Leon Levy Foundation
“All we can do is try to leave a legacy of good works.”
As a Wall Street Financier, Leon Levy was at his time one of the most innovative and influential people in the financial world. He was also a prolific philanthropist. Leon believed in supporting people and their ideas and had a passion for expanding knowledge. This broad humanism defined his philanthropy. The Leon Levy Foundation was founded in 2004 from his estate in honour of his philanthropic legacy and to continue his good works.
The Leon Levy Foundation is an independent, non-profit foundation that endeavours to build on Leon’s vision, encouraging and supporting excellence in six broad areas: understanding the ancient world; arts and humanities; preservation of nature and gardens; brain research and science; human rights; and Jewish culture.
The foundation is managed by the board of trustees, including Shelby White, Leon’s widow. Shelby serves on the boards of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The New York Botanical Garden, and New York University. In 2017, she was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in recognition of her far-reaching philanthropic work.