Our Story
1985
The Beker Foundation was established in 1985 by Jayne and Harvey Beker in New York.
2015
The foundation relocated to Greater Boston in 2015, where most of the family’s giving is focused today.
$40M+
The foundation is proud to have made over 2,500 grants since its inception, distributing over $40,000,000 and counting.
Mission Statement
The Beker Foundation is a multi-generational foundation established with deep gratitude for the generosity of others, and to continue a legacy of tzedakah (giving).
We support creative, community-centered, and collaborative organizations doing work within and outside the Jewish community. We believe in the power of education to reduce barriers and increase opportunities. We seek to cultivate an equitable world where diverse people come together to find common ground and connection. We focus our funding in the Boston area and other communities where our family members live. Our hope is that those who benefit from our giving will be inspired, as we have been, to pay it forward.
Core Values
Loving Kindness
We acknowledge the power of doing good and being good. We seek to fund projects that bring light into the world, and we want to show up for this work as our best selves.
Jewish Continuity
We recognize the preciousness of Jewish life and Jewish tradition. We are part of an unbroken chain, holding a responsibility to both the past and the future generations.
Creativity & Innovation
We understand that fresh solutions are needed to respond to both longstanding and emergent problems. We believe that the arts are an essential lever for bringing about meaningful change.
Respect for Human Dignity
We actively work to promote justice and equity, especially for people whose identities have historically been marginalized.
Mutual Responsibility
We live in a world that is interconnected and interdependent. We have an obligation to distribute our resources wisely and to be accountable to our communities and our grantees.