Jeff Leppo and Marjorie Safran, both retired doctors, have spent their careers improving the lives of others through medicine. Today, their passion for service continues, but through philanthropy. Their journey from New York City, where both of them grew up in a Jewish philanthropic tradition, to the Berkshires has shaped their belief that giving back is a powerful force for change.

Their commitment to philanthropy took on new urgency in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. Influenced by their daughter’s call to action, they asked themselves, “What can we do that would make a difference?” This reflection led them to focus on racial equity. “We realized that the barriers to opportunity faced by BIPOC communities were immense, particularly in education,” Leppo explains. “The same old, same old doesn’t work. We need to innovate, take risks, and evolve, just like in science and medicine.”

Leppo’s medical background heavily influences his approach to philanthropy. As a cardiologist, he was trained to experiment, adjust, and keep trying until the right solution emerged. He believes philanthropy should be approached with the same mindset: “You’re not going to move the needle by doing more of the same. Safe and comfortable practices are the death knell for science—and for philanthropy, too.”

In 2022, Leppo and Safran established the Berkshire Inspired Educational Scholarship Fund through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF), which supports BIPOC and economically disadvantaged students from Berkshire County who face emergency financial needs while pursuing higher education. The creation of this fund was inspired by the story of W.E.B. Du Bois, who attended both Fisk and Harvard with financial support from his local church congregation in Great Barrington in the late 19th century.

Safran and Leppo’s vision for philanthropy is not limited to merely providing funds; they believe in involving the communities that will be most impacted by the work. “It’s important to get the people involved who you’re trying to help,” they insist. This approach ensures that their funds are being directed in ways that will be most meaningful. To that end, they helped establish an advisory committee to guide the Berkshire Inspired Educational Scholarship Fund, ensuring that BIPOC voices are part of the decision-making process.

Their scholarship fund is part of a broader effort to change how philanthropy is practiced in the Berkshires. Leppo and Safran joined BTCF’s Learning and Giving Circle, part of a regional Equity Initiative, which brings together donors to learn about racial equity and how to give more effectively. “We see philanthropy as a force for change, and we’re trying to steer in that direction,” Leppo says. “BTCF is embodying that notion and inspiring more donors to do the same.”

The couple’s involvement with BTCF came about at a pivotal time. As they approached retirement, they were also redoing their estate plans and thinking about how they wanted to leave a legacy. A group of friends introduced them to BTCF, and after some initial discussions, they realized that the foundation could help them achieve their philanthropic goals. “BTCF made it easy to give to the causes we’re passionate about. We had meetings with the team there, and they helped us structure our fund in a way that would make the most impact.”

In addition to their scholarship fund, Leppo and Safran have supported other local initiatives, such as the Westside Legends, a Pittsfield-based group working to revitalize historically Black neighborhoods. Through their support of this project and others like it, they hope to contribute to a more equitable future.

Leppo is quick to acknowledge the privilege that he and Safran have had throughout their lives. “We both got through college and medical school with no debt, which was a huge advantage,” he reflects. “I had a better head start than many of my peers. In addition, “there was only one person of color in my medical school class.” This realization fuels their dedication to supporting students who face far greater financial and social challenges than they ever did.

Through their work with BTCF, they are helping to steer philanthropy toward greater innovation and inspiring others to think critically about how they can make a meaningful difference. “We have to keep getting better,” Leppo concludes, “because the work is far from done.”