The Architecture of Purposeful Philanthropy
Table of contents
Russ Hall
This story is part of the Architects of Impact series, highlighting stories of innovation that demonstrate how our Community is mobilizing to ensure a world that works for all people and the planet.
Russ Hall has spent more than two decades helping philanthropy do what it promises: serve. A longtime Forward Global member and co-founder of Legacy Venture and Next Legacy, Russ is best known for channeling billions in venture returns into charitable giving. Those who’ve worked alongside him know that his deeper impact lies in how he’s helped shape the ecosystem that makes thoughtful, effective philanthropy possible.
Russ entered the field not through crisis or reinvention, but through a decision made with quiet conviction alongside his wife, fellow Forward Global Member Debbie Hall. “In 1999, we decided to start Legacy Venture,” he says. “It was an inner compunction to do something beyond ourselves. Robert Frost’s poem ‘Two Tramps in Mudtime’ ends with the encouragement to align your avocation and vocation—and we decided to do that.”
Legacy Venture was structured as a fund of funds: it pooled capital from individuals, invested in top-tier venture funds, and directed all financial returns toward philanthropy. It was a bold model and one that resonated. More than 20 years later, Legacy and its successor, Next Legacy, have returned over $3 billion to charitable causes.
In parallel, Russ became deeply involved with Forward Global—then known as The Philanthropy Workshop (TPW)—in the early 2000s, where he found a like-minded Community committed to learning, collaboration, and impact. The organization, he says, helped professionalize his approach to giving, shifting from one-time donations to long-term, unrestricted support for organizations’ core needs. “The strongest returns,” he says, “come not just from funding activity, but from investing in the people, systems, and leadership behind the work.”
From Philanthropy to Stewardship
For Russ, it was never just about deploying more capital. It was about deploying it better.
Russ is quick to distinguish between philanthropy at scale and one-time giving, both methodologically and emotionally. “There’s a truth that’s not well recognized,” he says. “Below a certain level, checkbook philanthropy is fine. But above that level, it becomes complicated. You can do real damage if you’re not careful. There’s an opportunity for philanthropy to be done right—but it’s not for the faint of heart.”
“A lot of my work has focused on the infrastructure of philanthropy—helping people give well,” Russ says. That’s included serving on boards, supporting initiatives like Forward Global, and making early investments in donor education and learning communities. In his own work at Next Legacy, he says, “We don’t tell people what to fund, but we connect them to the right resources.”
Over the years, Russ’s thinking about giving has evolved, shifting from annual grants to unrestricted, multi-year investments in the health of organizations themselves. “It’s great to give a grant, but you can move toward multiyear giving. However, that means you’re not just evaluating a single act, but asking: is the organization equipped to do the work well? Are their people supported? That alignment changes everything.”
He’s also become a vocal advocate for accelerating support in times of crisis. In his work, he developed a practice of being responsive to grantees’ immediate needs. By building a trusting relationship with grantees, he believes that it saves everyone time, effort, and efficiency.
A Community for the Long Haul
His decades-long involvement in Forward Global reflects his trust in our Community to hold each other accountable on our shared mission. “Forward Global helps restore the joy of philanthropy,” Russ says. “There’s a joy that comes from knowing you’re not making as many mistakes, that you’re learning to do it better. There’s a Community that helps you go in the right direction. It becomes less of a burden and more of a calling.”
He’s clear-eyed about the stakes. “If you aspire to be a good steward, you need to roll up your sleeves. You have to take ownership.”
Through Forward Global’s programs, curated learnings, and peer Community, Russ has found what he calls “a safety rope”—especially in moments of doubt or discouragement. He finds value in the diversity of membership, which allows for more examples and lived experiences to learn from.
Rewiring, Not Retiring
Now entering retirement, Russ is stepping back from Next Legacy’s operations, but not from his purpose. “This year is about personal navigation,” he says. “I don’t have the levers I once did, but I’m positioning myself for this next chapter. It’s rewirement, not retirement.”
He’s focusing on continuity—working with family on responsible spend-down strategies and continuing to support causes with his time and network. He’s also helping others surface the quieter stories of philanthropic impact. “The press is often too eager to cover problems, not the good being done. We need stories that teach—not just stats, but narratives with an arc,” he says.
Asked what he’s learned across decades of giving, Russ doesn’t hesitate to remind others that they’re not alone in this work. There’s always a group to support you and work with you, like the Forward Global Community.
And when asked what success looks like now? “To be a faithful servant. That’s what we’ve tried to be. Not just with our wallets, but with our time, with intention. The goal is to finish well.”
