,000.
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*Aspire Public Schools received a total of $30,000.  
*[[Atlas Economic Research Foundation]] received $20,000.  
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*Aquinas Education Trust received a total of $75,000.
*Brighter Choice Foundation received $25,000.
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*Bright Choice Foundation received a total $75,000.
*[[Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions]] received $100,000.
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*Center for Civil Society received a total of $10,000.
*[[Cato Institute]] received $5,000.
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*Charles River Center received a total of $25,000.
*Center for Education Reform received $25,000.
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*Children's Scholarship Fund of Greater Cincinatti received a total of $25,000.
*Center for Excellence in Higher Education received $10,000.
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*Education Reform Now received a total of $70,000.
*Charles River Center received $20,000.
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*Foundation for the Carolinas received a total of $10,00.
*Children's Scholarship Fund of Greater Cincinatti received $30,000.
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*Hillsdale College received a total of $129,000.
*[[Commonwealth Foundation]] received $25,000.
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*Hispanic CREO received a total of $50,000.
*Education Reform Now received $100,000.
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*Innosight Institute received a total of $120,000.
*[[Foundation for Educational Choice]] received $55,000.
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*Innovative Learning Strategies received a total of $50,000.
*[[Heritage Foundation]] received $25,000.
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*Milton & Rose Friedman Foundation received a total of $50,000.
*Innosight Institute received $15,000.
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*New Common School Foundation received a total of $50,000.
*Institute for Humane Studies at [[George Mason University]] received $10,000.
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*North American Council for Online Learning received a total of $140,000.
*[[Mackinac Center for Public Policy]] received $25,000.
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*Ohio Association of Public Charter Schools received a total of $35,000.
*[[Manhattan Institute for Policy Research]] received $10,000.
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*Parents for Educational Freedom received a total of $20,000.
*[[National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation]] received $40,000.
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*School Choice Ohio received a total of $100,000.
*North American Council for Online Learning received $40,000.  
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*Success Charter Network received a total of $200,000.
*Ohio Association of Public Charter Schools received $25,000.
 
*[[Pacific Research Institute]] received $120,000.
 
*Parents for Educational Freedom in NC received $20,000.
 
*[[Pioneer Institute]] received $100,000.
 
*Promethius Institute received $25,000.
 
*[[Reason Foundation]] received $25,000.
 
*[[State Policy Network]] received $35,000.
 
  
===2009===
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===Forms 990===
Of the $1, 624,000 made in contributions, $775,000 was made to members of the [[State Policy Network]], with [[Donors Trust]] receiving the largest grant at $225,000. Other contributions include: <ref name = "2009 Form 990"> [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2009/208/934/2009-208934367-06801598-F.pdf], 2009 organizational IRS filing, 2009 </ref>
 
  
*Agudath Israel received $170,000.
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*Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation, [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/208/934/2011-208934367-08b3eec6-F.pdf 2011 Form 990], foundation's IRS filing, 2012.
*[[Alliance for School Choice]] received $50,000.
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*Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation, [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2010/208/934/2010-208934367-07651dff-F.pdf 2010 Form 990], foundation's IRS filing, 2011.
*[[American Enterprise Institute]] received $15,000.
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*Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation, [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2009/208/934/2009-208934367-06801598-F.pdf 2009 Form 990], foundation's IRS filing, 2010.
*[[Americans for Tax Reform]] received $50,000.  
 
*Aquinas Education Trust received $75,000.
 
*Brighter Choice Foundation received $50,000.
 
*[[Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions]] received $50,000.
 
*Center for Education Reform received $25,000.
 
*Children's Scholarship Fund of Greater Cincinatti received $25,000.
 
*[[DonorsTrust]] received $225,000.
 
*Education Reform Now received $70,000.
 
*Foundation for the Carolinas received $10,000.
 
*[[Heritage Foundation]] received $25,000.
 
*Hillsdale College received $104,000.
 
*Innovative Learning Systems $25,000.
 
*[[James Madison Institute]] received $10,000.
 
*Landmark Legal Foundation received $50,000.
 
*[[Mackinac Center for Public Policy]] received $50,000.
 
*Milton & Rose Friedman Foundation received $50,000.
 
*[[National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation]] received $40,000.  
 
*Ohio Association of Public Charter Schools received $10,000.
 
*[[Pacific Research Institute]] received $70,000.
 
*[[Philanthropy Roundtable]] received $50,000.
 
*[[Pioneer Institute]] received $100,000.
 
*[[Prometheus Institute]] received $25,000.
 
*[[Reason Foundation]] received $25,000.
 
*School Choice Ohio received $50,000.
 
*[[State Policy Network]] received $10,000.
 
*Students for Liberty received $5,000.
 
*Success Charter Network received $100,000.
 
  
 
==Key Personnel==
 
==Key Personnel==
According to the 2011 IRS filing, their staff members include:<ref name = "2011 Form 990>, [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/208/934/2011-208934367-08b3eec6-F.pdf], 2011 organizational tax filing, 2011 </ref>
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According to the 2011 IRS filing, their staff members include:<ref name = "2011 Form 990"> [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/208/934/2011-208934367-08b3eec6-F.pdf 2011 Form 990] </ref>
  
 
*Daniel S. Peters, President
 
*Daniel S. Peters, President
Line 122: Line 92:
 
1500 Chiquita Center, 250 E. 5th St <br>
 
1500 Chiquita Center, 250 E. 5th St <br>
 
Cincinatti, OH 45202 <br>
 
Cincinatti, OH 45202 <br>
(513) 562-1550 <ref name = "2011 Form 990>, [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/208/934/2011-208934367-08b3eec6-F.pdf], 2011 organizational tax filing, 2011 </ref>
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(513) 562-1550 <ref name = "2011 Form 990"> [http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/208/934/2011-208934367-08b3eec6-F.pdf 2011 Form 990]</ref>
  
 
==Articles and References==
 
==Articles and References==
  
 
<references/>
 
<references/>

Latest revision as of 22:04, 25 July 2013

Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation based in Cincinatti, Ohio.The organization is named for Lovett and Ruth Peters, the parents of current president Daniel S. Peters. L. Peters was heavily involved in the oil and gas industry, and also founded the Pioneer Institute at age 75, a member of State Policy Network, a network of conservative think tanks across the country. D. Peters described his father's values in Lovett's Boston Globe obituary:

"Mr. Peters was fervent in his belief in the supremacy of the free market, limited government, and the importance of education for all."[1]
Daniel S. Peter, President of Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation and Philanthropy Roundtable board member

The foundation primarily donates money to conservative think tanks, such as State Policy Network, and DonorsTrust, a Koch brothers backed organization to distribute funds to right-wing groups. Its other cause is geared towards reforming public education by supporting privatization of education through voucher schools, private schools, charter schools, and organizations with the same values, keeping with L. Peters value of a strong education. Some of these organizations include Alliance for School Choice and the Center for Education Reform.

Peters spent 17 years in executive positions at Procter & Gamble, [2] who was a member of ALEC's Private Enterprise Board, until they cut ties in April 2012. [3]

In 2011, the foundation reported $5,546,498 in total revenue, $1,838,191 in expenses, and $2,754,149 in total assets (fair market value). [4]

Ties to DonorsTrust, State Policy Network, Philanthropy Roundtable

In 2011 alone, the foundation donated just under to $800,000 to State Policy Network think tanks and its associate members, including the Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions, Commonwealth Foundation, and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Many of the associate members who received funds are organizations in favor of charter schools, voucher programs, and school choice programs, such as Alliance for School Choice and the Center for Education Reform. [4]

Peters is also a board member of Philanthropy Roundtable, an organization established by the Bradley Foundation to facilitate donations to conservative think tanks and organizations. Peters also chaired the Roundtable from 2002 to 2008. [2] The foundation also donated $60,000 to Philanthropy Roundtable from 2009-2011. [4] Peters expressed how his foundation has benefitted from its association with Philanthropy Roundtable:

"Let me turn briefly to The Philanthropy Roundtable—where I serve as a board member. I love the Roundtable because of the opportunity to network and learn from fellow entrepreneurs and philanthropists. I also appreciate the Roundtable’s K–12 education programs (our area of focus at the Peters Foundation). Let me just say that, if you can find a better program for philanthropists focused on reforming K–12 education, please let me know." [5]

Between 2009 and 2011, Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation has donated $375,000 to DonorsTrust, where donors can separate a large sum of funds to separate accounts to distribute to various right-wing causes. However, this process makes it extremely difficult to locate the true donor, and make it easy for wealthy individuals and corporations to hide their distributions when "funding sensitive or controversial issues." [6]

Groups Funded

Funding to SPN Members

Of the $4.2 million given in contributions from the Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation, just over $2.25 million were given to member organizations and associate members involved with the State Policy Network. These contributions from 2009 to 2011 include:

Other Contributions

Other contributions from 2009-2011 include:

  • Agudath Israel received a total $270,000.
  • Aspire Public Schools received a total of $30,000.
  • Aquinas Education Trust received a total of $75,000.
  • Bright Choice Foundation received a total $75,000.
  • Center for Civil Society received a total of $10,000.
  • Charles River Center received a total of $25,000.
  • Children's Scholarship Fund of Greater Cincinatti received a total of $25,000.
  • Education Reform Now received a total of $70,000.
  • Foundation for the Carolinas received a total of $10,00.
  • Hillsdale College received a total of $129,000.
  • Hispanic CREO received a total of $50,000.
  • Innosight Institute received a total of $120,000.
  • Innovative Learning Strategies received a total of $50,000.
  • Milton & Rose Friedman Foundation received a total of $50,000.
  • New Common School Foundation received a total of $50,000.
  • North American Council for Online Learning received a total of $140,000.
  • Ohio Association of Public Charter Schools received a total of $35,000.
  • Parents for Educational Freedom received a total of $20,000.
  • School Choice Ohio received a total of $100,000.
  • Success Charter Network received a total of $200,000.

Forms 990

  • Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation, 2011 Form 990, foundation's IRS filing, 2012.
  • Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation, 2010 Form 990, foundation's IRS filing, 2011.
  • Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation, 2009 Form 990, foundation's IRS filing, 2010.

Key Personnel

According to the 2011 IRS filing, their staff members include:[4]

  • Daniel S. Peters, President
  • Kathleen Peters, trustee
  • Ed Kirby, trustee
  • Stephanie Saroki, trustee

Contact

1500 Chiquita Center, 250 E. 5th St
Cincinatti, OH 45202
(513) 562-1550 [4]

Articles and References

  1. Lawrence, J.M. Lovett 'Pete' Peters, founder of Pioneer Institute dies at 97, 2010
  2. Jump up to: 2.0 2.1 Board of Directors: Daniel S. Peters
  3. Color of Change, ColorOfChange Applauds Procter & Gamble's Decision to End its Membership in ALEC, press release, April 23, 2012, accessed April 2012
  4. Jump up to: 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 2011 Form 990 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "2011 Form 990" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "2011 Form 990" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "2011 Form 990" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "2011 Form 990" defined multiple times with different content
  5. Peters, Daniel S. ASF and the Philanthropy Roundtable: Why I Belong to Both 2010
  6. DonorsTrust, Donors Trust FAQ, accessed December 2012.