Who We Are
Our foundation is based on the principle of Relationship Philanthropy. Simply stared, relationship philanthropy means that donors establish personal relationships with recipients. Relationship philanthropy benefits the donors as much as the recipients.
Susan and David Burwen, founders of the Burwen Education Foundation, have been pioneering ‘relationship philanthropy’ since 2001. They are passionate about providing tools for people to lift themselves out of poverty, especially through education, giving them opportunities to lead more fulfilling lives. The Burwens’ motivation stems from the concept of “paying forward” the opportunities they had access to as citizens of the United States.
In addition to their social philanthropy in Nepal, the Burwens provide college scholarships and extensive mentoring to local students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (https://burweneducationfoundation.org).
David’s career was focused on sales, marketing, business development, and executive management in high technology companies. Susan was a staff research scientist at the Veterans Administration. David has a Bachelors Degree in Physics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Masters Degree in Physics from Brandeis University. Susan has Bachelors Degree in Biology from Brandeis University and a PhD in Cell Physiology from Harvard University.
In addition to their social philanthropy in Nepal, the Burwens provide college scholarships and extensive mentoring to local students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (https://burweneducationfoundation.org).
David’s career was focused on sales, marketing, business development, and executive management in high technology companies. Susan was a staff research scientist at the Veterans Administration. David has a Bachelors Degree in Physics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Masters Degree in Physics from Brandeis University. Susan has Bachelors Degree in Biology from Brandeis University and a PhD in Cell Physiology from Harvard University.
Why We Get Involved
Why do we invest so much time and care so deeply? Our interactions with the recipients of our philanthropy are an extremely rewarding investment of our time and add great meaning to our lives. The relationships we form are deeply gratifying as we watch individuals, many whom we know, improve their lives and share their newfound expertise to expand resources and improve lives in the Solu region of Nepal.