Values Statement

“It hath been told thee oh man what the Lord doth require of thee is only to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

Micah’s prophetic words, inscribed in our office lobby, guide us in our daily work. Bud Meyerhoff also shared this statement at family Shabbat dinners.

Do Justice

“Who is wise? He who learns from all men.” (Ben Zoma, Pirke Avot 4:1)

We strive to make just and good funding choices. We acquire expertise and engage experts in the areas we wish to fund in order to be responsible grantmakers.  

“It is not for you to complete the task, neither are you free to desist from it.” (Rabbi Tarfon, Pirke Avot 2:15)

We fund where we believe our grants can make the most difference. We also leverage funds and partner with others to achieve greater results. The majority of our funds benefit the Jewish community here and abroad, because we believe in our covenantal responsibility to take care of our fellow Jews.

Believing, as Bud taught us, that our nation’s middle class deserves support, we also fund community and cultural institutions that help to ensure access to art and culture and key initiatives that help middle neighborhoods remain strong, stable, safe, and livable for all residents.

Love Mercy

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)

Compassion for our challenging world compels us to fund important work outside our immediate areas of interest. We also collaborate with other funders to bring attention to important issues. We advocate on behalf of non-profits we fund to help them find additional resources. Similarly, we help non-profits we may not fund find other support.

Walk Humbly

“Choose life, not death, blessing not curse.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

The dedication and sacrifices of those who serve in the non-profit world inspire us. We hold these funds in trust. As the temporary stewards of the Joseph & Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds, we hope that our choices honor our elders and bring honor to our community.