Giving back has always been important to us, but over the years, philanthropy has come to mean much more than simply supporting worthy causes. It has introduced us to extraordinary people, allowed us to learn about work that is changing lives and, most importantly, given us the opportunity to see firsthand what thoughtful giving can make possible.

Much of our philanthropy has grown out of gratitude and personal experience. Throughout our lives, there have been organizations and people who have educated us, cared for us, supported our family, strengthened our community, or simply been there when we needed them. When we have the opportunity to support those organizations in return — and help make those same resources available to others — giving feels especially meaningful.

Over the years, we’ve gotten to know many of the organizations we support and the people behind them. We’ve seen their work firsthand and the difference it makes. Those relationships and experiences have had real influence on where we give and what we look for in the organizations we support. 

We have found great joy in giving, and we believe it is valuable. For us, philanthropy should be rewarding to the people and organizations it benefits, but also to those who give. The numbers may tell us how much we have contributed, but they don't tell us what that giving has accomplished. We find far greater satisfaction in seeing the opportunities created, the lives improved, and the people who have benefited.

Our Jewish identity has also deeply influenced the way we think about philanthropy. The principle of tzedakah — and particularly the importance of helping others become self-sufficient — is closely aligned with our approach to giving. We believe in the responsibility to care for others, give back, and strengthen our communities. Our connection to Israel is particularly meaningful to us, and we are proud to support organizations that strengthen Israel, advance education and innovation, and build connections between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

These experiences and values led us to establish the Steve & Ilene Berger Family Foundation to bring greater intention and continuity to our giving. We also wanted the Foundation to reflect something we were taught long ago: that a good reputation carries a responsibility. Putting our family name on the Foundation is a reminder to us and to future generations that giving back, acting responsibly, and contributing to the lives of others are values worth carrying forward.

That same thinking influences how we make grants. We look for people and organizations with meaningful goals and the ability to turn good intentions into results. We value creativity, achievement, and thoughtful solutions. We also consider how our support can be leveraged so that its benefit extends beyond the dollars given. Whenever possible, we want to witness the results of our philanthropy and understand what our support has helped make possible.

Ultimately, our goal is not simply to make grants, but to make grants that accomplish as much as possible. We hope the Foundation will continue to evolve as future generations of our family bring their own interests and perspectives to it, while preserving the commitment to giving back that inspired its creation.

For us, the greatest measure of success will never be found in the size of a financial statement. It will be found in what those dollars make possible.