AFSE pays tribute to Charles “Chuck” Feeney
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) mourns the passing of Charles "Chuck" F. Feeney, The Atlantic Philanthropies' visionary founder. Chuck's philanthropic vision and unwavering commitment to wholeheartedly trust and support people and their work to create a more equitable world have left an indelible mark on AFSE.
One of Chuck's many legacies is the establishment of the Atlantic Fellows programs, which includes AFSE. These programs have been instrumental in cultivating a community of Atlantic Fellows. Professor James McCluskey, Atlantic Institute Board director and one of AFSE''s founders, said the Fellows are part of a global network of 794 Atlantic Fellows from over 70 countries. These lifelong Fellows collaborate across borders and disciplines to advance fairer, healthier, and more inclusive societies.
Professor Elizabeth McKinley, Executive Director of AFSE, said Chuck's values, his philanthropic perspective and his unwavering belief in people are clearly evident through his and Atlantic Philanthropies' steadfast commitment to establishing AFSE.
“By supporting Indigenous communities across the Oceanic region through AFSE, Chuck and Atlantic Philanthropies have demonstrated their faith in our ability to believe in ourselves, discover our own solutions, and recognise our valuable contributions within a global context,” said Professor McKinley.
Chuck's "giving while living" approach to philanthropy has been instrumental in shaping AFSE's mission to strengthen the global Atlantic Fellows community by nurturing a community of change-makers in Oceania and support them in pursuing Indigenous social equity.
Professor Ian Anderson, Chair of the AFSE Advisory Board, said Chuck's legacy through the Atlantic Fellows programs will have an intergenerational impact on people and communities around the world.
“Chuck's commitment to fund global leaders’ programs such as AFSE will result in a generation of global change leaders at a time when we need new leadership values,” said Professor Anderson.
AFSE is deeply grateful for Chuck's extraordinary contributions, and his dedication to being effective in philanthropy, rather than seeking personal gain or recognition, will continue to inspire and empower us to drive positive change and create a more equitable world.
We wish to extend our deepest condolences to Chuck’s family, friends and colleagues.
Professor Ian Anderson | Advisory Board Chair, Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity.
Professor James McCluskey | Atlantic Institute Board Director and Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Co-founder.
Professor Elizabeth McKinley | Executive Director, Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity.