Chairman’s Letter

Dear Friends,

The J.M. Kaplan Fund remains committed to the ideals set forth by our founder – my grandfather, Jacob Merrill Kaplan – in his quest for a more just and perfect society. As we make every effort to confront the challenges of our time, JM’s vision remains our beacon, as it has for nearly 80 years of pioneering philanthropy. 

We are fortunate to be a family foundation, now in our fourth generation and still dedicated to the work that JM and his wise successor, my mother Joan K. Davidson, championed through the Fund: protecting and revitalizing natural spaces; preserving culture and the sites that communities cherish most; and ensuring a better, fairer United States by building on our nation’s tradition of welcoming newcomers and ensuring all have equal protections and rights under the law.   

We see these efforts as representing distinctly American values and thus, in this extraordinary moment, our responsibilities are clear: to use the Fund’s resources to defend freedoms and fight injustice where we see attempts to erode the social, environmental, and intellectual progress of the last 75 years.  We are grateful for partners who amplify the Fund’s voice and capacity, and we are fiercely proud of our grantees whose work brings life to our aspirations. 

The Fund is known for innovation and adaptability – further ideals that point to a better, more inclusive future. In 2025 we celebrate a decade of the J.M.K. Innovation Prize, which awards early-stage changemakers in the fields of heritage preservation, social justice, and environmental stewardship.  The Concord Group, made up of JM’s 16 great-grandchildren, is taking its own path in philanthropy, supporting community-building organizations across the country.  And we have several new partnerships to share knowledge and maximize resources and talent. 

As we redouble efforts to achieve JM’s vision for a more perfect society, we rely on talented staff who mobilize our response to this ever-changing nation and planet. Through their efforts, and the visionary work of our friends, partners, and grantees, the J.M. Kaplan Fund is prepared to meet the moment with heart and energy. 

 

Thank you for visiting us, and welcome to the Fund. 

 

Peter Davidson
Chairman