Who We Are

We believe in fostering dynamic, resilient communities that nurture a connection to place, purpose, and potential. Through strategic grantmaking and partnerships, we invest in organizations that create meaningful opportunities for people to thrive.

A Family's Commitment to Community

The Lesher Family Foundation is an expression of our family’s belief that we all have a role to play in the well-being of our communities.

We are guided by a desire to listen, learn, and contribute to a shared purpose. It is a privilege to partner with organizations that are on the front lines of positive change.

Rooted in place. Open to possibility.

We believe the most meaningful change grows from a deep connection to the places we call home.

The Lesher Family Foundation is dedicated to nurturing the health and resilience of our communities by investing in the people and ideas that shape our shared future.

With humble curiosity, we partner with organizations that are creating a more vibrant, equitable, and sustainable world for everyone.

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Our Vision

We envision a world where all communities are vibrant, inclusive, and empowered—where individuals and families have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to flourish.

Explore Our Work

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Our Values

Our approach is guided by a set of core values that act as our moral compass and shape every partnership we form.

Guided by our values of adventure, integrity, love, loyalty, respect, responsibility, simplicity, and tolerance, we focus our giving on four core areas:

  • We support literary arts and creative expression, and public access to arts and culture that uplift diverse voices.

  • We fund solutions that create high-quality, culturally aligned childcare and early learning opportunities.

  • Investing in stable, affordable housing solutions that empower thriving communities. 

  • Preserving natural spaces and supporting sustainable, place-based economic development.

Foundation Leadership Staff

The foundation is professionally managed by a small, dedicated team that works closely with grantees and partners to maximize impact.

  • A man with dark hair, wearing a gray suit, light blue shirt, and a dark blue tie, standing indoors with a blurred background.

    Dominic Pepper

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, light skin, and blue eyes, smiling and wearing a white collared shirt, against a plain light background.

    Mary Jane Young

    MAINE DIRECTOR

  • A woman with light skin, blue eyes, freckles, and brown hair, smiling at the camera, wearing a dark green shirt against a plain background.

    Annie Schelble

    PROGRAMMING & FACILITIES MANAGER

Board of Directors

Our board brings together multiple generations of family members, ensuring our philanthropy is both deeply personal and forward-looking.

J. Grif Lesher | Board Chair

Linda Lesher | Director

Justin Lesher | Director

Meredith Lesher | Director

Nicholas Lesher | Director

Rachel Lesher | Director