Imagine if … our nation’s capital could be a model for social change and best practice. We have the talent, resources and tools to flip the switch and raise the bar. Are we asking the right questions – What works? What doesn’t work? How do we overcome redundancy and inefficiency? What can we be doing better and more imaginatively? We have an opportunity to accelerate positive change in our community.

By investing in new thinking, the Bernstein Family Foundation no longer has to stay stuck in traditional philanthropy and remain isolated with our three focus areas. We are starting to see emerging trends by converging arts and democracy (Landmark Music Festival) or arts and Judaism (Shabbat at National Museum of Women in the Arts). In fact, the greatest opportunity for change and impact is by listening to what the community leaders truly need beyond funding – access to other funders, opportunities to engage with other like-minded thought leaders, and adoption of private sector thinking in the non-profit space.

On behalf of the Bernstein Family Foundation, I am pleased to present the newly updated Bernstein Family Foundation website. We hope to use this space to highlight trends, community leaders, and innovation as we see it. This Foundation was founded by the ultimate innovator, risk taker, entrepreneur – Leo Bernstein. In his physical absence, he remains a source of inspiration that guides our family to make investments in people and ideas that will raise the bar for everyone.