How the Esch Family Gives Together
The Esch family has a longstanding tradition of making charitable contributions together. When considering how to structure their giving, John Esch and his sons, Grainger and Gregor, set up a donor advised fund at NTCF. As a CPA and attorney, John recognized the inherent tax benefits, growth capacity, and strategies offered to expand the fund’s giving potential. The fund also allows the family to make significant contributions to various nonprofits, supporting causes that resonate for each family member.
Gregor Esch, TCU alumni and longtime Board member of Easter Seals of North Texas and Miracle Fields of DFW, was born with cerebral palsy and has provided support for organizations that provide robust services for those with disabilities. Grainger, a local actor and therapeutic clown at Cook Childrens, connects with organizations that address homelessness, environmental protection, and arts for children. John has served on many boards including as Chair of the James L. West Center for Dementia Care and the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation and has particular interest in all levels of education. The Esch family regularly participates in NTCF grant cycles to pool their donations with others and maximize their impact.
In 2021, the family deepened their philanthropic involvement by establishing the Mary G. Esch and Mary N. Esch Endowment Fund for the TCU Burnett Medical School to honor the memory of wife and mother Mary Norwood Esch and John’s mother, Mary Guinn Esch. The fund annually supports the Scholarly Pursuit and Thesis program while offsetting the costs of new student research projects each year.
The Esch family exemplifies the power of giving together to create a legacy that reflects their shared values and strengthens the Fort Worth community they hold dear.
“Philanthropic giving is more a learned trait than an inherited one. It brings great joy to Grainger, Gregor and me to continue to broaden our learning and our activity together through the amazing resources so thoughtfully provided by NTCF.” — John Esch
