SHIFT is a small family foundation focused on advancing the common good and has supported organizations working toward that end. SHIFT was established in 1982 as the Aaron and Martha Schecter Private Foundation.
Vision
The vision of SHIFT is one of common good*, including:
- A healthy environment
- Broadest possible participation
- More economic equality
- People seeking to use the resources of the community for the benefit of all members of the community
*SHIFT defines “common good” as the wellbeing of the whole community, which is made possible when the skills and resources of a society are used in ways that benefit everyone.
Mission
The mission of SHIFT is to expand the common good, by:
- Supporting individuals, projects, organizations or collaborations that advocate for the common good
- Creating an expanding community of people who are working toward the common good
Strategy
SHIFT uses these practices:
- Conduct research and work collectively when possible
- Focus on structural change
- Search for effective models
- Partner with passionate agents of change
- Look locally first
Grant-making approach
As a small family foundation, SHIFT provides resources needed to get something moving that wouldn’t otherwise be possible, especially in a key moment of transition or growth. SHIFT aims to enhance the effectiveness of grantees by giving them space to step back and reflect or to test out new approaches, all while working with grantees’ input and guidance. SHIFT’s grants aspire to lay the groundwork for securing sustaining funding from other sources.
SHIFT does not accept applications or require formal reports from our grantees. SHIFT invests in a small handful of programs based on a relationship-building approach, rather than a public-facing grants program and does not add new grantees regularly.
SHIFT 