What We Fund

We identify visionaries, institutions and unsung heroes doing groundbreaking work, and we amplify their impact by providing financial and strategic support. We invest in areas that reflect our founder's passions and perspective, including diabetes care and research, Israel's cultural and economic vitality, interfaith bridge-building, elevating the profession of sales and strengthening community in New Jersey. 

Our Founder

Russell Berrie, founder, chairman and CEO of the celebrated gift company bearing his name, was one of the most innovative philanthropists of his generation. He approached philanthropy as a social investment, seeking out energetic leaders with a sense of urgency around their missions and infusing The Russell Berrie Foundation with an entrepreneurial spirit that continues to inspire our work. 

Featured
Idana family mountain summit.jpg
Lessons from the Mountain: Navigating Philanthropy in Turbulent Times 

CEO Idana Goldberg reflects upon what we’ve learned – as a philanthropy and as a people – in the climb from the depths of despair toward an uncertain, uncharted path forward.

READ MORE HERE

Bridging the Gap roundtable discussion.jpg
NJ universities build skills to bridge deep divides 

Teams from six New Jersey colleges entered Interfaith America’s Bridging the Gap training program to gain critical bridge-building skills.

READ MORE HERE

Myron w. Angelica & Binny.jpg
Remembering Myron Rosner, beloved steward of Russ Berrie’s vision

Founding Trustee Myron Rosner was "a fierce and loyal defender of the Jewish people, reflecting a spirit that has animated our work since its earliest days."

READ MORE HERE

Binny photo_-Galilee Diabetes- SPHERE-267 1_1700068695192.jpg
Israel Director Binny Shalev to retire: Honoring a legacy of leadership  

Binny led Foundation staff and Trustees on a 19-year learning journey that shaped the directions of our Israel grantmaking.

READ MORE HERE

Israeli teens Slip & Slide.jpg
U.S. camp provides two-week escape for Israeli teens displaced by war

100 Israeli teens uprooted by the war attended Machane Am Echad, a special summer camping experience in the Poconos.

READ MORE HERE

Community Calls small group.jpg
Prophecy vs. Destiny? Building bridges to extinguish hate

With many Jews feeling alone and abandoned in this moment, CEO Idana Goldberg writes that we must redouble our commitment to building bridges, no matter how difficult and painful it may be.

READ MORE HERE