Jacobs Foundation

The Jacobs Foundation is a philanthropic organization established in 1989 by Klaus J. Jacobs and his family, with the vision of improving the education and development of children and youth around the world. It invests in research on how children learn, promotes the use of evidence in teaching and learning, and supports countries in shaping and implementing evidence-based education policies. Its work spans early learning, learning variability, and systems-level reform, and it operates through partnerships with researchers, practitioners, EdTech companies, investors, and policymakers. In 2025 the Foundation assumed full control over its assets and adopted an independent investment strategy.

The Jacobs Foundation was established in 1989 by Klaus J. Jacobs and his family, driven by a vision to improve the education and development of children and youth around the world. Klaus J. Jacobs, born on December 3, 1936, into the Jacobs coffee family in Bremen, Germany, built an international career in the coffee and chocolate industries, culminating in the leadership of Johann Jacobs & Co. and the creation of Jacobs Suchard, before turning to philanthropy. In 2001, he transferred his interests in Jacobs Holding to the Jacobs Foundation, securing a long-term financial base. Historically sustained by returns from Jacobs Holding, the Foundation entered a new era in 2025 by assuming full control over its assets and adopting an independent investment strategy. By 2025, the Foundation had surpassed CHF 1 billion in philanthropic giving since its founding, supporting work across early learning, learning variability, and systems-level reform.

An active and engaged philanthropic funder that applies its knowledge and competences to advance evidence-based education globally.

1. 1Homepage - Jacobs Foundationjacobsfoundation.org
2. 2Our Story - Jacobs Foundationjacobsfoundation.org
3. 3About Learning Outreach - Jacobs Foundationjacobsfoundation.org
4. 4Beyond 1 Billion - Jacobs Foundationjacobsfoundation.org
5. 5Jacobs Foundationwikidata.org