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What does Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies do?
Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies strives for a future in which the United States and Israel live up to their highest ideals and achieve more just and inclusive societies. We work to advance racial, gender and economic equity in the U.S., as well as to foster a more joyful and diverse Jewish community. In Israel, we work toward a secure homeland for the Jewish people, a thriving democracy and an inclusive society that cares for its most vulnerable. We aim to drive and support long-term systemic change through investments in leaders, organizations and U.S. public policy.
Why did your organization change its name?
In 1987, our organization was founded as the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. In January 2021, the Schusterman family announced that, going forward, their philanthropic work would be conducted under the name Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies. The new name reflects the broad range of the Schusterman family’s philanthropic and advocacy efforts in the United States and Israel.
In the U.S., Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies includes the charitable grantmaking and programmatic work of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, as well as the advocacy activities supported by the Schusterman family. In Israel, the organization operates as Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies – Israel, the English translation of the registered amutah (nonprofit) קרן שוסטרמן – ישראל. Schusterman.org serves as the website for Schusterman Family Philanthropies and reflects highlights of key activities in the U.S. and Israel.
Read our official announcement and a reflection from Stacy Schusterman to learn more about why we changed our public name.
What are Schusterman Family Philanthropies’ core portfolios and funding priorities?
Our work is primarily focused in seven portfolios in which we hope to make a deep and lasting impact.
- Criminal Justice: We seek to build healthy and safe communities by ending mass criminalization and incarceration, repairing the harm caused by a criminal legal system built on structural racism, and creating new pathways to justice and safety. Learn more about our work in criminal justice reform.
- Democracy and Voting Rights: We support efforts to enable all citizens of the United States to exercise their constitutional right to vote easily and safely, free from voter suppression, so they can have their voices heard and equitably represented in policymaking. Learn more about our work in democracy and voting rights.
- Education: We seek to build an equitable society in which Black and Latino students from low-income backgrounds can access a grade-level, engaging, affirming and meaningful K-12 education that empowers them on their own path to social and economic liberation. Learn more about our work in education.
- Gender and Reproductive Equity: We seek to build an equitable world in which women, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, particularly Black women and women of color, have access to reproductive health knowledge and care, to greater political and economic power and leadership, and to safety in all aspects of their lives. Learn more about work in gender and reproductive equity.
- Hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma: We support efforts to help youth and families in the Schusterman family’s hometown overcome the effects of systemic social, racial and economic inequality to achieve their full potential. Learn more about our work in Tulsa.
- Israel: We seek to strengthen Israel as a secure homeland for the Jewish people, a thriving democracy and an inclusive society that cares for its most vulnerable. Learn more about our work in Israel.
- Jewish Community: We seek to strengthen the future of the Jewish community by empowering young people to connect with inclusive Jewish values, deepen their understanding of Israel and contribute to a better world. Learn more about our work in the Jewish community.
Who are Charles and Lynn Schusterman?
Charles and Lynn Schusterman co-founded the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation in 1987 to help ensure a vibrant future for the Jewish people, the State of Israel and their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. At the heart of their philanthropy was a deep commitment to providing young people with the knowledge, self-confidence and experiences they need to better their lives and, in turn, become leaders in their communities. Learn more about Charles and Lynn.
Today, the Schusterman family’s philanthropic work is conducted under the name Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, which includes the charitable grantmaking and programmatic work of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, as well as the advocacy activities supported by the Schusterman family.
Who determines the overall direction of the organization?
Our organization is currently chaired by Stacy Schusterman, daughter of Charles and Lynn Schusterman. Learn more about Stacy. The overall direction of the organization is set by the Board and the Executive Leadership team.
How much does Schusterman Family Philanthropies give?
In 2023, Schusterman Family Philanthropies gave $414 million across the U.S. and Israel through its charitable and advocacy grantmaking. Since our founding in 1987, Schusterman Family Philanthropies has given over $2 billion to fund meaningful work across our seven portfolios.
How do I apply for a grant?
We do not accept unsolicited grant proposals from organizations or individuals. Our grant application process is by invitation only.
Can individuals apply for grants from Schusterman Family Philanthropies?
No, we do not provide grants to individuals.
Does Schusterman Family Philanthropies accept donations?
We do not solicit nor accept donations. However, we encourage those who want to give to our organization to support public charities in our portfolios.
What is the REALITY program?
REALITY is a week-long leadership journey in Israel that gathers highly influential thinkers and trailblazers. Participants engage in an intensive, thoughtfully curated itinerary designed to elevate their leadership and ignite their ambition to change the world. They develop deep friendships and partnerships with peers from across the globe, while exploring Israeli culture, history and society as a platform for understanding complexities in their own communities and industries. Effective, June 30, 2024, Schusterman will no longer run the REALITY program. Read our full announcement.
What is ROI Community and how do I apply?
ROI Community is an international network of activists and changemakers who are redefining Jewish engagement for a new generation of global citizens. Through its annual capstone Summit and an innovative suite of ongoing opportunities for professional development, networking and financial support, ROI empowers its members to take an active role in shaping the Jewish future.
Application to the ROI Summit is by recommendation. Each year, ROI Community members and organizational partners receive an invitation to recommend a candidate to join ROI Community. The candidate is then invited to apply to the upcoming ROI Summit. Learn more about ROI Community.
What is the Schusterman Fellowship?
The Schusterman Fellowship is a highly selective leadership development program for exceptional leaders committed to driving change in in the Jewish sector and the broader world. Our goal is to support, cultivate and invest in professionals motivated and ready to lead toward a more equitable and just future. Effective, June 30, 2024, Schusterman will no longer run the Schusterman Fellowship program. Read our full announcement.
Does Schusterman Family Philanthropies have any jobs available?
View our current job openings.