tradition of giving

 

The Rothschilds' longstanding commitment to philanthropy dates back to the 19th century. Each generation has upheld a tradition of giving, supporting the social needs and artistic tendencies of their time that span from social housing and healthcare to the arts and education.

The philanthropic endeavors of one generation inspired the next, driving each generation to find innovative and creative solutions to social challenges. Their goal has always been to become involved in each philanthropic undertaking, to see it blossom and to help bring it to maturity.

The current generation represented by Ariane and Benjamin de Rothschild continue building on this legacy by looking ahead to understand the stakes and anticipate tomorrows' challenges. Today, the Edmond de Rothschild Foundations identify the most inspired projects and  innovative partners, as well as manage risk, assist, advise and transmit tools and methodologies. Finally, they evaluate impact to ensure continued performance over time. Their commitment to philanthropy and social transformation is based on a practical entrepreneurial strategy.

 

A unique philanthropic tradition

 
James de Rothschild James de Rothschild 1792 - 1868   Betty de Rothschild Betty de Rothschild 1805 - 1886

Founders of the French branch, James de Rothschild and his wife Betty developed ambitious philanthropic works and became leading donors of the French Jewish community, particularly in the domains of poverty alleviation, medicine and the arts.
 
Adolphe de Rothschild Adolphe de Rothschild 1823 - 1900   Julie de Rothschild Julie de Rothschild 1830 - 1907

In addition to being famous patrons of the arts, Adolphe de Rothschild and his wife Julie from the Vienna branch founded the Fondation Ophtalmologique in 1905 (now known as the Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild.) Today, it has risen to the highest ranks in patient care and research worldwide for the treatment of the eye and the brain. Julie also established the Gitana boat league which continues to reflect the Rothschilds’ passion for sailing.
 
Edmond James de Rothschild Edmond James de Rothschild 1845 - 1934   Adélaïde de Rothschild Adélaïde de Rothschild 1853 - 1935
Edmond James de Rothschild and his wife Adélaïde were outstanding patrons of the arts, remembered for their historic donation of the widest collection in the world of old masters’ drawings to the Louvre Museum in 1934. In 1921, Edmond co-founded the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation for Scientific Research, paving the way for the creation of the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS). Finally, Edmond is considered as one of the founders of modern Israel.
 
Maurice de Rothschild Maurice de Rothschild 1881 - 1957   Noémie de Rothschild Noémie de Rothschild 1888 - 1968

Maurice de Rothschild became a leading force behind Sergei Diaghilev in the establishment of Les Ballets Russes in Paris at the beginning of the 20th century. Through his journeys to Africa, he also supported key scientific discoveries of rare species in fauna and flora. His wife Noémie founded the Megève ski resort in the French Alps which has become famous worldwide.
 
Edmond de Rothschild Edmond de Rothschild 1926 - 1997   Nadine de Rothschild Nadine de Rothschild 1932 - 

Edmond de Rothschild with his wife Nadine developed a unique network of foundations in France, Switzerland, the USA and Israel, including the establishment of the Rothschild - Caesarea Foundation. Whether in higher education, arts, or medical research, Edmond became known as one of the most famous patrons of his time and paved the way for the establishment of today’s Edmond de Rothschild Foundations.

 
 
 

Modernizing a legacy

Benjamin de Rothschild  Benjamin de Rothschild1963 - 2021

  

Ariane de Rothschild  Ariane de Rothschild1965 - 

We have reimagined our role and transposed our family's philanthropic tradition for the 21st century.

We have had professionalised, relying on our entrepreneurial experience to change scale while remaining loyal to the pioneering spirit of our ancestors.

'Our world is facing unprecedented economic, social, and environmental challenges resulting from the erratic management of financial institutions and public policy.

This situation has been further compounded by the careless exploitation of our natural resources and a major public health crisis. Such turmoil is taking place in a context of heightened geo-political tensions fed by a number of regional conflicts across the planet.

Although this phenomenon is not new, it could grow worse and spiral out of control if policy makers, the business world and civil society do not take a clear stand in the competition for dwindling resources.

We all have a role to play in building a better world for our children. In our own case, we were exceptionally fortunate to inherit a unique philanthropic tradition based on a longstanding commitment to solidarity, social responsibility and the advancement of knowledge. Today, it is our turn and our duty to preserve this legacy.

By helping new talent emerge, and by devising innovative solutions to current challenges, our Foundations work each day to ensure that our vision will translate into lasting achievements in science, the environment, the arts, education and impactful entrepreneurship.

The people we believe in and the projects we support provide the best illustration of our faith in human potential, our commitment to the value of sharing and our pursuit of excellence.'

Ariane & Benjamin de Rothschild

Benjamin and Ariane de Rothschild Signatures