The philanthropic legacy of the Durfee family began when adhesive label inventor R. Stanton “Stan” Avery and his wife Dorothy Durfee Avery created the Durfee Foundation. The Foundation has supported leaders and innovators in Los Angeles for more than half a century.

In 1993, when Carrie was named President and board chair, she became the third generation of Averys to take the helm. A voice of experience on family foundations, Carrie currently chairs the board of the National Center for Family Philanthropy.

As remarkable as Durfee may be for its continuity across generations, in recent years, it’s been equally remarkable for the innovative programs Carrie has helped bring about, thanks in part to the flexible mission left by her grandfather.

The Durfee Sabbatical Program and the Stanton Fellowship, which give nonprofit leaders much-needed time off and time to think respectively, are revolutionary. A big believer in the power of small grants, Carrie often focuses on new and innovative ideas; once a door has been opened, she’s happy to hand off to other funders for longer-term support.

Carrie has certainly made her mark, not only on the city of Los Angeles, but on the philanthropic field. Meanwhile, she has remained utterly true to her grandfather’s creative spirit.