Julius Rosenwald Fund
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The Julius Rosenwald Fund was a charitable endowment established in 1917 by Julius Rosenwald, a prominent American merchant and philanthropist. Rosenwald, who was also president and later chairman of Sears, Roebuck and Company, believed in giving away his wealth during his lifetime rather than creating perpetual endowments.
The fund's primary objective was to improve educational opportunities for African Americans in the Southern United States. In partnership with educator Booker T. Washington, the fund financed the construction of approximately 5,000 Rosenwald schools across 15 states. These schools were built with matching funds from local communities and significantly boosted literacy rates and educational attainment for Black students. The fund also provided grants to Black artists and writers.
Rosenwald also supported Jewish causes and contributed to institutions in Chicago, such as the Museum of Science and Industry and the University of Chicago. The Julius Rosenwald Fund was liquidated in 1948, having donated an estimated $60 million to various charities and institutions.123
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