Jerusalem is more than a city—it’s a living, breathing tapestry of culture, history, and community. The Jerusalem Foundation ensures it remains vibrant, inclusive, and thriving for generations to come.
The Jerusalem Foundation was established in 1966 by the legendary Mayor of Jerusalem, Teddy Kollek. Over the last six decades, and through more than 5000 initiatives, the Foundation has touched the lives of all of Jerusalem’s residents from all population groups. The Jerusalem Foundation is the leading non-governmental organization committed to strengthening Jerusalem’s social fabric, cultural life, and future leadership. We develop, fund, and oversee initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all of the city’s diverse residents.
The Jerusalem Foundation is committed to building philanthropic partnerships and works hand in hand with Mayor Moshe Lion and the Jerusalem Municipality, cooperating with the city’s major organizations to preserve the city’s past, ensure its resilience and lay the groundwork for a dynamic future.
Why the Jerusalem Foundation?
We provide a trusted and independent way to invest in meaningful, high-impact projects.
— Unifying Impact → Investing in all communities.
— Proven Legacy → 60 years of shaping the city.
— Responsible Stewardship → Trust + measurable impact.
— Strategic Partnerships → Leveraging public + private funding.
— Future-Focused Leadership → Cultivating tomorrow’s change makers.
Our Founder – Teddy Kollek
During World War II, he served as a liaison between the Haganah and the Allied intelligence agencies, and during Israel’s War of Independence he headed the Haganah’s clandestine operations in the US. At the same time, he forged contacts and friendships with individuals willing to support the young state of Israel, some of whom later became major contributors to Jerusalem.
In 1952, he was appointed by then-Prime Minister David Ben Gurion as director-general of the Prime Minister’s Office and, in 1964, spearheaded the opening of the world-renowned Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
In 1965, at the request of Ben Gurion, he ran to be mayor of Jerusalem and won that year’s mayoral election – a position that he held for twenty-eight years. Teddy Kollek established the Jerusalem Foundation in 1966, giving lovers of Jerusalem worldwide a vehicle for becoming involved in and contributing to the city.
In 1967, Teddy Kollek became the first mayor to preside over Jerusalem after its reunification. Kollek faced the truly formidable task of uniting Jerusalem – not just on the map, but in the hearts and minds of the city’s diverse residents. He realized that a divided city could not survive.
Teddy acknowledged each person’s right to live in and be an active part of Jerusalem’s vibrant community. He spearheaded the development of new neighborhoods, built public parks and schools, and created world-class cultural institutions. He reconfirmed his conviction that every resident of Jerusalem – regardless of faith or national background – is entitled to equality of services and quality of life.