Mission
The Irving Harris Foundation fuels ideas, leaders, and movements led by and for people most impacted by harm.
Values
The values of the Foundation, inspired by our founder and his work, are infused in everything we do. We believe these values are critical to achieving progress toward our goals in a way that recognizes the contributions and value of all stakeholders and affirms our founder’s legacy.
- Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging: We center intersectional racial equity and infuse diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across all our work to address disparities, dismantle systemic racism and oppression, and advance anti-racist, liberatory practices.
- Justice: We strive to address social injustice to foster a society where every baby, family, and community has the opportunity to thrive.
- Courage: We recognize that making catalytic, sustainable change entails informed risk-taking to advance justice and equity.
- Partnership: We listen deeply to and work collaboratively with our grantees and others to advance the movements in which we are all invested.
- Persistence: We focus on addressing the root causes of injustice and recognize that investments and programs take time to bear fruit.
Jewish values
Inspired by the beliefs of our founder, the Foundation has long been guided and nourished by Jewish values—especially the tradition of giving back to communities and the imperative to seek Tzedek or Justice. As it is written, Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof, Justice, Justice you shall pursue.