About
Keith established The Campbell Foundation in 1998 to improve the conditions of America’s largest and most ecologically diverse estuary systems: the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays. In 2003, Keith expanded the geographic focus of The Campbell Foundation to include California and the San Francisco Bay watershed under the leadership of his daughter and the Foundation’s President, Samantha Campbell.
Our Story
Building on his childhood experiences and appreciation of coastal bays, investment advisor Keith Campbell located his firm Campbell & Company in Baltimore in 1973. He believed then, as he does now, that a thriving natural environment provides strong support for the economy of a region.
Keith established The Campbell Foundation in 1998 to improve the conditions of America’s largest and most ecologically diverse estuary systems: the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays. In 2003, Keith expanded the geographic focus of The Campbell Foundation to include California and the San Francisco Bay watershed under the leadership of his daughter and the Foundation’s President, Samantha Campbell.
In response to a call for improved practices in philanthropy, we offer a broad range of grants, including unsolicited, multi-year, general support, and capacity building. In 2024, the Foundation provided more than $28 million in grants to organizations focused on enabling vibrant, livable communities in watershed regions. And, to mobilize more funds more quickly, we have historically allocated greater than 8% of our asset base to grants.
About Keith
Keith is now retired from the day-to-day operations of the Foundation, but still keeps his feet wet on the shores of the Chesapeake. Keith lives with his wife in Towson, Maryland.
Affiliations:
The Hippodrome, Director – 2020 to 2022
National Aquarium in Baltimore, Director – 2014 to 2022
Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Honorary Trustee – 2022 to present; Trustee – 2013 to 2021; Honorary Trustee – 2010-2012; Chairman – 2007 to 2010; Trustee – 2001 to 2010
Environmental Defense Fund, Director – 2013 to 2015
National Geographic Counsel of Advisors, 2012 to 2013
Coastal Conservation Association Maryland, Director – 2002 to 2010
Oyster Recovery Partnership, Director – 2001 to 2010
Assateague Coastal Trust, Director – 2003 to 2010
Affinity Groups
The Campbell Foundation is proud to be a member of the following groups: