Extreme Philanthropy: Why Wealth Creation Fuels Impact at DEMINT
- Simon Hawk

- Sep 8
- 3 min read

At DEMINT, philanthropy isn't an afterthought—it's the heartbeat. Grounded in the idea of extreme philanthropy, we believe that generating vast wealth unlocks the potential to spark monumental, long-lasting change. Success isn't just personal gain—it's the foundation for transformation.
Wealth as a Tool for Impact
Money by itself is inert; its power lies in how it's mobilized. DEMINT commits to two core actions:
Generate maximum wealth through innovation and enterprise.
Channel that wealth into supercharging communities, enabling scalable, meaningful impact.
Business and charity aren't opposites—they're complementary engines fueling one another.

Learning from Global Leaders in Philanthropy
Extreme philanthropy isn't hypothetical—it’s proven by visionary foundations worldwide:
The Rockefeller Foundation has pioneered breakthroughs in public health and sustainable development that reshaped systems globally.
The Ford Foundation channels billions into human rights, economic justice, and cultural expression.
MacKenzie Scott has disrupted the status quo by distributing $14+ billion directly to grassroots nonprofits in a swift, trust-based manner.
These examples affirm that intentional wealth can be a catalyst for sweeping change.
Connecting with Local Visionaries in Puerto Rico
DEMINT’s vision resonates with and mirrors the impactful models already flourishing in Puerto Rico:
Casa Pueblo (Adjuntas)Since 1980, this grassroots organization has championed community self-reliance, ecological stewardship, and cultural identity. Their solar microgrid initiative, supported by donations from the Honnold Foundation, empowers local businesses and demonstrates energy independence in action. WikipediaTIME
El Departamento de la Comida (El Depa)Founded in 2010 by Tara Rodríguez Besosa in Caguas, this collective fosters food sovereignty through agroecology, seed libraries, rainwater capture, and sustainable farming—preserving Puerto Rican culture and autonomy. ThemEatingWell
Fundación Cortés (Old San Juan)Emerging post-Hurricane Maria, this foundation launched Educa Cortés, a temporary school using art to support emotional wellness in children, reaching thousands across the island. Wikipedia
Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico (FCPR)As Puerto Rico’s only community foundation, FCPR has awarded over $77 million in grants and support across essential sectors—like housing, water, energy, education, and community development. Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Ricomellon.org
Integro FoundationActing as a bridge, Integro channels strategic resources into vetted grassroots nonprofits, accelerating transformative work across the archipelago.integrofoundation.org
Bravo Family FoundationFounded by Orlando Bravo, this foundation responded swiftly to Hurricane Maria, delivering emergency aid and continues to support entrepreneurship, education access, and healthcare through initiatives such as the Rising Entrepreneurs Program and digital inclusion efforts.Wikipedia
Platform for Social Impact (PSI)PSI orchestrated a $43 million blended-finance project to build a community center (OASIS) in San Juan—housing the Boys & Girls Club and facilitating job training, health services, and family support. Funding sources ranged from banks and public agencies to philanthropic foundations like Flamboyán, Colibrí, Peter Alfond, and Banco Popular.impactalpha.comimpactpr.co
These local initiatives underscore a shared ethos: philanthropy isn't distant—it’s rooted in community, culture, and resilience.

Why Governance Matters: The Role of a Board of Directors
Extreme philanthropy isn't only about generosity—it demands rigor. That’s why DEMINT is forming a board of directors to ensure:
Mission-aligned allocations: Funds go where they align with DEMINT’s vision.
Transparent oversight: Stakeholders trust our decisions.
Measurable outcomes: Resources lead to clear, sustainable results.
A responsible board turns philanthropic intent into strategic impact.
Trust Through Verification: Accountants & Audits
Integrity is essential. DEMINT will employ professional accountants and conduct independent audits to ensure that:
Every dollar is accounted for.
Overhead stays minimal.
Donors, members, and communities trust our stewardship.
Rigorous financial oversight safeguards impact and builds credibility.
Building a Legacy of Change
Extreme philanthropy isn’t charity—it’s systemic transformation. DEMINT is dedicated to using wealth not for accumulation, but for amplification—empowering communities, catalyzing solutions, and sparking hope.
As DEMINT, and foundations across Puerto Rico, have shown: success magnified = impact multiplied.
That’s the promise of extreme philanthropy.



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