Julian C. Baker
/SOURCE OF WEALTH: Baker Brothers Investments
FUNDING AREAS: Education and youth, health, global health and development
OVERVIEW: Julian Baker conducts his philanthropy through the J. Baker Foundation. According to available tax filings, the foundation awarded over $2.5 million in grants in 2017.
BACKGROUND: Julian Charles Baker graduated with an A.B. from Harvard in social studies. From 1988 to 1993, he worked at the private equity investment arm of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation. He also managed biotechnology and pharmaceutical investments for the sons of Laurence A. Tisch. In 2000, he co-founded Baker Brothers Investments, a biotech and pharmaceuticals investment firm.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION & YOUTH: Baker serves on the board of the Collegiate School in Manhattan, which he steadily supports through his foundation. From 2015 to 2017, the Collegiate school has received over $1.8 million in grant funding from the Baker Foundation. Other grantees include Yale University, the Brearley School, his alma mater Harvard, and 92Y Nursery School.
HEALTH: Baker supports the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC). Baker's brother Felix also sits on the board of the J. Baker Foundation—Felix’s wife, Heather, is heavily involved with CHC. The foundation awarded CHC $30,000 in grants from 2015 to 2017.
GLOBAL: Grantees include A Leg to Stand On (ALTSO), a “nonprofit organization providing free orthopedic care to children with limb disabilities in the developing world.” ALTSO has recieved $15,000 in funding from Baker from 2015 to 2017. Pure Earth/Blacksmith, whose mission is to “identify and clean up the poorest communities throughout the developing world,” is also a past grantee.
OTHER: Baker supports the Gordon Parks Foundation and Manhattan Youth Ballet via his charity.
LOOKING FORWARD: Baker is still engaged in business, but perhaps greater money will move through the foundation in coming years.
CONTACT:
The J. Baker Foundation
667 Madison Ave., 21st Fl.
New York City, NY 10065
