What We Fund

We identify visionaries, institutions and unsung heroes doing groundbreaking work, and we amplify their impact by providing financial and strategic support. We invest in areas that reflect our founder's passions and perspective, including diabetes care and research, Israel's cultural and economic vitality, interfaith bridge-building, elevating the profession of sales and strengthening community in New Jersey. 

Our Founder

Russell Berrie, founder, chairman and CEO of the celebrated gift company bearing his name, was one of the most innovative philanthropists of his generation. He approached philanthropy as a social investment, seeking out energetic leaders with a sense of urgency around their missions and infusing The Russell Berrie Foundation with an entrepreneurial spirit that continues to inspire our work. 

Featured
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A Sunrise Journey: Forty Years of Learning How to End Well

CEO Dr. Idana Goldberg shares how the Foundation’s path to its 2033 sunset – if well executed – should leave the organizations, communities, and causes we care about “stronger, more sustainable, and better equipped to create the change our world desperately needs.”

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Twenty Years at the Leading Edge: The Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute's Impact

A catalytic $26 million grant created an historic partnership and vaulted Israel to a position of global nano leadership.

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Building a Stronger Future for K-12 Jewish Education

Amidst rising antisemitism, a network of funders, Jewish groups, and educators aims to change how America’s public schools cover Jewish history and identity.

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Coalition Transforms Landscape for Haredi Employment

Over seven years, a US-Israeli funder coalition opened new career pathways for ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel and boosted employers’ hiring and retention success.

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Advancing Democracy 3.0 through Citizens Assemblies

Residents in six Israeli municipalities tackled complex issues and offered policy recommendations, reviving trust and shared responsibility to strengthen democracy.

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Welcoming Inbal Magen to the Foundation’s Israel team

The Foundation is thrilled to welcome Inbal Magen as its first Associate Program Officer in Israel. She brings an exceptional track record of strengthening relationships between public, business, and civil society organizations, as well as between Arab and Jewish communities.

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