Thirty-five years after Natalie Cole’s groundbreaking album Unforgettable… with Love resonated with audiences worldwide, her musical legacy continues to shine brightly, not just through her iconic recordings, but through a profound and sustained commitment to philanthropy. The spirit of giving back and paying it forward, deeply ingrained in the Cole family, is now manifesting in substantial charitable contributions, scholarships, and the nurturing of artistic and educational endeavors across the globe. The Natalie Cole Foundation, established following the singer’s passing in 2015, has become a powerful engine for change, having donated over $1 million in the past two years alone, a testament to Natalie Cole’s enduring wish to support vital causes.
A Musical Milestone and a Lasting Commitment
In 1991, Unforgettable… with Love became Natalie Cole’s most commercially successful album, a poignant tribute to her legendary father, Nat King Cole. This ambitious project, featuring her interpretations of standards previously performed by her father, not only solidified her own place in the pantheon of R&B, pop, and jazz artists but also achieved critical acclaim, earning a seven-time platinum certification and the prestigious Grammy Award for Album of the Year. The album’s title track, a breathtaking father-daughter duet created through innovative studio technology, "Unforgettable," garnered three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, forever etching the pair’s harmonious connection into music history.
Beyond the glittering accolades and chart success, the Unforgettable… with Love project also served as a powerful catalyst for a philanthropic mission that continues to this day. Natalie Cole’s vision for her estate was to transition its entirety into a nonprofit foundation, a unique arrangement in the music industry. This directive ensures that every dollar generated from her music royalties, SAG royalties, book royalties, and other intellectual property rights directly fuels the foundation’s charitable work.
The Natalie Cole Foundation: A Direct Descendant of Generosity
The Natalie Cole Foundation operates under a clear and impactful mission statement: "to give to charities where we can make a profound difference." This directive, championed by the foundation’s CEO, Howard Grossman, guides its strategic allocation of resources. Grossman, who served as Natalie Cole’s business manager from the late 1980s until her death and was appointed executor of her estate, established the foundation and assumed the role of sole trustee after the passing of Natalie’s son, Robert Yancy, in 2017.
"Unlike any foundation that is entertainment-derived that we know of – other than maybe the Louis Armstrong Foundation, which only services New Orleans – we are the only foundation of our type where 100% of the money goes to charity," Grossman stated, highlighting the exceptional purity of the foundation’s operational model. This commitment to direct impact is further reinforced by a dedicated board of directors, including CFO Eduardo Pabellon, Seth Berg (co-manager of Frank Sinatra Enterprises and manager of Natalie Cole’s entertainment legacy), and music attorney Michael Crain.
Diverse Philanthropic Pillars: Arts, Education, and Community Support
The foundation’s philanthropic efforts are multifaceted, demonstrating a deep commitment to supporting the arts, fostering educational opportunities, and addressing critical community needs. A significant portion of its funding is directed towards arts and education initiatives, reflecting Natalie Cole’s own passion for these fields.
One notable example of the foundation’s impact is its support for the Bhatia Family Village in Los Angeles. A substantial donation enabled the construction of an assisted living facility specifically designed for autistic individuals aged 18 and over who have aged out of government assistance programs. Grossman elaborated on the critical nature of this support: "If you’re on the spectrum, once you turn 18, you fall off the grid in terms of government help. This is what I mean by making a difference." This initiative directly addresses a significant gap in support systems for a vulnerable population, offering a tangible pathway to independence and well-being.
The foundation also contributes to the TM23 Foundation, aiding in the creation of soccer fields for underprivileged children in the Los Angeles area. These fields, named "Tommy’s Field" in honor of Tommy Mark, a young soccer player who tragically passed away in 2018, serve as safe and nurturing spaces for local children and those with special needs. The project has already seen two fields become operational, with a third currently under construction, underscoring a commitment to providing essential recreational and social outlets for youth.
Arts and education remain central to the foundation’s mission. Collaborations with organizations like the Playing for Change Foundation have led to the funding of a vibrant community center in Cahuita, Costa Rica. This center, recognized by the United Nations for its positive impact on underserved children, offers comprehensive instruction in musical instruments, dance, and voice, alongside a vital after-school program. The center embodies the transformative power of the arts in providing children with creative outlets, educational enrichment, and a sense of belonging.
Further supporting the arts and music education, the Natalie Cole Foundation provides significant contributions to the Harlem School of the Arts and Grammy Camp. These institutions are vital in nurturing young talent and providing access to high-quality arts education, which is increasingly under threat due to budget cuts in public school systems. The foundation’s investment ensures that these programs can continue to offer invaluable opportunities for aspiring artists and musicians.
The foundation also extends its support to the David Foster Foundation. David Foster, a renowned producer and close friend of Natalie Cole, played a pivotal role in producing the Unforgettable album. His foundation’s work aligns with the Cole family’s philanthropic ethos, further amplifying the impact of their charitable endeavors.
The Nat King Cole Foundation: A Legacy of Hope and Harmony
The philanthropic spirit of the Cole family predates the establishment of the Natalie Cole Foundation. Recognizing the critical need for music education, particularly in light of budget cuts impacting school arts programs, Natalie Cole’s twin sisters, Casey and Timolin Cole, founded Nat King Cole Generation Hope in 2008. Based in South Florida, the organization initially focused on funding music education programs in their local area and later expanded to Chicago.
"We thought it would be an important and wonderful way to keep our father’s memory alive," shared Timolin Cole, reflecting on the genesis of their foundation. "Casey and I were never in the forefront. We’re not the singers, the performers. So we like to be on this side of the aisle. We’ve proudly provided music education to thousands of children, carrying forward our father’s legacy of hope, harmony and opportunity."
A United Front: The Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Foundations
In a strategic move to amplify their collective impact and broaden their reach, the Nat King Cole Generation Hope, subsequently renamed the Nat King Cole Foundation, and the Natalie Cole Foundation have recently joined forces to support specific scholarships and charitable causes. This partnership represents a powerful synergy, leveraging the strengths and resources of both entities to achieve common philanthropic goals.
"It made sense," explained Howard Grossman, "to complement each other and work together on goals that were common to both of us." This collaborative approach allows for greater efficiency, wider dissemination of resources, and a more profound impact on the lives of beneficiaries.
The joint initiatives are far-reaching. Both foundations are significant contributors to multiple scholarships for Grammy Camp, an intensive music education program that provides aspiring young musicians with hands-on experience and mentorship. They also jointly support a choir and orchestra at the Harlem School of the Arts, fostering artistic development and performance opportunities for students. Furthermore, both foundations are major benefactors of the City of Hope and the Children’s Hospital of L.A., underscoring a shared commitment to healthcare and research.
Investing in Future Talent: Joint Scholarships and Emerging Artists
A significant highlight of this collaboration was the inaugural joint scholarship for voice awarded by Berklee College of Music last November. The $75,000 scholarship was presented to sophomore student Paris Pineyro and coincided with what would have been Natalie Cole’s 75th birthday, a poignant tribute to her enduring legacy. This scholarship not only supports an individual’s musical aspirations but also reinforces Berklee’s commitment to nurturing diverse talent.
More recently, Casey and Timolin Cole attended the Vienna Philharmonic Ball to announce the foundations’ commitment to funding the first scholarship for an American student to attend the Vienna Philharmonic Academy. This initiative opens doors for aspiring classical musicians to engage with one of the world’s most prestigious musical institutions, further expanding the global reach of the Cole family’s philanthropic vision.
A Lasting Resonance: The Transformative Power of Music
The collaboration between the Nat King Cole Foundation and the Natalie Cole Foundation represents more than just a partnership; it embodies a deeply held family belief in the transformative power of music. Casey Cole articulated this sentiment powerfully: "It’s about a shared belief that our father and sister had about the transformative power of music; its timeless ability to inspire, empower and uplift. And that’s what we hope to do. It’s all about connecting cultures, saving lives across generations and wanting to give children the opportunity to explore and enjoy the power of music."
This shared vision underscores the enduring impact of the Cole family’s musical heritage, extending far beyond the concert hall and recording studio. Through their dedicated philanthropic efforts, they are actively shaping a future where music continues to inspire, empower, and uplift, ensuring that the "Unforgettable" spirit of Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole resonates for generations to come. The ongoing support for arts education, community development, and healthcare initiatives demonstrates a profound understanding of how art and compassion can converge to create meaningful and lasting change in the world. The example set by the Cole family serves as an inspiration, illustrating how a rich artistic legacy can be a powerful catalyst for humanitarian action.
