The Wilf Family Foundations’ mission is to perpetuate the philanthropic vision of the Wilf family, initiated by the Foundations’ founders, Harry and Joseph Wilf z”l, who were brothers and survivors of the Holocaust. In keeping with the Jewish traditions of tzedakah and tikkun olam, the Wilf Family Foundations provide grants to support Jewish causes, underserved communities, educational opportunities and the advancement of social justice for all.
Since 1964, the Wilf Family Foundations have supported charitable organizations in the United States, Israel, and elsewhere in the world, including Jewish causes, education, health, arts and culture, emergency relief, military veterans, social justice, and many more. Inspired by the example set by Harry and Joseph Wilf, and their wives, Judith z"l and Elizabeth, second and third generations of the Wilf family are now carrying the mission forward with their involvement in the Foundations' giving.
Minds Matter NYC connects high school sophomores, juniors and seniors from low-income families with the people, preparation and possibilities to succeed in college and change the world. Their programs include academic enrichment, college preparedness, personal development, social-emotional learning, and career exposure and readiness. Since 1991, all Minds Matter NYC students have been accepted into four-year colleges and more than 80 percent have attended top-tier schools and universities.
"Mentoring is at the heart of our vision for change, and we know it makes all the difference," said Erika Halstead, Minds Matter NYC's Executive Director. "Every student in our program is paired with two volunteer mentors, as well as a team of tutors and other advisors, who support, challenge and celebrate them. This dedicated community champions students to achieve their goals every step of the way."
Beit Ruth for Young Women & Girls At Risk supports vulnerable and at-risk girls, ages 13-18, by providing a safe home, an education, therapy, and enrichment programming. Based in Israel, the organization works to ensure the girls they care for are given the opportunity to thrive socially, emotionally and academically. Through its Center of Knowledge, Beit Ruth shares its best practices and model program to educate, empower, and engage a global community to create social change.
"My life completely changed because of Beit Ruth," said Raz, a Beit Ruth alumna who is now an emergency room nurse at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. "What I am most thankful for is breaking the cycle of generational abuse so my three daughters will never have to know a life of fear, a life of harm, a life on the streets, and a life that is not worth living. Instead, they will know love."
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For over 40 years, Make-A-Wish has been granting life-changing wishes for children and families. From a bobsledding trip to a new puppy, the organization makes wishes come true for kids with critical illnesses. In the U.S. and its territories, a wish is granted every 34 minutes.
"Wishes can make a huge difference for children fighting illnesses, as well as for their families," said Leslie Motter, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish. "In fact, doctors say the wish experience is an important aspect of helping their patients feel better emotionally and physically. There is no doubt that granting wishes changes lives."