Summary
The foundation was established in 1987 by the couple, Charles and Lynn Shusterman. Charles Schusterman was the founder of Samson Investment Company. Iמ October 2022, the Foundation was renamed the Schusterman Family Foundation, under the direction of Lynn, and her daughter, Stacey Schusterman.
The foundation assets worth an estimated $ 3.9 billion, and it contributes over 150 million annually.
the Foundation has offices in Atlanta, GA; Jerusalem, Israel; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; Tulsa, OK; and Washington, DC.
Background
Charles Schusterman was a successful businessman who founded in 1971 the oil exploration company, "Samson Investment Company", currently ranked among the 20 largest oil companies in the United States and the largest of private holdings.
Charles Schusterman was also vice president of AIPAC and the American Republican Party favorite.
In 1983 Schusterman was diagnosed with leukemia and died in 2000 from a complication of the disease after many years of struggle. Since his death, his wife, Lynn Schusterman, manages the philanthropic activities that Schusterman loved so much. His daughter, Stacy Schusterman, inherited his business and is now the CEO of the oil exploration company founded by her father. The company has over 1200 employees and specializes in oil exploration and more recently, in natural gas and is now called "Samson Resources" after selling some of the company's assets for $ 7.2 billion.
Charles married Lynn Schusterman in 1962 and they have three children.
Lynn Schusterman established in 2006 the Israeli branch of the foundation located in Jerusalem. In 2011, Schusterman joined Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and others by signing the Giving Pledge. Schusterman’s giving is focused on the global Jewish community, Israel and her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 2012 she was ranked 117 on the list of the 400 richest people in the United States, and her fortune was estimated at $ 3.2 billion.
In addition to her philanthropy, Schusterman holds a variety of leadership positions in organizations such as BBYO, Hillel, Repair the World and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. She is also a founding member of the Birthright Israel Foundation.
Targets
- Education: Investing in reform efforts within and outside of U.S. school systems that improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all students, with a particular focus on low-income communities.
- Jewish community: Shaping diverse, inclusive Jewish communities, deeply connected to Israel and committed to making the world a better place.
- Israel: Deepening the connection and commitment to Israel on the world stage while also helping Israel meet the demands of its growing and increasingly diverse society, primarily in the areas of child protection and the renewal of Jerusalem.
Fields of Interest
Arts, Children, Education, Higher Education, Jewish Identity, Leadership Development, Teaching
Geographical Focus
U.S
Israel
Average Grant
30-50 Thousand $
How to Apply
The foundation is not currently accepting unsolicited requests or proposals for funding.
Supported Organizations
Israel
Tel Aviv University, The Israel Democracy Institute, Israel Museum, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, American Israel Education Foundation, artis, ORT, Teach First Israel, Bezalel Academy of Arts and Designs, Israel Center for Excellence in Education, JDC Israel.
U.S.A
Foundation for Tulsa Schools, Enterprise Community Partners , Repair the World, Duke University
More Info and Guidance
The Foundation grants vary in different amounts, from grants of about $ 2,500 to grants of $ 150,000.
The foundation is linked to two other foundations:
Schusterman Foundation – Israel - the Israeli branch of the Foundation that was established in 2006 through which most donations to organizations in Israel are granted.
The Dan & Gloria Schusterman Foundation - a foundation founded by Charles Schusterman's brother
People
Stacy Schusterman, Chair
Lisa Eisen, President,
U.S. Jewish Portfolio
Julie Mikuta, President,
U.S. Education Portfolio
Lynn Schusterman, Other,
Founder and Chair Emerita
David Weil, Other,
Chief Operating Officer
Sanford R. Cardin, Other,
Senior Advisor
