The Hinman Charity
The Charity was established in 2013 and blossomed out of the Hinman Foundation which was established in 2004. While our work is guided by Buddhist principles and generally supports Buddhist communities, we are committed to working with all people.
Who Was William Hinman?
William Hinman was a prominent philanthropist, businessman and member of the Buddhist community and longtime business leader in Chicago. He was an active Buddhist practitioner for many years who worked tirelessly to preserve precious Tibetan Buddhist teachings and texts and traveled the world amassing an extensive collection of religious art, cultural material and literature that he made available to the American Buddhist community. He supported the construction and restoration of major monasteries in the United States, India and Tibet, many of the projects he started being completed after his death by the William Hinman Foundation that he endowed.
Throughout his life he inspired people to aim for their highest dreams and to achieve them. One of his many crowning achievements was to play a major role in the conception and creation of a full Nyingma Buddhist retreat center in upstate New York with the help and guidance of his longtime teachers.
His great joy and gusto for life, loving nature, generosity and creative mind are an enduring part of his legacy. Those who heard his infectious laugh will never forget it. He was a larger than life character who touched many people deeply. “Bill” was born in February 1945 in Evanston, Illinois and grew up in Lake Bluff, Illinois. He graduated from Cornell University. The trustees of the William Hinman Foundation aspire to continue his generous work with his spirit of generosity and compassion.
Leadership
The Trustees are inspired by using the principles of Buddhism to work with the global community to support the practice of Buddhism and enhance the quality of life.
Simeon Schnapper
Simeon Schnapper met William Hinman when he was 16 and they remained best friends until his passing. He has served on the Board since the Foundation’s creation in 2004. Simeon took refuge shortly after meeting Bill with Ven. Khenchen Palden Rinpoche and Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche. As a social entrepreneur and technologist he believes that web 2.0 and beyond will increasingly become part of future Buddhist traditions and combines his interest in technology and Buddhist practice to ideate new opportunities. He has been humbled by the experience of visiting and working closely with grantees and enjoys applying his experience to help grantees achieve their goals.
Affiliations
The Hinman Foundation is a member of the following affinity groups: