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Mission

We bet on innovative leaders solving humanity’s big societal, environmental, and health challenges.

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Photo courtesy of the Friends of the Highline

About Pershing Square Philanthropies

The Pershing Square Foundation (PSF) was established in 2006. Since then, Pershing Square Philanthropies, which includes The Pershing Square Foundation, has committed more than $930 million in grants and investments in target areas including health and life sciences, education, economic development and innovation.

By investing in pioneering individuals, non-profits and mission driven companies who dare to re-imagine the possible, we have helped to bring about important breakthroughs — from cancer research and small-scale agriculture to criminal justice reform and educational opportunities for young people in communities — around the world.

We have learned an enormous amount from our partners in change. You will meet a number of them in the story of our first ten years — entrepreneurs of all stripes — whose innovations challenge the status quo and defy conventional categorization. We are delighted to share some of these stories with you, which continue to inform and inspire us into the next decade as we transition to Pershing Square Philanthropies, which serves as the overarching entity for all of our philanthropic initiatives.

Read more about us in our Assouline Book
Assouline Book

Our history

Our founding

The Pershing Square Foundation (PSF) was established in 2006 with the mission to support exceptional leaders that tackle important issues.

2006

First initiatives

PSF makes our first major commitments to the Friends of the Highline, Robin Hood, the Innocence Project, and One Acre Fund, among others.

2007

PSF launches PSSCRA Prize

PSF commits an initial $25M to partner with the Sohn Conference Foundation to accelerate cures for cancer. PSSCRA is advancing the most innovative breakthroughs in cancer research and facilitating collaborations between science and business.

2013

PSF celebrates its first decade

A decade after its founding, The Pershing Square Foundation has committed over $400M in grants and investments to more than 150 organizations across the globe.

2016

PSF launches MIND Prize

PSF’s brain initiative funds pioneering research that revolutionizes our ability to predict, prevent, and treat neurodegenerative diseases. Advancing our fundamental understanding of the brain and cognition with the goal to ultimately combat neurodegeneration.

2022

Pershing Square Philanthropies

In 2024, PSF launches Pershing Square Philanthropies (PSP), which serves as the overarching entity for all of our philanthropic initiatives.

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Our approach

Learn more about how we make “big bets”

We support organizations at the right moment, providing entrepreneurs with risk capital — room to grow and the opportunity to leverage support from other philanthropies, corporations, or government funders.

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Our initiatives

Learn more about our initiatives in life science research

PSF has two internal programs in the Life Sciences: The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance (PSSCRA) and Maximizing Innovation in Neuroscience Discovery (MIND) Prizes.

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Our leadership

Learn more about our trustees

Bill Ackman and Neri Oxman are co-trustees of the Pershing Square Foundation.

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