Endowment / Foundation

Updated:

Carson Family Charitable Trust

Russell L. Carson established the Carson Family Charitable Trust in 1990 alongside his wife Judith and children Cecily and Edward. The vehicle serves as the...

Carson Family Charitable Trust

Russell L. Carson established the Carson Family Charitable Trust in 1990 alongside his wife Judith and children Cecily and Edward. The vehicle serves as the primary philanthropic outlet for wealth generated through the private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe. The trust deploys capital via direct grants and program-related investments across education, poverty relief, healthcare, medical science, culture, and community development. Confirmed holdings include stakes in Paycom Software, Select Medical Holdings, and Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe XIV. Geographic focus centers on New York City with additional activity in Florida and the Hudson Valley. The foundation also maintains real estate assets including a Fifth Avenue residence and a Millbrook estate. The trust reports 449 million dollars in assets. Russell L. Carson appeared on the Improving Alpha Podcast in February 2024 to discuss venture capital, private equity, and philanthropy. Additional family vehicles include The Carson Family Foundation Inc. in Florida. Russell Carson holds board roles at the Partnership for New York City and Dutchess Land Conservancy. The foundation operates as a grant-making entity tied directly to the Carson family's operating business at Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe rather than functioning as a standalone family office. Governance remains concentrated within immediate family members with Cecily M. Carson serving as president.

General information

Firm type

Endowment / Foundation

Year founded

1990

Location

Region

North America

Country

United States

City

New York

Corporate office

650 Madison Ave Fl 26, New York, NY, United States

Principals

Russell L. Carson

Founder

Cecily M. Carson

President

Judith Carson

Trustee

Sector focus

EducationHealthcareCulture

Frequently asked questions

Who runs investment decisions at Carson Family Charitable Trust?

Russell L. Carson founded the trust. Cecily M. Carson serves as president. Decisions center on grant allocation rather than active securities management.

Where does the underlying wealth come from?

Wealth originates from Russell L. Carson's ownership in Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, the private equity firm he co-founded.

Does Carson Family Charitable Trust participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

The trust holds a position in Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe XIV as a limited partner. Primary activity consists of direct grants to nonprofits.

What investment stages does Carson Family Charitable Trust typically target?

The vehicle focuses on grant-making rather than venture or growth equity stages. It maintains exposure to mature healthcare and technology companies through public equity holdings.

How is Carson Family Charitable Trust related to Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe?

The trust's assets derive from the Carson family's ownership in Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe. Russell L. Carson remains a principal at the firm.

Does Carson Family Charitable Trust maintain philanthropic structures, and how are they separated?

The Carson Family Charitable Trust serves as the main vehicle. A separate Florida entity, The Carson Family Foundation Inc., was established in 1996 for additional giving.

What is Carson Family Charitable Trust's known posture on co-investments alongside external GPs?

The trust has not disclosed a formal co-investment program. Its private equity exposure occurs through existing Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe funds.

Profile maintained by using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.

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