COMMISSIONED PAPER: The Robertson v. Princeton Case: Too Important...

The Robertson v. Princeton Case:

Too Important To Be Left to the Lawyers

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Foundation management consultant NEAL FREEMAN analyzes the settlement of Robertson v. Princeton University, arguably the most important court case on donor intent in a generation, from an insider’s perspective. The case was settled in late 2008 when Princeton agreed to pay nearly $100 million to a new foundation created by the Robertson family. Freeman, who was part of the family’s litigation support team, offers his insights on the reasons Princeton may have settled, how the Robertson family viewed the outcome, and what the settlement – a just one, in Freeman’s opinion – means for donors, grantees, and philanthropy in America. Freeman’s essay is followed by comments from several opinion leaders in philanthropy, and Freeman’s thoughtful, thought-provoking, and often entertaining responses.

For more information on this and other Bradley Center publications, please contact Bradley Center research fellow Krista Shaffer at Krista@hudson.org or (202) 974-2424.