Edmond J. Safra Foundation

What Edmond J. Safra Foundation does

The Edmond J. Safra Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation established by Edmond J. Safra, one of the 20th century's most accomplished international bankers, and continued under the stewardship of his widow Lily Safra. The foundation concentrates giving across four pillars: Science and Medicine (notably Parkinson's disease research, brain sciences, and pediatric healthcare), Religion (synagogue construction, rabbinical training, and Jewish heritage preservation), Education (university chairs, scholarships, and academic programs), and General Philanthropy (humanitarian aid, youth welfare, and cultural institutions). It is headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, governed under New Jersey law, and operates globally with active grantmaking across North America, South America, Europe, Israel, Africa, and parts of Asia.

The foundation does not sell products or services and operates no proprietary technology platform beyond its informational website (edmondjsafra.org). Its tangible outputs are grants, named facilities, endowed academic chairs, and a small set of sponsored publications including the annual Dignity Book and French-language religious texts (Houmach and Talmud) under the Mesorah Heritage Foundation, with digital editions released in 2021. The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests and distributes capital exclusively through established institutional partnerships; this curated pipeline of approximately 30 named anchor partners (e.g., Michael J. Fox Foundation, Hebrew University ELSC, Paris Brain Institute, Harvard Center for Ethics, NIH Family Lodge, Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, Sheba Medical Center) functions as its primary distribution and impact-measurement mechanism.

Revenue is derived from the foundation's endowment and investment returns, with no financial figures publicly disclosed. Documented individual commitments include a €5 million French Jewish Heritage Program (2025), a $12.3 million Harvard gift (2010), a $14 million Michael J. Fox Foundation core program (2012), and a $1.1 million Brandeis University gift (2025), suggesting annual grantmaking in the tens of millions of dollars. The foundation's competitive position rests on the Safra family brand, decades-long institutional relationships, and the entrenched nature of named centers and endowed chairs, which together create a defensible position within its niche of large-scale, family-driven international philanthropy.

Name

Edmond J. Safra Foundation

Legal name

Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation

Website

https://edmondjsafra.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Edmond J. Safra Foundation is a Princeton, New Jersey-based private philanthropic foundation that distributes grants across Science and Medicine, Religion, Education, and General Philanthropy. It funds Parkinson's research, brain sciences centers, synagogues, universities, and humanitarian organizations worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Philanthropic Foundation

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL), Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)

Keywords

• Philanthropic foundation
• Grant distribution
• Charitable giving
• Nonprofit funding
• Endowment grants

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Others, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic Giving and Grant Distribution: The foundation operates as a private philanthropy organization established by Edmond J. Safra to provide financial support to needy individuals and organizations. The foundation receives donations and distributes grants across four main focus areas: Science & Medicine, Religion, Education, and General Philanthropy. Revenue is derived from the foundation's endowment and investment returns, which are then allocated to various charitable projects and initiatives worldwide.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

The Edmond J. Safra Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation that distributes grants and donations to charitable causes across four core areas: Science & Medicine (Parkinson's research, brain sciences, children's hospitals), Religion (synagogues, rabbis, religious heritage), Education (universities, scholarships), and General Philanthropy (humanitarian aid, youth villages). It does not sell products or services but funds vetted beneficiary organizations worldwide from its endowment and investment returns.

Product overview

The Edmond J. Safra Foundation is a philanthropic organization that does not offer a unified technology product or platform. Its primary digital presence consists of its official website (edmondjsafra.org) which provides information about grant programs and supported projects. The foundation has also supported the creation of digital religious text editions (Edmond J. Safra Digital Editions) and published works including the Dignity Book annual publication and French-language religious texts (Talmud and Houmach translations). The foundation funds initiatives across four main categories: Science & Medicine (including Parkinson's research, brain sciences, and children's hospitals), Religion (synagogues, rabbis, and religious education), Education (scholarships, universities, and educational programs), and General Philanthropy (humanitarian aid, youth villages, and welfare programs).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Edmond J. Safra Foundation Website

Quantifiable outcome

• 48 new movement disorder specialists to be graduated by 2025 through Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Brandeis UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025Foundation provided $1.1 million gift to expand support for Sephardic Studies, funding four doctoral fellows over six years. Builds on earlier endowment of the Edmond J. Safra Chair in Sephardic Studies held by Professor Jonathan Decter.
• Fondation du patrimoinecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2025Partnered to launch France's Jewish Heritage Program with €5 million in funding. The landmark program aims to preserve and restore synagogues and Jewish heritage sites across France, with seven historic sites selected for initial restoration.
• Harvard University - Edmond J. Safra Center for EthicscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 October 2010Lily Safra donated $12.3 million to support the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics. The center engages in teaching and research about pressing ethical issues and fosters sound ethical reasoning and civic discussion.
• Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Hebrew UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009Created in 2009, ELSC has established its reputation as a world-leading brain science center with foundation support enabling hiring of 14 new faculty members, expansion of PhD program, and collaborations with leading neuroscience centers at University College London, Columbia University, and Max Planck Institute.
• Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge, National Institutes of HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005The foundation supported the construction and ongoing improvements of the Family Lodge providing no-cost accommodation for families of NIH Clinical Center patients. The lodge has welcomed over 270,000 guests from six continents since opening in 2005.
• Edmond J. Safra Synagogue, ManhattancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003Opened in March 2003 on 63rd Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues, the synagogue is the heart of a thriving Sephardic community on the Upper East Side, working with architect Thierry Despont to realize Edmond J. Safra's wish.
• Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Tel HashomercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2002Established in 2002 within Sheba Medical Center, the foundation is currently funding significant renovation and expansion providing more than 14,000 square meters of new space for comprehensive pediatric clinical care.
• The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMrs. Safra and the Edmond J. Safra Foundation have been primary partners of the Michael J. Fox Foundation since its inception, supporting the Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders and core research programs. The foundation has been instrumental in supporting the world's largest non-profit funder of Parkinson's research with over $1.5 billion in funding provided to date.
• Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Pitié-Salpêtrière HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMrs. Safra and the foundation remain the largest private supporters of the Paris Brain Institute, a hospital and international research center focused on diseases of the nervous system. The foundation has supported Parkinson's research initiatives and acquisition of a custom-designed Bi-Photon microscope.
• Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Toronto Western HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOver 20 years of significant funding from Mrs. Safra and the foundation to establish fellowships, purchase PET imaging equipment, recruit professors and researchers, and renovate clinical space. Under Dr. Anthony Lang's leadership, the program is a model for Parkinson's centers globally.
• Synagogue Edmond J. Safra, PariscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe 430-seat synagogue is the principal place of worship of the Chief Rabbi of France within the European Centre for Judaism. Foundation support continues Mr. Safra's legacy of supporting the Consistoire.
• Edmond J. Safra Synagogues in IsraelcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner29 synagogues have been constructed with regular support, all offering religious services, educational opportunities, and social and cultural events. The foundation continues Edmond J. Safra's commitment to needy congregations in Israel.
• American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) Hesed Center, OdessaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe foundation supports JDC's 'Hesed' welfare center in Odessa providing critical lifelines including winter relief, food assistance, emergency and health services, and elderly care. Clients reportedly live 12 years longer than other people in Ukraine.
• Courtauld Institute of ArtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor funding from the foundation underpinned the institute's operations and played a key role in enabling The Courtauld to become an independent college of the University of London. Edmond J. Safra Scholarships support postgraduate scholars.
• UNICEFminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMrs. Safra and the foundation regularly support UNICEF's humanitarian work including distribution of mosquito nets, winter survival packs, milk and food packages, vaccinations, and early childhood development kits.
• Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, RwandacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMrs. Safra and the foundation have been long-time, leading supporters of this residential high school for orphaned children. The village is home to 526 children and achieves 98-99% graduation pass rates.
• A Window to TomorrowminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMrs. Safra and the foundation have supported this computer distribution program for over 20 years. The organization has distributed 125,000 computers to children in Israel including adapted kits for children with disabilities.
• Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe largest and most comprehensive bioinformatics center in Israel and international leader. Encompasses more than 180 researchers in 46 research groups. Fellows have published 425+ scientific papers.
• Nitzav Refael Soup Kitchen and Food DistributionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEach week distributes more than 800 food packages to families in need, with more than 1,700 families receiving packages during Jewish holidays. Runs soup kitchen serving over 400 people daily.
• Tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReceiving 1.2 million pilgrims annually, the foundation maintains Edmond J. Safra's legacy providing ongoing funding for religious life and education at the site's schools and synagogues.
• Mesorah Heritage FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWith leading support from the foundation, completed translating 44 of 73 volumes of the Babylonian Talmud into French. Also supported the Houmach Edmond J. Safra and digital editions released in 2021.
• Grand Théâtre de GenèveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe largest performing arts institution in French-speaking Switzerland hosting 100,000+ visitors for 140+ events annually. Foundation has provided regular operating support for many years.
• Rabbinical Excellence Program (Eretz Hemda and Amiel)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplemented by Eretz Hemda and Amiel, the program enhances education and training of Sephardi community rabbis. More than 50 rabbis have graduated serving communities worldwide in cities including Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Montreal, and London.
• University of Haifa - Edmond J. Safra Brain Research Center for Learning DisabilitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn international leader in the study of learning disabilities, the center receives foundation support for research and programs.
• Israel Scholarship Education Foundation (ISEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished 45 years ago by Mr. and Mrs. Safra and Mrs. Nina Weiner, ISEF has awarded more than 20,000 university scholarships to students.
• Yad VashemminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld Holocaust Remembrance Center listed among foundation partner organizations.
• Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram supporting visiting nurse faculty education in Parkinson's care.
• Edmond J. Safra Chair in Neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEndowed chair supporting research in neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London.
• Edmond J. Safra Chair of Functional Neurosurgery, UCL Institute of NeurologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEndowed chair supporting functional neurosurgery research at UCL Institute of Neurology.
• Chaire Edmond J. Safra de médecine humanitaire, Université de GenèvecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdmond J. Safra Chair in Humanitarian Medicine at University of Geneva.
• Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience of NatalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeuroscience research institute in Natal, Brazil supported by the foundation.
• Facing History and OurselvesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational organization listed among foundation partner organizations.
• Elton John AIDS FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIDS foundation listed among foundation partner organizations.
• Hope and Homes for ChildrenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChild welfare organization listed among foundation partner organizations.
• Seeds of PeaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPeacebuilding organization listed among foundation partner organizations.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Ford Foundation: Major American foundation supporting education, science, and global development worldwide. Functions as a multi-vertical grantmaker with comparable institutional capacity and historical depth to the Safra Foundation.
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Largest private philanthropic foundation globally, distributing grants across science/medicine, education, and global development. Comparable to the Edmond J. Safra Foundation in being a multi-decade, multi-vertical private grantmaker, though operating at vastly greater scale and with a broader thematic mandate.
• Wellcome Trust: UK-based charitable foundation funding health and biomedical research globally. Comparable to the Safra Foundation through its significant investment in neuroscience, Parkinson's research, and biomedical infrastructure, though with a much larger endowment and broader disease focus.
• Rockefeller Foundation: Historic American philanthropic foundation funding science, health, education, and cultural initiatives internationally. Operates a similar multi-vertical grantmaking model to the Safra Foundation with embedded research center support and endowed chairs at major universities.
• Carlos Slim Foundation: Mexican foundation funding health, education, and cultural preservation programs. Shares a multi-vertical structure and family-founder legacy model with the Safra Foundation, though centered on Latin American development priorities.
• Bloomberg Philanthropies: Major private foundation supporting public health, education, and arts globally. Comparable vertical span (education, health, arts/culture) and willingness to fund institutional infrastructure like the Safra Foundation, though operating with substantially larger assets and a different geographic footprint.
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute: Major private biomedical research organization funding scientists and research institutions. Comparably focused on advancing medical and brain science research through sustained institutional grants, mirroring the Safra Foundation's strategy of building flagship research centers (Paris Brain Institute, Hebrew University ELSC).

Direct peers

• Yad Hanadiv Foundation: Rothschild family foundation operating in Israel with cultural, educational, and community grantmaking programs. The most directly comparable peer given shared Jewish-heritage, Israel-anchored philanthropy with multi-decade endowed-chair and cultural-infrastructure investments.
• Azim Premji Foundation: Indian philanthropy funded by the Premji family fortune, focused heavily on education and select development priorities. Comparable family-founder model with deep programmatic investment in scholarship, school construction, and educational infrastructure analogous to Safra's ISEF scholarship program.
• Helmsley Charitable Trust: Large private US foundation funding health (including Parkinson's), education, and conservation globally. Shares a focus on medical research in movement disorders and precision grantmaking, and a family-founder identity, making it a highly comparable mid-scale Safra peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Edmond J. Safra Foundation