Ruth Ann Harnisch, president and founder of the The Harnisch Foundation, is very clear about what she expects when it comes to her charitable contributions.

 “I’m always looking for the maximum return on my investment,” she said, “It’s the big bang for the buck philanthropy.” Known for her creative and unusual philanthropy, Harnisch is convinced that everyone has some untapped capacity to give in a way that can improve something. “Everyone has something they are passionate about and, no matter their economic circumstances or how diminished they may feel, they are rich in something – time, skills, or extra physical goods.”

Harnisch’s passions are philanthropy, professional coaching and journalism, and it’s her interest in journalism that connected her with Kennesaw State. A former journalist, Harnisch discovered the work of Leonard Witt, KSU’s Robert D. Fowler Distinguished Chair in Communication, and seized the opportunity to collaborate and establish the Center for Sustainable Journalism at the university. The center’s mission is to discover innovative ways to produce financially sustainable, high quality and ethically sound journalism. The Harnisch Foundation in January awarded $1.5 million to the KSU Foundation to create the center and aid Witt’s work with community-supported journalism. Last year, The Harnisch Foundation provided more than $60,000  to underwrite Witt ‘s first community-supported trial project in Northfield, Minn.   Harnisch and Witt refer to each other as visionaries – and both see the future of journalism desperately in need of new ideas and smart practices.

“Technology has changed everything for everyone in everyway,” said Harnisch. “Len Witt is a visionary, and I am investing in his vision and leadership.” According to Harnisch, the media failed to grasp the impact the internet would have on the industry and many in the business are still clinging to old ways. But Witt, she said, “identified early on that the system is broken and old-fashioned ways are no longer viable.  He is unafraid and bold. Witt moves at the speed of ‘now.’”

Harnisch Foundation president Ruth Ann Harnisch presents check to KSU's Leonard Witt.

Harnisch has never been to Kennesaw State’s campus, but discovered the university through Witt’s work. “Len is willing to move as fast as the times demand. That’s unusual in academia.  Therefore, even though there are bigger, more famous educational institutions serving journalism, I chose to make my investment with KSU because of Len Witt.”

Witt is equal in his praise for Harnisch. “Ruth Ann’s financial support through The Harnisch Foundation is, of course, important, but without her inspirational and intellectual support and advice, there would be no Center for Sustainable Journalism,” he said.  “Ruth Ann brings a we-will-get-this-done attitude that has become embodied in the Center for Sustainable Journalism itself.”

Harnisch refers to herself as a “recovering journalist” and spent three decades in media work, including Emmy-nominated television reporting and anchoring at the CBS-TV affiliate in Nashville, TN, a daily talk-radio program on WLAC-AM, and 17 years as a columnist for the Nashville Banner. After retiring from her journalism career, she became involved in nonprofit work and professional coaching. In 1998, she created The Harnisch Foundation and is also co-founder of The Foundation of Coaching. The Center for Sustainable Journalism is necessary, she explains, because the free flow of high quality information is essential to the American way of life. “Citizens need information – ethically gathered, professionally and responsibly recorded and edited so they can make informed decisions about their lives, their government, and their civic participation. We’ve all seen what failure to report accurately and deeply has created in terms of our engagement in the wider world.”

As a reporter, Harnisch said she quickly realized most news is about what’s not working and, with more education or more money or both, most anything could be fixed. And if it didn’t fix it, it certainly helped improve it. “I try not to throw money at stupid,” quipped Harnisch.

Harnisch’s personality is engaging and inspirational. Even after a short conversation, a listener can easily feel empowered to change the world, or at least make a small difference. 

“Now is the time to tap that untapped capacity,“ she advised.  “Put it to use to preserve or change those things that are meaningful.”

And, in turn, she said, you will feel good. “Some people say you should give until it hurts. I don’t believe that. I think you should give until it feels good. If you’re not feeling thrilled, then it’s not the right gift. Everyone can think of a time when they gave something that made them feel great. When did you give something that made you feel terrific? Do that again!”

Adding with a laugh, “Lather, rinse, repeat.”

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