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About
Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies (formerly known as the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation until its rebranding in 2021) is a major global philanthropic organization established in 1987 by Charles and Lynn Schusterman in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It derives its endowment from the family's oil and gas business, Samson Investment Company, which was sold in 2011 to an energy-focused private equity firm for approximately $7.2 billion, significantly bolstering its grantmaking capacity and growing its assets to over $2 billion. Following Charles Schusterman's death in 2000, Lynn Schusterman continued to lead the philanthropy, expanding its scope and impact, with the 2021 rebranding reflecting a broader strategic focus and the involvement of the next generation of leadership, including Stacy Schusterman. The organization operates as a sophisticated network of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities to maximize influence in social and policy arenas. It focuses on fostering more just and inclusive societies through investments in systemic change, with key initiatives in the United States including K-12 education, criminal justice reform, gender and reproductive equity, social justice, arts and culture, civic engagement, and LGBTQ+ inclusion; and in Israel emphasizing strengthening the country's democratic character, providing social services, and supporting Jewish life and identity (including the Schusterman Israel Center in Jerusalem). It is a major funder of Jewish life and identity, supporting programs such as Birthright Israel, various leadership networks, educational curriculum development, community building, advocacy for progressive causes, leadership development among young Jews, initiatives addressing inequality and diversity globally, and hundreds of millions to pro-Israel advocacy groups, universities, and nonprofits, including as a major donor to The David Project's campus programs. The foundation has granted more than $1 billion since its inception and is recognized for its left-of-center orientation, playing a significant role in Jewish philanthropy while engaging in broader societal issues and adapting strategies to contemporary challenges for long-term systemic change. However, it has faced criticism from progressive Jewish groups, such as Jewish Voice for Peace, for grants in the 2010s accused of supporting West Bank settlements, opposing the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, undermining peace efforts, and promoting hardline policies (confidence 0.8 in these allegations). No major legal actions or regulatory issues are documented against the foundation itself.