Irvin Stern was a Chicago businessman who established a small charitable trust in 1957. At the time of his death, he left the administration of the Foundation to family members and charged them with helping programs that would benefit social service organizations, and enhance the welfare of Jewish communities.

Today, the Irvin Stern Foundation is guided by three generations of family members who serve as Trustees. They are committed to supporting innovative grass roots human service and civic organizations, religious and secular, who aid the underserved and disadvantaged.