Packard Fund’s Guiding Principles Reflect Founders’ Values

After David Packard died in March 1996, the first formal action to be taken by the board of the foundation he created was to develop a set of values and principles to guide its future.

The board — which includes four Packard children and five other members — adopted five principles that it felt reflected the personal traits of David and his wife Lucile, who died in 1987.

Says Susan Packard Orr, chairman of the board and the Packards’ daughter: “These values came from our parents by example, rather than by edict.”

Following is the text of the code:

* “Integrity: The board and staff will be open and honest with one another, the community, and foundation grantees. They will encourage the highest possible standards of conduct and ethics.”

* “Respect for all people: The board and staff, in all of their work on behalf of the foundation, will show graciousness and respect to all people. The success of the foundation depends on seeking out and listening to the ideas and advice of others.”

* “Belief in individual leadership: The board and staff will provide at the foundation an environment of trust and flexibility that fosters and rewards the best in ideas and efforts. In grant making and other activities of the foundation, the board and staff will look for those individuals and their organizations best able to make a contribution in their fields and then will respect and support their leadership and ideas.” * “Commitment to effectiveness: The board and staff will identify unique and strategic opportunities to make a difference. They will evaluate their effectiveness and change strategies as necessary to achieve greater effectiveness. The foundation will take a long-term view and keep a commitment to selected areas that require this.”

* “Capacity to think big: The board and staff will initiate and be receptive to ideas in which a large commitment of funds and/or time can make a unique and lasting contribution. The foundation will operate in a way that ensures flexibility to respond to such opportunities.”