[2] It also supports enrichment programs for Jewish educators, and interfaith outreach initiatives.
[1] The foundation was founded in 1993 by Robert Israel “Bob” Lappin (1922–2020),[5] a retired vacuum cleaner and real estate magnate and native of Swampscott, Massachusetts.
On December 12, 2008, the Lappin Foundation was forced to close due to the arrest of Bernard L. Madoff for securities fraud, and the subsequent freeze of assets that Madoff managed, which included the majority of the Lappin Foundation's assets.
Additionally, the foundation had invested its employees' 401(k) fund with Madoff, all of which was presumed lost.
The Foundation's employees worked on a volunteer basis to raise funds to ensure Jewish Youth to Israel could continue in 2009.