The Jerusalem Foundation is an Israeli nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and preservation of Jerusalem, focusing on social, cultural, educational, and beautification projects across the city. Founded in 1966 by Teddy Kollek, who served as mayor of West Jerusalem and later unified Jerusalem after the 1967 Six-Day War, the foundation was established to mobilize private international donations for initiatives that enhance the city's infrastructure and community life. Kollek envisioned it as a mechanism to bypass political hurdles in the city council, leveraging matching funds from municipal, governmental, and nongovernmental sources to amplify its impact. Over the decades, it has raised hundreds of millions of dollars, contributing significantly to Jerusalem's budget and fostering projects that promote unity and accessibility in a diverse urban environment.

The foundation's contributions include the creation and maintenance of over 350 parks, gardens, and green spaces out of more than 1,000 in the city, as well as the establishment of recreational sites, theaters, museums, and community centers. It has funded the restoration of ancient religious sites such as synagogues, mosques, and churches, supported archaeological excavations, provided scholarships, and sponsored cultural events. Health clinics, preschool centers, and programs for youth leadership and civil society have also been key focuses, ensuring that every neighborhood benefits. Notable ties include awards to figures like U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch and partnerships with international donors aligned with Israeli government interests.

Unique in its structure, the Jerusalem Foundation bridges private philanthropy with public projects, positioning Jerusalem as a center for innovation, inclusiveness, and pluralism. It emphasizes long-term community activism, investment in the next generation, and creating a livable city for young families, serving as the civil society capital for Israel and the Jewish people worldwide. While headquartered in Jerusalem, it maintains an international presence, including an office in New York, to facilitate global fundraising.