Paul Goldring Garrett
Founder / Chairperson
Paul Goldring Garrett is a Southern California native who grew up knowing a gentler, less-crowded California. He is a graduate of UCLA. He has been involved in all facets of real estate and agriculture, including roles as developer, investor, builder, broker, cattle rancher, agribusiness-man and organic farmer.
Paul started BetterWorld when he was 24. He kept the idea alive and relaunched it with his wife Diane in 2000 as the culmination of his lifelong dream and vision of intentionally creating a better world.
Paul is a true venture philanthropist with broad interests ranging from: lending vehicles for incentivizing SME’s (small/medium entrepreneurs); foster youth; literacy initiatives throughout Africa; prenatal to third grade (P-3) early care and education initiatives in the US; training of community health workers in Africa; encouraging the development and expansion of renewable energy sources; and, supporting low-cost innovative housing initiatives.
It is Paul Goldring Garrett’s objective to reduce poverty and improve the economic prospects of local economies with small and medium-sized entrepreneurs through concentrated investments of capital, debt, and expertise. He is currently working on developing a mechanism to further this objective called the “Perpetual Bank of Opportunity”, through the BetterWorld Trust and his newest company BetterWorld Ventures.
Diane Garrett
Vice Chairperson
Global philanthropist, community activist, artist, businesswoman, and organizational leader are just a few of the roles currently managed by Diane Garrett. As Vice Chairperson of The BetterWorld Trust, Diane maintains an active voice in all local, national and international grant making and venture philanthropy initiatives.
Diane's core values (equality, compassion, a sense of fairness and a strong work ethic) were instilled early in her life. These values have evolved into a lifelong commitment toward progress pertaining to the survival, elevation and well-being of mankind. Her mission is to help advance the quality of life for all people and to strengthen the fabric of community. She is particularly dedicated to improving the value of education, based on her principal belief that a good education will help children enter adulthood more prepared to face the challenges and complexities of life. Diane is particularly Inspired by the work of prominent economist and Nobel Laureate Dr. James Heckman for his renowned research about the significant impact that early care and education has on the future prospects of children. She leads BetterWorld Trust’s focus on early care and education.
In addition to her responsibilities at The BetterWorld Trust , Diane also serves on the Board of Advisors of The Garrett Group, her husband's land and Real Estate Management Company. Previously, Diane worked in the commercial insurance industry for 32 years, starting in Omaha, Nebraska with two Berkshire Hathaway insurance companies. During her extensive career, she operated her own agency, worked as an independent agent, and managed the second largest agency in Southern California.
Diane has served as an advisor and active Board member for multiple non-profits in Nebraska and California, most with a focus on helping women and children overcome poverty. She has also served as Chairman of a foundation working for the advancement of higher education