Dr. Loren Finnell, Resource Foundation Founder, Dies

LARCHMONT, NY — Dr. Loren Finnell, formerly of Larchmont, died peacefully during the morning of Oct. 21, 2018. His wife, Pilar, daughter Lorena, niece Maria and long-time friend Marlon Salazar were at his bedside at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx when he passed.

His biggest contribution to society was the founding of The Resource Foundation in 1987. His larger-than-life spirit, love for humanity and revolutionary approach to philanthropy leaves a lasting mark in the international development arena. The Resource Foundation (TRF) works to empower communities across Latin America and the Caribbean with skills, knowledge and opportunities to improve lives by providing a hand-up, not a hand-out, a revolutionary idea at the time. The Resource Foundation has grown in size and stature, supporting programs in 29 countries and reaching almost 3 million people each year with support from leading corporations, foundations and caring individuals.

“Loren poured his heart and soul and personal finances into starting the foundation. His passion about its mission was infectious,” Ken Ricci, former board chairman, longtime friend and current board member reflected.

Loren headed his own consulting firm for 8 years and helped found and develop Private Agencies Collaborating Together (PACT), a U.S.-based international consortium of nonprofits.

In honor of his life’s work, Dr. Finnell received a number of awards during his lifetime. These include the National Peace Corps Association’s 2006 Sargent Shriver Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Service. That same year, he was named a Skoll Foundation Fellow for his innovation in creating The Resource Foundation to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. Dr. Finnell was also recognized three times by his beloved alma mater, Manchester College, including receiving a Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa, in 2008. In 2009, Dr. Finnell was named a fellow of the Foreign Policy Association, and in 2011, he was invited to become a member of the Clinton Global Initiative. In 2013, The Resource Foundation’s Board of Directors established the Loren and Pilar Finnell Catalyst Award to recognize local organizations that most exhibit the visionary characteristics of TRF’s founders.

“Loren was a great mentor and visionary. He believed in changing the world from within. He recognized that each individual just needs a hand up so they could make a difference in their lives and the lives of their loved ones. His zealous advocacy drives us at the Foundation to this day!” said Marcela Lopez-Macedonio, lifelong friend and CEO of The Resource Foundation.

Dr. Finnell believed that every person has the power to lead the life he or she envisioned. In a 2008 commencement speech at Manchester University, he said, “I challenge you to go forth and experience … Be committed and do not be afraid to break new ground. Most of all, be kind, considerate and understanding of your fellow human beings, and of the Earth that God has given us.”

Dr. Finnell is survived by his wife Pilar, daughter Lorena, sister Anne and brother-in-law David Cook, nieces and nephew Katy, Valerie and Andrew Frantz, niece Maria Vasquez, many loving relatives in Ecuador, and the millions of people he has reached across the globe.

The Resource Foundation has established the Loren Finnell Fund for donations in his honor.

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Photo caption: Dr. Loren Finnell, right. Photo credit: Submitted.