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A
Legacy of Philanthropy
 In
1944, Jay and Rose Phillips created a philanthropic foundation
so that their longstanding practice of giving back to
the community could continue far into the future.
As children of Russian Jewish immigrants, Jay and Rose
Phillips both grew up in hard working families that placed
great importance on the Jewish values of charity, loving-kindness
and social justice. Even as an eight-year-old newsboy
working to help support his family, Jay left a portion
of his earnings at the local bakery for the hungry.
Jay extended this generosity throughout his lifetime—his
was one of the first companies to incorporate profit sharing
practices, giving employees a portion of his company’s
returns. Together with Rose, Jay worked tirelessly to
continue to share the couple’s resources, building a stronger
community for all Minnesotans.
From the beginning, The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation
focused on areas where Jay saw the greatest need: efforts
to combat discrimination and honor diversity, self-sufficiency,
health, education and programs for people with disabilities.
In 1987, the National Society of Fundraising Executives
named Jay the National Outstanding Philanthropist of the
Year. In accepting the award, Jay spoke prophetically
of the responsibility of foundations to address unmet
human and social needs during times of severe economic
hardship and financial distress.
Reflecting Jay and Rose’s commitment to give back to the
community—or as they always put it, to “share” with the
community—the Foundation has grown in size and scope and
now funds more than 316 organizations.
Jay passed away in 1992, and Rose followed in 2002 at
the age of 103. They are greatly missed by their family
and many friends who remember the couple’s gracious, modest
generosity and devotion to the community. We are grateful
for their commitment and vision, which are as important
today as they were 60 years ago when The Jay and Rose
Phillips Family Foundation started its work. |
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FOUNDATION HISTORY
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