About

Our Vision
All individuals, families and neighborhoods have the resources and opportunities to prosper.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of individuals, families, and neighborhoods by investing in nonprofit organizations to address basic needs and help ensure personal safety; increase access to social and economic opportunity; and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods.
Our History
The Joseph and Vera Zilber Charitable Foundation, Inc. (dba Zilber Family Foundation) is a private, independent grantmaking institution founded by the late Joseph J. Zilber in 1961. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Joe Zilber attended Milwaukee public schools and Marquette University, where he met his wife, Vera. They lived and raised their children in Milwaukee, where Joe established Zilber Ltd., a residential and commercial real estate firm.
Today, the Zilber Family Foundation is the majority owner of Zilber Ltd., which continues to invest, build, and manage real estate throughout the country.
Our Impact
We are pleased to share the Foundation's first impact report, The Spirit of Community, which takes a look back on our investment in community in 2020 and the first six months of 2021.
Board of Directors
Marcy Jackson, President
James Janz, Vice President
Steve Chevalier, Secretary-Treasurer
Michael Mervis
Mark Madigan
Melissa S. A. Jackson
Shane Jackson
John K. Tsui
Marilyn Zilber
Foundation Staff
Lianna Bishop, Grants Manager and Special Assistant
Camille Davis, Program Officer
Erin Frederick, Program Director
Demetria Smith, Senior Program Officer
Gina Stilp, Executive Director
Meredith Trockman, Program Associate, Hawai`i