Who We Are
A Private Foundation Rooted in Baltimore
A century ago, Aaron and Lillie Straus launched an unprecedented enterprise. The Straus Foundation extends the trajectory of their courageous giving.
Who We Are
A Private Foundation Rooted in Baltimore
A century ago, Aaron and Lillie Straus launched an unprecedented enterprise. The Straus Foundation extends the trajectory of their courageous giving.
Who We Are
A Private Foundation Rooted in Baltimore
A century ago, Aaron and Lillie Straus launched an unprecedented enterprise. The Straus Foundation extends the trajectory of their courageous giving.
1928
Aaron & Lillie Straus
1928
Aaron & Lillie Straus
1928
Aaron & Lillie Straus
Our Roots
It began with Aaron and Lillie.
As waves of Jewish immigrants arrived in Baltimore in the early 1900s, our founders reached out with compassion and generosity, launching a century-long commitment.
Backstory
Aaron & Lillie Straus’ Early Success and Commitments
Long before they established the Straus Foundation in 1926, Aaron and Lillie Straus were deeply engaged in Baltimore’s civic and philanthropic life. Aaron built Reliable Stores from a single Baltimore storefront into one of the nation’s largest retail companies, and together they believed that success carried a responsibility to create opportunity for others. They supported efforts to welcome Jewish immigrants, care for children and families, and strengthen their community before establishing Maryland’s first incorporated private foundation.
The Foundation
Past, Present, and Future
The Straus Foundation was created to invest in people and ideas that make Baltimore stronger. From the beginning, we’ve sought to take thoughtful risks, back exceptional leaders, and build new solutions when they don’t yet exist. While our priorities have evolved over time, our commitment to bold, community-centered philanthropy has remained constant.
Baltimore
City of Creative Problem Solvers
For 100 years, Baltimore has been both our home and our purpose. We believe the city’s greatest strength is its people—the leaders, organizations, and communities working every day to create opportunity and solve complex challenges. We aim to help their ideas take root, grow, and create lasting impact.
Our Roots
It began with Aaron and Lillie.
As waves of Jewish immigrants arrived in Baltimore in the early 1900s, our founders reached out with compassion and generosity, launching a century-long commitment.
Backstory
Aaron & Lillie Straus’ Early Success and Commitments
Long before they established the Straus Foundation in 1926, Aaron and Lillie Straus were deeply engaged in Baltimore’s civic and philanthropic life. Aaron built Reliable Stores from a single Baltimore storefront into one of the nation’s largest retail companies, and together they believed that success carried a responsibility to create opportunity for others. They supported efforts to welcome Jewish immigrants, care for children and families, and strengthen their community before establishing Maryland’s first incorporated private foundation.
The Foundation
Past, Present, and Future
The Straus Foundation was created to invest in people and ideas that make Baltimore stronger. From the beginning, we’ve sought to take thoughtful risks, back exceptional leaders, and build new solutions when they don’t yet exist. While our priorities have evolved over time, our commitment to bold, community-centered philanthropy has remained constant.
Baltimore
City of Creative Problem Solvers
For 100 years, Baltimore has been both our home and our purpose. We believe the city’s greatest strength is its people—the leaders, organizations, and communities working every day to create opportunity and solve complex challenges. We aim to help their ideas take root, grow, and create lasting impact.
Our Roots
It began with Aaron and Lillie.
As waves of Jewish immigrants arrived in Baltimore in the early 1900s, our founders reached out with compassion and generosity, launching a century-long commitment.
Backstory
Aaron & Lillie Straus’ Early Success and Commitments
Long before they established the Straus Foundation in 1926, Aaron and Lillie Straus were deeply engaged in Baltimore’s civic and philanthropic life. Aaron built Reliable Stores from a single Baltimore storefront into one of the nation’s largest retail companies, and together they believed that success carried a responsibility to create opportunity for others. They supported efforts to welcome Jewish immigrants, care for children and families, and strengthen their community before establishing Maryland’s first incorporated private foundation.
The Foundation
Past, Present, and Future
The Straus Foundation was created to invest in people and ideas that make Baltimore stronger. From the beginning, we’ve sought to take thoughtful risks, back exceptional leaders, and build new solutions when they don’t yet exist. While our priorities have evolved over time, our commitment to bold, community-centered philanthropy has remained constant.
Baltimore
City of Creative Problem Solvers
For 100 years, Baltimore has been both our home and our purpose. We believe the city’s greatest strength is its people—the leaders, organizations, and communities working every day to create opportunity and solve complex challenges. We aim to help their ideas take root, grow, and create lasting impact.
On Our Founders
“When we build, let us see that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone; let it be such work as our descendants will thank us…”
Rabbi Morris Lieberman
On Aaron and Lillie Straus · 1950
Rooted in Tradition
The Straus Foundation was established in the spirit of tzedakah — the Jewish principle that giving is justice, not charity.
For over a century, that belief has shaped every grant, every relationship, and every community we’ve had the privilege to serve.
On Our Founders
“When we build, let us see that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone; let it be such work as our descendants will thank us…”
Rabbi Morris Lieberman
On Aaron and Lillie Straus · 1950
Rooted in Tradition
The Straus Foundation was established in the spirit of tzedakah — the Jewish principle that giving is justice, not charity.
For over a century, that belief has shaped every grant, every relationship, and every community we’ve had the privilege to serve.
On Our Founders
“When we build, let us see that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone; let it be such work as our descendants will thank us…”
Rabbi Morris Lieberman
On Aaron and Lillie Straus · 1950
Rooted in Tradition
The Straus Foundation was established in the spirit of tzedakah — the Jewish principle that giving is justice, not charity.
For over a century, that belief has shaped every grant, every relationship, and every community we’ve had the privilege to serve.
1926 — 2026
One Hundred Years of Philanthropy
Explore a century of impact — the people, visions, and values that forged the Foundation — on our centennial site.
1926 — 2026
One Hundred Years of Philanthropy
Explore a century of impact — the people, visions, and values that forged the Foundation — on our centennial site.
1926 — 2026
One Hundred Years of Philanthropy
Explore a century of impact — the people, visions, and values that forged the Foundation — on our centennial site.
Enduring partnerships
A History of Partnership
Enduring partnerships
A History of Partnership
Enduring partnerships
A History of Partnership
Camps Airy & Louise
Camps have been part of who we are from the very beginning.
Before the Straus Foundation was established, Aaron and Lillie Straus were already investing in opportunities for children to learn, grow, and belong. In 1922, they founded Camp Louise to provide Jewish girls—many of them daughters of immigrant families and young women working in Baltimore's factories—with a place to experience the outdoors, build confidence, and develop as leaders. Two years later, they opened Camp Airy with the same vision for boys, believing every Jewish child should have access to the transformative experience of summer camp, regardless of their family's ability to pay. More than a century later, Camps Airy & Louise continue to fulfill that vision. Generations of campers have developed lifelong friendships, a strong sense of Jewish identity, confidence, leadership skills, and a deep connection to community. What began as a refuge for Baltimore's immigrant families has grown into one of the region's most enduring Jewish institutions—and remains a living expression of Aaron and Lillie Straus' belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Camps Airy & Louise
Camps have been part of who we are from the very beginning.
Before the Straus Foundation was established, Aaron and Lillie Straus were already investing in opportunities for children to learn, grow, and belong. In 1922, they founded Camp Louise to provide Jewish girls—many of them daughters of immigrant families and young women working in Baltimore's factories—with a place to experience the outdoors, build confidence, and develop as leaders. Two years later, they opened Camp Airy with the same vision for boys, believing every Jewish child should have access to the transformative experience of summer camp, regardless of their family's ability to pay. More than a century later, Camps Airy & Louise continue to fulfill that vision. Generations of campers have developed lifelong friendships, a strong sense of Jewish identity, confidence, leadership skills, and a deep connection to community. What began as a refuge for Baltimore's immigrant families has grown into one of the region's most enduring Jewish institutions—and remains a living expression of Aaron and Lillie Straus' belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Camps Airy & Louise
Camps have been part of who we are from the very beginning.
Before the Straus Foundation was established, Aaron and Lillie Straus were already investing in opportunities for children to learn, grow, and belong. In 1922, they founded Camp Louise to provide Jewish girls—many of them daughters of immigrant families and young women working in Baltimore's factories—with a place to experience the outdoors, build confidence, and develop as leaders. Two years later, they opened Camp Airy with the same vision for boys, believing every Jewish child should have access to the transformative experience of summer camp, regardless of their family's ability to pay. More than a century later, Camps Airy & Louise continue to fulfill that vision. Generations of campers have developed lifelong friendships, a strong sense of Jewish identity, confidence, leadership skills, and a deep connection to community. What began as a refuge for Baltimore's immigrant families has grown into one of the region's most enduring Jewish institutions—and remains a living expression of Aaron and Lillie Straus' belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Our People
Behind the Giving.
Board of Directors
Jan Rivitz
President & Treasurer
Lee Coplan
Vice President
Terry Underberg
Secretary
Susan Leviton
Director
Fagan Harris
Director
Jacob Hodes
Director
Kathleen Page
Director
Staff
Molly Doran
Executive Director
Adrianna Lohnes
Operations Officer
Our People
Behind the Giving.
Board of Directors
Jan Rivitz
President & Treasurer
Lee Coplan
Vice President
Terry Underberg
Secretary
Susan Leviton
Director
Fagan Harris
Director
Jacob Hodes
Director
Kathleen Page
Director
Staff
Molly Doran
Executive Director
Adrianna Lohnes
Operations Officer
Our People
Behind the Giving.
Board of Directors
Jan Rivitz
President & Treasurer
Lee Coplan
Vice President
Terry Underberg
Secretary
Susan Leviton
Director
Fagan Harris
Director
Jacob Hodes
Director
Kathleen Page
Director
Staff
Molly Doran
Executive Director
Adrianna Lohnes
Operations Officer