Our Story

History & Leadership

Howard and Geraldine Polinger established the Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation in 1968 to continue the family’s commitment to contribute to the community and carry out the foundation’s legacy of tzedakah (the Hebrew term for righteousness).

 In 1995, Howard and Geraldine invited their children to join the Board, and the third generation of family members began joining the Board in 2009.

After 25 years as Board Chair, Lorre Polinger stepped down in 2025. Mollie Barnathan, a member of the family’s third generation, who has served as a Director since 2009, became the third Board Chair in the Foundation’s history.

 We are committed to a grantmaking strategy that respects and honors Howard and Geraldine’s legacy, responds to current societal needs, and maximizes the impact of philanthropic investments.