A Look at the Eugene & Janet Lerner Family Foundation’s Chicago Giving

Eugene Lerner and his wife Janet were primarily known as Jewish funders who were guided by their religious commitments. At the same time, these philanthropists were also local funders who often put the needs of Chicago-based organizations first in their giving.

Here are a few things to know about the Eugene & Janet Lerner Family Foundation and how it continues to give in Chicago after its founders’ passing.

A background in finance

The Lerners’ wealth largely came from Eugene Lerner’s success in the financial industry, namely his top roles with Morgan Stanley and HighTower Advisors. After founding Disciplined Investment Advisors in the 1970s, Lerner joined those two firms and took on leadership roles at both. The Lerners created a foundation to channel their charitable pursuits in 1990.

Numerous and varied interests

Like many family foundations in Chicago, the Eugene & Janet Lerner Family Foundation has varied interests and supports a wide range of local nonprofits. Over the years, the foundation has supported public radio, local orchestras and family-affiliated alma maters. Environmental nonprofits and organizations that help domestic animals have received Lerner grants, as well as sailing organizations and Jewish groups.

Janet Lerner was an educator who worked with children with learning disabilities. Therefore, those topics continue to be major interests for the foundation. Health and human services support for local people with disabilities are also priorities.

Lots of Chicago grantees

The Lerners had strong Chicago roots, and those roots have guided grantmaking at their foundation. The majority of the foundation’s giving is centered on the city of Chicago and its suburbs. Eugene Lerner had a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago and was once a professor at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Jewish schools in Chicago often receive Lerner grants, as well as social service organizations in the city that work with disabled adults and children.

No unsolicited applications

It is important for Chicago nonprofits to know that the Lerner Family Foundation is not particularly transparent or accessible. It has no website, nor does it make itself publicly available to grantseekers or accept unsolicited funding requests.

A shift in leadership

Eugene Lerner served as the foundation’s president until his death in February 2020. Janet Lerner passed away in 2015. Since its founders’ passing, the foundation has undergone a shift in leadership and now relies upon other family members in key roles. According to records, Susan Cohn has been serving as the foundation secretary, Laura Lerner as treasurer and both Dean Lerner and Aaron Cohn as directors.

IP features a full profile of the Eugene & Janet Lerner Family Foundation in our Chicago & Great Lakes funding guide.

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