The Bernard Osher Foundation
The Bernard Osher Foundation is a private foundation headquartered in San Francisco, California, established in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a respected businessman and philanthropist. The Foundation seeks to improve quality of life through innovative funding in higher education and the arts. As a 501(c)(3) organization, it has been tax-exempt since July 1979.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$28.3M
-10.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$3.6M
-69.9% YoY
Grant Count
132
-9.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$27K
-66.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation supports four primary program areas:
Osher Scholars and Fellows Program Provides post-secondary scholarship funding to more than 250 colleges and universities across the nation, with special attention to reentry students who have experienced a gap in their education of at least five years. The Osher Reentry Scholarship Program supports undergraduate students at institutions nationwide. Other scholarship programs, located primarily in California and Maine, span every level of higher education including two-year community colleges, four-year undergraduate institutions, and conservatory and graduate schools. Nearly all Osher sites have been awarded permanent endowments. The Osher Fellows Program underwrites activities of visiting scholars and experts at The California Academy of Sciences, the Exploratorium, and Human Rights Watch.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes Program Operates on the campuses of 125 colleges and universities from Maine to Hawaii and Alaska. Each institute provides non-credit courses and activities specifically developed for seasoned adults aged 50 and older interested in learning for the joy of learning. The Foundation also provides support to the National Resource Center for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes at Northwestern University.
Osher Integrative Health Program Supports eleven integrative health programs at major academic institutions: University of California, San Francisco; Harvard University with a clinical center at Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden; Northwestern University; Vanderbilt University; University of Miami; University of Washington; University of Cincinnati; University of Wisconsin-Madison; University of Utah; and University of Vermont. These programs feature research, education, and clinical care in integrative medicine.
Arts and Educational Organizations An array of performing arts organizations, museums, and educational programs in Northern California and Maine receive Foundation grants.
Grantmaking
Recent grants include:
Grant Range
and Size**
Average Grant
$150,000
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with The Bernard Osher Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation operates with both national and regional geographic focus:
- National scope: Post-secondary scholarships, lifelong learning institutes, and integrative health programs across all 50 states and the District of Columbia
- Regional focus: Arts and educational organizations in Northern California and Maine (Mr. Osher's native state)
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
2023 Financial Data
- Total Assets: $31,589,307
- Total Revenue: $9,368,016
- Total Expenses: $13,004,006
- Total Liabilities: $3,300,000
- Number of Employees: 3
Historical Context The Foundation has a history of transformational giving, including a record gift of $723.2 million in 2006. Bernard Osher has stated his intention to give away his entire fortune, as he has no heirs.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $28,343,012 | $31,589,307 | $35,195,679 |
| Revenue | $1,054,980 | $9,368,016 | $1,698,857 |
| Expenses | $9,670,435 | $13,004,006 | $10,816,491 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $4,881,115 | $13,311,881 | $9,593,672 |
| Net Investment Income | $906,326 | $710,144 | $1,527,263 |
| Distributable Amount | $2,369,868 | $2,295,171 | $1,891,049 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
203 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Bernard Osher Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Barbro Osher - Chairman of the Board, Honorary Consul General of Sweden in California
- Bernard Osher - Founder and Treasurer
- Mary G.F. Bitterman - President
- Jeanie Hirokane - Corporate Secretary and Program Director
The Foundation has a nine-member Board of Directors.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARY BITTERMAN | PRESIDENT | 40 | $368,347 |
| JEANIE HIROKANE | SECRETARY | 40 | $115,500 |
| BARBRO OSHER | CHAIRMAN | 1 | — |
| BERNARD OSHER | TREASURER | 15 | — |
| DAVID AGGER | DIRECTOR | 1 | $400 |
| PHYLLIS COOK | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ROBERT FRIEND | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JOHN GALLO | DIRECTOR | 1 | $400 |
| LAURA LAUDER | DIRECTOR | 1 | $400 |
| JOHN PRITZKER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KRIS MARNEY | CFO | 5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Recent grant announcements and activities include:
Alcorn State University received a $50,000 grant and $1 million endowment gift from the Bernard Osher Foundation (2023)
Alcorn State receives $50,000 grant and $1 million endowment gift from BernardMcGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University received $3.15 million for the Osher Online Endowment (2023)
Alcorn State receives $50,000 grant and $1 million endowment gift from BernardClark Atlanta University and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University each received $1.05 million for Reentry Scholarships (2023)
The Osher Collaborative for Integrative Health announced the endowment of the Osher Collaborative Coordinating Center
Scholarships available for non-traditional WVU students through Bernard OsherCal Poly Humboldt received $500,000 for Transfer Student Scholarships
Scholarships available for non-traditional WVU students through Bernard OsherContact Information
The Bernard Osher Foundation One Market Plaza, Steuart Tower, Suite 1000 San Francisco, CA 94105 Phone: (415) 861-5587
Contact: Ms. Jeanie Hirokane, Corporate Secretary and Program Director
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with The Bernard Osher Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities