Guiding Principles

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In order to function in the biblical or modern times there must be boundaries and strong cultural identities. The intention behind creating our ten commandments or rather our guiding principles and values was to align and strengthen our collective identity. Even though we have a diverse board, we have more in common than we have different.

These commandments reflect our unity. As we remain devoted to our founder’s character and influence, we continue to refine and evolve to ensure we are relevant and effective.

        • Philanthropy is a privilege and opportunity. The board will conduct itself with integrity. We will remain devoted to our founder’s legacy, yet we will impart our authentic style and perspective.
        • Family is important. We value our differences, and we will concentrate our investments in areas where we share a common ground – Jewish Causes, American Democracy, and Arts & Culture.
        • Critical thinking is essential in our decision making about who to fund. Our intention is to positively impact the well being of our nation’s capital and communities in which we live.
        • Philanthropy is a powerful vehicle for social change, and we will roll up our sleeves to become part of that change.
        • We are not here to reinvent the wheel but rather build on the existing infrastructure. We value strategic partnerships and hope to attract other stakeholders to accelerate change.
        • Philanthropy is more than check writing. We can’t solve any one social issue or challenge, but commit to creating mechanisms to harvest and transmit our ideas for everyone’s benefit.
        • We will act as an incubator for innovation focusing on the greater DC area, but will take interest in activity that can have a ripple effect in regional or national level.
        • We will leverage our intellectual and social capital to magnify our grant making. We will convene groups of people together to strengthen organizations in our three core focus areas.
        • We will take risks the right way. By conducting due diligence, asking the right questions and surrounding ourselves with quality people and organizations, we can be leaders with significant impact.
        • We believe that the field of philanthropy is strengthened when leaders in diverse fields share and learn from each other. By sharing ideas, we can reduce redundancy and improve efficiency models.

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