Mission&values
The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation is committed to strengthening the Jewish people, public education in the United States and the quality of life in its hometown of Tulsa, OK. Rooted in Jewish values, the Foundation pursues its mission by providing young people with high-quality education, identity development, leadership training and service opportunities that foster their growth as individuals and as leaders in their communities, the Jewish world and beyond. Discover our interest areas
Within the Jewish world, the Foundation empowers young people to engage in meaningful Jewish experiences, build inclusive Jewish communities, connect with the State of Israel and repair the world. Learn more about our work in the Jewish community
Within the field of education, the Foundation invests in reform efforts within and outside of U.S. school systems that improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all students. Learn more about our work in public education
Within Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Foundation provides assistance to organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in its hometown, especially in the areas of child advocacy, youth development and community service. Learn more about our work in Tulsa
Values
When our founders, Charles and Lynn Schusterman, began their philanthropic journey in 1987, they gave powerful expression to five core values that filled the home they built together and that continue to define our philanthropic agenda:
- A profound devotion to Judaism, the Jewish people and the Jewish State. We believe that the ethics, values and lessons inherent in Judaism remain as relevant today as they have for thousands of years and that the perpetuation of the Jewish community and the State of Israel is of paramount importance for the Jewish people and for society as a whole.
- A commitment to fulfill the imperative of tikkun olam (repairing the world). Jewish tradition teaches that we have a duty to help make our world a better place. We believe that Rabbi Tarfon, a great Jewish sage, spoke for all humanity when he explained that “while no one person is obligated to complete the task [of tikkun olam], neither is anyone free to desist from it.”
- A commitment to providing all people with access to education. A good education is critical to ensuring a better future for our children, our communities, our country and our world. We believe that all people should have equal opportunity to learn in safe, secure, nurturing environments so they can pursue the knowledge and skills they need to lead self-sufficient lives and to help strengthen their communities.
- A deep affection for the citizens of our hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. In keeping with our founders’ vision, we have always supported and strengthened the communities closest to our hearts. We believe that striving to enhance the quality of life in your home community is a fundamental responsibility of those blessed with the resources to pursue that noble objective.
- A belief in forging communities rooted in inclusion, equality and diversity. Central to Jewish tradition is the obligation to treat all people with derekh eretz (civility and humanity) and chesed (mercy and kindness). We believe that our rich diversity of backgrounds, passions and interests is a source of vitality and strength. All people should feel safe in and proud of who they are and experience a strong sense of community and connectedness.
Even as our philanthropy has evolved to meet the needs of an increasingly complex and interconnected world, we have remained as we began: a group of passionate people committed to helping others realize their full potential.
Diversity Statement (Adopted August 2007)
The Schusterman family of philanthropic entities values diversity in its employment practices, in the organizations it supports and in all of its other endeavors.
We believe that an understanding of and an appreciation for differences—age, color, disability, sex, race/ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression—lead to healthy and inclusive communities. We believe that by respecting all people and hearing all voices—by celebrating our shared humanity—we make better decisions for ourselves and for the communities we serve.
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