A Tradition of Philanthropy

For more than 100 years, the Kislak name has represented a commitment to business, education, philanthropy and community service. Julius I. Kislak founded Kislak Realty in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1906. His son Jay I. Kislak first joined the family business in 1938 and, in the following decades, worked to build a significant, highly successful national enterprise in real estate services and finance. Jay Kislak also created a significant cultural and philanthropic legacy.

The Kislak Family Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation based in Miami Lakes, Florida. Its mission is to support leadership and innovation in the fields of education, arts and humanities, animal welfare and environmental preservation. The foundation provides grant funding to selected nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher learning.

The Kislak Family Foundation also builds on the work of the Jay I. Kislak Foundation, which from 1984 to 2020 focused on conserving rare books, art and historic documents, and advancing knowledge of past cultures, civilizations and explorations. The collections are now on public display at the Library of Congress and Kislak Centers in Miami and Philadelphia.

We take pride in the achievements made possible by the Kislak family. Their partner institutions are strong, innovative and dedicated to programs that advance learning and benefit society.

The Library of Congress: The Jay I. Kislak Collection at the Library of Congress, a 2004 gift to the nation, forms the heart of an ongoing program of research, education and exhibitions.

University of Pennsylvania: The Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts creates a vibrant space that brings together people, technology and unique content.

Monmouth University: The Kislak Real Estate Institute provides business education programs for professional, graduate and undergraduate students.

University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine: HAARTS (Helping Alachua’s Animals Requiring Treatment and Surgery) enhances the surgical training of veterinary students while providing care for shelter animals.

Florida State University, College of Business: The FSU real estate education program is among the leading programs of its kind in the nation.

University of Miami, School of Business Administration: UM’s Real Estate Impact Conference is an innovative program that brings together influential thought leaders.

University of Miami and Miami Dade College: A partnership for education, history and culture in collaboration with the Jay I. Kislak Foundation.