Leadership

Advocacy and Philanthropy

The David D. Dodge Foundation reflects the vision and unwavering dedication of its founder, David D. Dodge. His lifelong commitment to service, principled leadership, and global engagement continues to guide and inspire.

nonprofit founder

Human Rights Leadership

David D. Dodge (shown at the right) earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Miami, a Master of Science in Social Work degree from the University of Tennessee, and a Certificate in Hospital Administration from Duke University. He served for three years in the U.S. Army as Captain, Medical Service Corps.

Mr. Dodge officiated college basketball for 30 years including 18 NCAA Men’s Tournaments along with international tournaments in Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the former Yugoslavia. He has traveled widely including trips to Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, the former Yugoslavia, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, the Bahamas, Guatemala, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Iran, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Mr. Dodge served for over 35 years as President & CEO of a South Carolina-based risk management services corporation which provides workers’ compensation and medical professional liability coverage to the state’s not-for-profit hospitals and health care systems.

Number of Grants Made

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Nonprofits Supported

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Years of Non-Profit Support

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How the David D. Dodge Foundation Advances Human Rights

How does the Foundation choose the causes it supports?

We align with organizations whose missions reflect our vision of justice, dignity, and equality. We focus on initiatives that empower individuals and create sustainable, long-term change.

What is the core purpose of the David D. Dodge Foundation?

Our purpose is to ensure that human rights are protected and advanced globally by supporting nonprofit organizations with a proven record of meaningful impact.

How does the Foundation measure its impact?

We track the progress of grantee organizations, highlight changemaker stories, and look for tangible improvements in the lives of those served—such as access to justice, education, or basic human needs.

About

Supporting Nonprofit Partners to Protect Human Rights Across the Globe.

Mission

David D. Dodge Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in the human rights movement in the U.S. and globally. The Foundation's grants provide funds for projects and programs to protect the human rights of those served by grantee organizations.

Vision

At the David D. Dodge Foundation, we imagine a world where human rights matter to all states and nations across the globe. While our focus is on supporting charitable organizations in the U.S., some of our grantees have operations in Africa, Afghanistan, and beyond.

Learn More About Our Changemakers

Testimonials

Experiences

David has been one of our most steadfast supporters for nearly a decade. He made a special grant to establish a sports and recreation program, to bring joy and physical well-being to our girls. When things became further complicated in Afghanistan recently, and many funders started questioning their commitment to girls education in our country — he was first to ask: How can I help? He has sponsored a student for many years, with whom he shares a special bond, and gone above and beyond to make sure she — and, critically, her whole family — have the support they need for their collective health, and her ongoing education. David is a true champion for Afghan girls, and I count him among my dearest friends.

At the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), we are unwavering in confronting racism in all its forms. We are guided by a deep commitment to building a future where hate and extremism, poverty, and mass incarceration are relics of the past. This work could not have been done without the support of supporters like the David D. Dodge Foundation. We are grateful for the David D. Dodge Foundation's partnership in this critical work and look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the future.

The David D. Dodge Foundation has been a steady ally for years now, empowering key on-the-ground projects which are making a difference in the struggle to oppose executions and end the death penalty. David Dodge is not the only funder of ours who pays close attention to our work, but he shows up and joins in the work too. We appreciate that Mr. Dodge puts his money where his mouth is.

For nearly a decade, the David D. Dodge Foundation has stood beside Human Rights Watch as a steadfast partner. Through mutual trust and respect, the Foundation provides reassurance and stability to public outreach programs and to life-saving work. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with the David D. Dodge Foundation in making a real and lasting impact together.

"To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity."

Nelson Mandela