Farris Foundation

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ABOUT US

Mission

To improve the health and well being of individuals and communities in the geographic regions where we serve.

We fund programs that stimulate innovation, build culture of respect, collaboration and learning; and can demonstrate a sustainable impact on participants. We are particularly interested in programs that help underserved communities, address racial and economic inequities, and give individuals opportunities to have a better life.

Our Values

We value the following in our grantmaking decisions:

  • Compassion and Respect

    We believe that every person, no matter the circumstance, deserves dignity and respect and that everyone has the capacity to grow, learn, and develop into a better self.

  • Health and Well-being

    We support programs for improving the physical and mental health of individuals and communities to build strong minds and bodies and develop self-confidence and self-sufficiency.

  • Education and Learning

    We value education as a pathway to better lives for individuals and their families. Education and learning include classroom learning, tutoring, mentorships, technical training, and life skills development.

  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

    We recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in making grants. We also recognize inequities in education, housing, job opportunities, and access to medical and mental health services, affecting underserved populations.

  • Innovation

    We nurture novel approaches and experimentation in finding solutions to address the needs of individuals and communities.

  • Collaboration

    We promote collaboration and partnership among non-profits to be more effective at reaching and serving their clients.

  • Building Foundation

    We support the efforts of non-profits to build capacity, performance, and resilience through investments in infrastructure, skills, and leadership development.

  • Impactful

    We recognize that there are greater needs than there are funds, and we seek to support efforts that will make lasting impacts on individuals and communities.

Farris History

Victor and Celia Farris

Celia Lipton Farris and Victor W. Farris

Celia and Victor Farris met in New York City in 1955; he was a successful inventor and industrialist, and she an accomplished singer and actress. They married six months later. Mr. and Mrs. Farris were together for 29 years until Mr. Farris’s death. During their lifetimes they were both active donors and volunteers.

Celia Lipton Farris

Celia Lipton Farris made her singing debut at the London Palladium at the age of 15. She continued her successful music and stage career in America. Mrs. Farris was well known and much admired as a benefactor of the arts.

Celia Lipton Farris and Victor W. Farris

Celia and Victor Farris met in New York City in 1955; he was a successful inventor and industrialist, and she an accomplished singer and actress. They married six months later. Mr. and Mrs. Farris were together for 29 years until Mr. Farris’s death. During their lifetimes they were both active donors and volunteers.

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Victor W. Farris

Victor W. Farris was well known for his business and engineering expertise and for his many inventions, ranging from the paper milk carton to Farris safety and relief valves. He strongly valued the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals, and actively nurtured its development, whether buying a piano for an aspiring musician or supporting publication of scientific research. Mr. Farris was a strong supporter of education and served on numerous nonprofit boards.

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Victor W. Farris

Victor W. Farris was well known for his business and engineering expertise and for his many inventions, ranging from the paper milk carton to Farris safety and relief valves. He strongly valued the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals, and actively nurtured its development, whether buying a piano for an aspiring musician or supporting publication of scientific research. Mr. Farris was a strong supporter of education and served on numerous nonprofit boards.