Our story
Our story
When psychiatric social worker Barbara Jonas and retail executive Donald Jonas learned the extent of America’s shortage of professional nurses, they were determined to end this healthcare crisis.
Learn moreabout our founders
Our promise
Jonas Philanthropies is improving healthcare for the better by investing where it matters most. We address high-need issues and audiences with high-impact solutions: promoting leadership in nursing and veterans healthcare, preventing and treating low vision and blindness, and protecting our children’s environmental health.
Continuing the legacy
The Jonas legacy continues to be carried out by family members, John Jonas, Founder and CEO, The Jonas Group and Lendri Purcell, Founder, Nature-based Climate Solutions at Jonas Philanthropies, the California Alliance for Children’s Environmental Health, and President and Founder of FACTS (Families Advocating for Chemical and Toxics Safety). John and Lendri are Co-Presidents of Jonas Philanthropies, leading the Jonas Philanthropies Advisory Board and the organization’s ongoing commitment to serving the nation’s most vulnerable communities.
As of December 31, 2023, Jonas Philanthropies, Inc. ceased operations as a 501(c) organization. The philanthropic mission of Jonas Philanthropies continues through the Jonas Philanthropies Fund at ImpactAssets, a donor advised fund which is tax exempt under section 501(c) of the IRS.
Our people
Jonas Philanthropies is led and supported by leaders and experts from the worlds of healthcare, science, business, philanthropy and education.
News & Press
Each day across the country, Jonas Philanthropies is actively engaging with the healthcare system — forging partnerships, promoting bold leadership and applying our business acumen to address pressing issues.

