Mission

The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation is dedicated to spreading the joy of Jewish living, giving and learning around the world and to enhancing the quality of life in our hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Through our national office in Washington, DC, CLSFF supports programs that ensure vibrant Jewish life by empowering young Jews to embrace the joy of Judaism, build inclusive Jewish communities, support the State of Israel and repair the world.

Established in 1987 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Foundation also provides assistance to non-sectarian charitable organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our hometown, especially in the areas of education, child advocacy and youth development.

Learn more about our national and international Programs and Partnerships.

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 three passions that continue to define our distinctiveness and the core of 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 people and the State of Israel is of paramount importance.
• A commitment to fulfill the Biblical imperative of tikkun olam (repairing the world): 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 deep affection for the citizens of our hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma: 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.

For all of the changes we have witnessed since 1987, the founding ideals and values with which Charles and Lynn established CLSFF have not shifted. We remain as we began: a group of like-minded people who share an interest in and passion for helping others realize their full potential.

For more, read our 10th Anniversary report (in honor of Charles), A Most Notable Life, and our 20th Anniversary Report, Celebrating 20 Years of Values in Action.

Inclusivity Statement Adopted August 2007, Revised January 2011

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.