Our Values
We value family involvement.
Three generations of the Klingenstein family are involved in our philanthropy, from determining the overall direction of our programs to helping in the day-to-day management of our foundations.
We are patient.
Once we decide to enter a field, often after extended study, we tend to stay committed, recognizing that it takes a long time to build the expertise and relationships to bring about lasting change. Two of our signature programs have been in place for about 40 years.
We value scientific research.
We rely heavily on scientific advisory committees with deep knowledge of our programmatic areas. The Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund’s neuroscience program, for example, has been led by eminent scientists, including two Nobel Laureates. The family respects the work of the advisory committees and takes care to not interfere with their scientific judgment.
We approach grant-making with healthy skepticism and insist on measurable results.
We’re willing to take risks on novel programs and approaches so long as we can be confident, based on measurable outcomes, that we are making a difference.
We try to smell the flowers.
The problems we’re collaborating with others to solve are difficult and often long-standing, so it is important to celebrate the incremental successes of our partners, fellows, and grantees.