Meet Harris Frank

Harris Frank has been involved in St. Louis philanthropy for over half a century, starting when he was a young student working on community projects at MICDS. He’s passionate about educating children and currently gives both financially as well as volunteering his time as a tutor.

He became acquainted with City Academy in 2008.  The private, independent school serves approximately 150 children in North St. Louis and focuses on challenging curriculum, low student-to-teacher ratios, and high standards.

Harris was deeply impressed with the difference the school makes in students’ lives. “I’ve seen the way they teach and the changes they create for the kids. It’s kind of a miracle,” says Frank

Harris decided to make a major gift to the school but learned that, unlike larger learning institutions with dedicated staffs for fundraising and donor relations, City Academy’s development department was not set up to accept it.

“We don’t have the capacity to manage the paperwork and legalities that are involved with a charitable remainder trust.  Working with the Foundation allowed us to access the services we needed without adding to our workload, while also delivering what is expected to the donor.  It was a win-win,” said Ginger Imster, City Academy’s director of development.