The Edward Lowe Foundation is an operating foundation, following a different model than practiced by the average foundation. Instead of providing grants, we provide services. Instead of providing money directly, we give our time and our expertise.
From dynamic leadership, innovative technology, and conservation of the natural environment, an important component of the foundation's mission is its people. Our board of trustees and management team, together with employees driven to make a difference, take the foundation to the next level by driving innovative thinking in both the entrepreneurial and environmental communities.
Edward Lowe occupies a special place in the galaxy of great American entrepreneurs. Trying to help a neighbor in 1947, he "brought the cat indoors" by creating Kitty Litter from clay he was using for an industrial purpose. In the process he created an entirely new category of consumer products and a billion-dollar industry that changed the lives of millions of cats and cat lovers.
Darlene Lowe, a successful entrepreneur in her own right, also supported Ed in the Kitty Litter business and served in a number of capacities as Edward Lowe Industries Inc. grew to national prominence.
Over time, Ed Lowe became known as an "entrepreneur's entrepreneur" and an advocate for the importance of entrepreneurship in America. Until his death in 1995, he believed that entrepreneurs did not get the attention and support they needed and deserved. His passion for entrepreneurship led him to study its nature and to explore practical approaches to advancing the field. Through experience, Ed Lowe concluded that entrepreneurs learn best from other entrepreneurs, and "peer learning" is the principle driving much of the foundation's work with entrepreneurs.
In 1985 Ed and Darlene created the Edward Lowe Foundation to "champion the entrepreneurial spirit" as a cornerstone of the free enterprise system. Today the foundation pursues two goals to fulfill its mission. The first is to help second-stage business owners take their companies to the next level through peer learning in CEO roundtables. The second is to encourage wider understanding of the vital role second-stage companies play in the U.S. economy.
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Edward Lowe
Darlene Lowe
Photo by John Reilly
Championing entrepreneurship through research, retreats, recognition and rethinking economic development.
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