The goal of The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation is to be a force for economic and social justice in the United States and beyond, particularly for African-American youth. Since 1987, the Foundation is committed to redressing the consequences and legacy of institutional discrimination by investing in youth and moving America towards a state where opportunity comes more equally.
We are inspired in all things by the vision of our Founder, Reginald F. Lewis, who demonstrated a unique and farseeing perspective about how to strategically impact the challenges and potential for progress among people who were once economically, socially and politically oppressed. We are mindful that in all that we do, his legacy and reputation legitimize the good causes we support.
In June 2002, the Foundation pledged $5 million to endow The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History & Culture in Baltimore, MD. Prior to his death, Mr. Lewis had said he hoped to one day endow a museum dedicated to the black experience. Pictured here the 2005 ribbon-cutting ceremony
The Foundation was created in 1987 by Reginald F. Lewis, the pioneering financier and entrepreneur. Mr. Lewis is famed for his fierce intellect, drive, vision and for breaking racial barriers on Wall Street. Yet he was also a visionary and active philanthropist.
Before his untimely death in 1993, Mr. Lewis gave millions of dollars away to charity through this foundation, including $3 million to Harvard Law School, the largest grant the school had ever received.
In the beginning, the Foundation Board of Directors comprised Mr. Lewis (Chairman), his wife, Loida Lewis, his maternal aunt, Beverly Cooper, and his brother Anthony Fugett. In 1990 his 18-year-old daughter, Leslie Lewis joined the board.
The Reginald F. Lewis International Law Center was the first building at Harvard named after an African-American.
Members of his family participated in the Center’s dedication ceremony in April 1993, three months after Mr. Lewis’ untimely death.
Mr. Lewis’ will designated that 10% of his estate be left to The Foundation. After his death, his widow, Loida Lewis became the foundation’s Chairman and continues in that role today. In 1998, Mr. Lewis’ younger daughter Christina Lewis formally joined the board, per his direction.
As the bulk of Mr. Lewis’ wealth was tied up in his company, TLC Beatrice International Foods (“TLC Beatrice”) the Foundation did not receive its funds until 2002, when TLC Beatrice was sold and Mr. Lewis’ estate was settled.
The current Board remains comprised of family members appointed by Mr. Lewis. The Foundation Board of Directors makes all decisions regarding grant-making.
From left to right: Beverly Cooper, Vice President and Secretary; Loida Lewis, Chairman; Anthony Fugett, Director; Christina Lewis, Treasurer.
Chairman: Loida Nicolas Lewis
Vice Chair: Christina Lewis
Vice President and Secretary: Beverly Cooper
Director: Anthony Fugett
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests.
In August 2019, the Foundation began a strategic review process that remains ongoing.
As a result and until further notice, the Foundation will not fund new naming opportunities or capital campaigns.
The Foundation supports a stable of grantees with which it has formed deep relationships. Its legacy programmatic areas of interest have been social justice, education, children’s programs and the arts with a focus on empowerment through education, diversifying the professions and promoting cultural diversity. Its geographic focus has been New York and Baltimore. More recently the Foundation has focused on increased access to STEM, entrepreneurship and closing the wealth gap.
Email: team@reginaldflewis.org