When you mention entrepreneurship and philanthropy, you cannot fail to mention James Dondero. He is a remarkable businessman, who also employs his great insight into philanthropic work. His keenness has made it possible for him to achieve significant milestones for a variety of institutions. James is a visionary and a charitable man. These are attributes that are evident in the entrepreneur’s financial support of his community’s projects.
James Dondero is the co-founder and president of Highland Capital Management, and he has ensured that his firm is involved in his charitable works. As a renowned entrepreneur, Mr. Dondero ensures that his foundation makes tangible and significant impacts within the Dallas area. He has ensured to incorporate strategic improvements within the community so that his foundation can stand for something.
James has lived in Dallas since 1994. This happened when he and co-founder Mr. Okada relocated Highland Capital Management’s headquarters from Los Angeles. Ever since James settled in Dallas, he considers it his home, and he aims to make it a better place. As such, he has established his roots in the philanthropic and business communities within Dallas.
Interestingly, Highland Capital operates globally. He, however, has focused most of his charitable contributions within the local community. He strives to make it clear that firms operating globally can also bring positive impact within its locality.
In the course of his philanthropic work, Mr. Dondero has supported organizations and institutions in Dallas with humongous contributions. For instance, his firm endorsed The Family Place with a $1 million challenge grant in its fundraising. The Family Place is the largest provider of family violence services in Texas, and it provides education to a significant number of students on matters related to teen dating violence and bullying prevention. The contribution from Highland Capital helped the organization achieve its goal, a milestone that is set to influence the area community positively.
Additionally, James and his firm made a generous donation of $1 million to the Dallas Zoo. This contribution from Highland Capital enabled the zoo to build a state-of-the-art Hippo outpost in the Wilds of Africa. The completion of this project by the zoo was made possible by donors, and it now provides an exquisite visitor experience.
Another noticeable contribution by Dondero’s firm was the $2 million endowment gift that was presented to Southern Methodist University. The funding was meant to support distinguished undergraduates pursuing studies in politics and international affairs. The funds are meant to help the institution provide the students with more exposure.
James and his firm also support Education is Freedom (EIF), an organization that offers financial aid to at-risk youths who want a college degree. The organization is involved in a wide range of helpful activities that include standardized test preparation and professional development programs, among others.
In 2012, his firm contributed over $5 million to the Bush Center, and it has been a significant benefactor in the development of the Bush Center facilities. This is an organization whose primary goal is to develop leaders who can take the initiative to solve some of the most challenging problems today. Moreover, Highland Capital also sponsors the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Highland Capital Management is an investment management firm with headquarters in Dallas. Besides taking part in various charitable works, it is also a highly reputable asset management firm that works with governments, public pension plans, and high net-worth individuals.
