Robert and Myra Kraft each came from families that taught and practiced the principles of philanthropy. Fifty years ago, they began their own mission of philanthropy and taught their children the importance and value of giving back. Today, with more than $400 million in donations from the Kraft family and their foundations, the power of philanthropy has been felt by youth and families around the world by assisting programs that foster cultural diversity, education, family and health.

Examples of how the Kraft family has given back can be seen through the work of the Kraft Family Foundation, the New England Patriots and New England Revolution charitable foundations and the Kraft Center for Community Health Leadership. Some highlights of the family’s philanthropic outreach and projects include:

• The Kraft Center for Community Health emphasizes an academic-community partnership that helps develop the careers of physicians and nurses from throughout the country who are committed to improving the health of our communities.
• Kraft family gifts to Partners HealthCare establishes a permanent endowment to recruit, train and retain future leaders in the community health center system. The gifts, now totaling $20 million, will endow the Kraft Family National Center for Leadership and Training in Community Health.
• The Kraft Family Blood Lab at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has become one of the largest blood platelet collection centers and leading research facilities in the world in the pursuit of a cure for cancer. Robert Kraft established the blood donor center as part of his commitment to ensuring high-quality health care can be accessed in our communities.
• The Kraft Center at Columbia/Barnard Hillel houses all aspects of Jewish life and is home to a wide range of social, cultural, religious and educational activities.
• Myra and Robert Kraft Chair in Christian Studies at Brandeis University endows an academic position to foster interfaith relations and dialogue.
• Myra and Robert Kraft Chair in Judaic Studies and Program for Jewish-Christian Understanding at Holy Cross endows an academic position to deepen the understanding of Judaism, Jewish life around the world and Jewish-Christian relations.
• Robert Kraft’s grant program established in 2014 supports New England grassroots nonprofits through surprise gifts of $100,000.