We are pleased to report that FJC donors Amy and Richard Wallman have been recognized on the “Philanthropy 50” list, a comprehensive report on America’s most-generous donors compiled by Chronicle of Philanthropy. 

The recognition follows the couple’s donation of $75 million in 2023 to the University of Chicago, a gift that will launch a fundraising challenge aimed at creating 30 new endowed professorships across the university.  The donors made a 2017 gift of the same size to University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. 

Richard and Amy met at University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business in the 1970s when they were earning their Masters in Business Administration degrees, and both went on to distinguished careers. After earning her MBA from Chicago Booth, Amy Wallman began her career at EY and retired as an audit partner in 2001.  Richard Wallman began his career with the Ford Motor Company and served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Honeywell International, Inc.  He also served in senior financial positions with IBM and Chrysler Corporation, and he currently serves on a number of corporate boards.

Now in retirement, the Wallmans view philanthropy as a critical focus for this next phase of their lives.  “Our goal is to give away as much as we can,” said Richard. “We give away everything we make, and we will give away everything we have.”

The Wallmans’ Donor Advised Fund account with FJC is one component of a larger philanthropic strategy, for which they use a variety of tools.  The relationship with FJC began in 2022 when they sought to make a philanthropic donation of shares in Quala, a leading tank cleaning and maintenance company.  Although the company anticipated a major liquidity event through a corporate merger in the coming year, the Wallmans found it difficult to find a sponsor of DAFs willing to perform the level of due diligence necessary for the contribution of shares that would be illiquid at the time of donation.  Within a week, FJC was able to perform the analysis and receive approval from its Board of Directors, facilitating the donation against a year-end deadline.

“Our ability to gift Quala shares allowed us to increase our charitable giving,” said Richard. “We see opportunities to donate shares in a number of other companies over the next few years, and we look forward to working with FJC again. We love being a part of the FJC family.  They are very client-focused, particularly when it comes to these more complicated gifts and investments.”