Founded in 1996 by David Tepper, The Tepper Foundation was born from a belief that everyone deserves a fair shot at success. Initially known as the David A. Tepper Charitable Foundation, it focused on improving children’s education and addressing local hunger issues.
Today, the foundation supports a wide range of organizations in New Jersey and nationwide that work to expand opportunity and protect basic rights. Its efforts are organized into six main focus areas: Food, Housing & Health; Community Impact; Crisis Response & Climate Resilience; Pro-Democracy & Anti-Hate Programs; Strengthening Nonprofits; and special Board-led Initiatives.
At its core, the foundation aims to help families achieve financial stability and long-term security. It does this by directly funding nonprofit organizations, reinforcing support networks, and nurturing stronger community connections.
These relationships are key to the foundation’s ability to respond quickly and effectively in times of crisis. Its strategic investments empower grantees to perform their missions with greater impact.
The Tepper Foundation envisions a society where everyone has equal access to essential resources and opportunities, regardless of their background or location. Believing that philanthropy works best through collaboration, the foundation prioritizes building trust and meaningful partnerships with its grantees.
By staying flexible and responsive to community needs, the foundation works closely with its partners to identify challenges and deliver timely, effective solutions.
Through its six strategic focus areas, The Tepper Foundation addresses both immediate needs and long-term systemic challenges. Whether responding to natural disasters, fighting food insecurity, or strengthening democratic values, the foundation ensures its work is driven by both compassion and evidence-based impact.
The Food, Housing & Health portfolio supports initiatives that secure basic needs for families—access to nourishing food, safe housing, and affordable healthcare. These are seen not just as necessities but as fundamental building blocks of opportunity.
In the Community Impact space, the foundation invests in grassroots efforts that uplift local neighborhoods, promote civic engagement, and support inclusive economic growth. By empowering communities from within, lasting change becomes possible.
The Crisis Response & Climate Resilience program enables swift action when disasters strike, while also preparing vulnerable communities to adapt to long-term environmental changes. This dual approach builds both recovery and resilience.
Through Pro-Democracy & Anti-Hate Initiatives, the foundation stands firmly for equity, justice, and the protection of democratic institutions. These investments help safeguard civil rights, counter misinformation, and foster inclusive dialogue.
To ensure the long-term health of the nonprofit ecosystem, the Strengthening the Nonprofit Sector portfolio offers organizations the tools, leadership training, and infrastructure they need to thrive. It’s about more than funding—it’s about building capacity.
Finally, Board Initiatives allow for responsive giving to emerging challenges or promising opportunities that fall outside of the established portfolios, ensuring flexibility in an ever-changing landscape.
Each of these areas reflects a consistent philosophy: meaningful progress is made through partnerships. The Tepper Foundation listens closely to the communities it serves and the organizations it funds, tailoring support based on real-world feedback and need.
David Alan Tepper’s vision has always been about more than charity—it’s about justice, opportunity, and human dignity. Through thoughtful giving, bold leadership, and an unshakable commitment to equity, The Tepper Foundation continues to be a powerful force for good in America.
In honoring David Tepper with the National Philanthropic Foundation Gold Medal, we celebrate not only his personal achievements but the collective impact of a foundation built on trust, collaboration, and the belief that a better future is possible for everyone.
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