OVERVIEW: Harris Philanthropies strives to improve people’s lives and unlock their potential by inspiring youth, strengthening communities, and promoting wellness and healthy living. The foundation’s grantmaking focuses on youth and sports, health and wellness, and leadership development.
IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.
PROFILE: Founded in 2013, Harris Philanthropies (formerly the Harris Family Charitable Foundation) was established by billionaire couple Josh and Marjorie Harris. Josh helped found Apollo Global Management and is also an owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers. Harris Philanthropies strives to improve people’s lives and unlock their potential by inspiring youth, strengthening communities, and promoting wellness and healthy living.
The foundation’s grantmaking focuses on three areas: Youth and Sports, Health and Wellness, and leadership development. The foundation made a $3.5 million gift to the Philadelphia Police Athletic League to support a “variety of programs and administrative costs.” Philadelphia PAL is an independent nonprofit where “where policemen are committed to helping children in the area.” Josh is also a strong backer of his alma mater University of Pennsylvania. In 2019, the couple donated $10 million to the Wharton School to create the Joshua J. Harris Alternative Investments Program. In 2018, the couple donated $1 million from Harris Philanthropies to support Penn’s wrestling program creating the Joshua J. Harris Wrestling Assistant Coach Endowment.
Grants range from $5,500 to $700,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $1.8 million. Past grantees include Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative, and After-School All-Stars Newark.
The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.
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