(Courtesy of Lauder Impact Initiative) International philanthropist Ronald S. Lauder has announced the launch of the Lauder Impact Initiative, a strategic, nationwide effort to transform Jewish day schools into premier educational choices for Jewish families across the United States. Following decades of success revitalizing Jewish education in Europe, this new organization focuses on strengthening Jewish day schools in small communities and areas where secular private school options often overshadow Jewish institutions. Of the 1.6 million Jewish students in the U.S., only 300,000 currently attend a Jewish day school—a massive opportunity gap the Lauder Impact Initiative is committed to bridging.
The Lauder Impact Initiative launched a pilot program in five schools across four key cities: Boston, Detroit, Washington, D.C., and Boca Raton. These pilot sites provide a foundation to refine and tailor the program’s approach to the unique needs of each community, facilitating a strategic process with hypothesis-driven research and ideation. This pilot will inform a larger rollout nationwide, bringing impactful resources to communities with fewer educational options and stronger competition from other private schools.
The Lauder Impact Initiative leverages proven methods developed through Lauder’s philanthropic work in Europe, including in his recent efforts to improve Jewish education through Educating for Impact, a program that has benefited Jewish day schools and communities across 30 locations. LII is looking outside of traditional approaches such as affordability to help schools better articulate their value proposition to prospective families. Through targeted investments into strategic interventions around communal engagement and connection with the day schools, LII seeks to be a catalyst for change.
A Distinguished Board And Leadership Team
The Lauder Impact Initiative is led by a distinguished board of trustees and experts:
Ronald S. Lauder, board chair: international businessman, diplomat and philanthropist; has dedicated his life to supporting Jewish communities worldwide.
Joshua Spinner, trustee: executive vice president and CEO of the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation, with expertise in collaborative philanthropy and sustainability.
Richard Parsons, trustee: esteemed board leader, having served as chairman of The Rockefeller Foundation, chairman of Citigroup and chairman & CEO of Time Warner.
Day-to-day operations are managed by Executive Director Hadassa Halpern, who brings more than 12 years of experience with the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation across Europe. Known for her role in establishing Educating for Impact, Halpern has driven significant change in Jewish day schools and institutions abroad. A Harvard Business School Executive MBA graduate, she is committed to driving transformation across the US.
“Coming to the US to launch LII with Mr. Lauder has been both a personal and professional highlight. Mr. Lauder had relentless focus and success in Europe revitalizing Jewish life. Our goal in the US is to build upon the already powerful infrastructure to ensure Jewish formal education is at the center, and set up American Jewry for generations of success. Our pilot program is in the early stages; in the coming years, we hope to expand our partner base and reach more schools across the country,” said Halpern.
A Vision for Nationwide Impact
With a commitment to making Jewish day schools accessible, appealing, and community-focused, the Lauder Impact Initiative positions Jewish day schools as first-choice institutions for families.
For more information about the Lauder Impact Initiative, please visit https://lauder-impact.org/about-us/
