The Kern Foundation

Herbert A. Kern, Sr.

The Kern Foundation was established in 1959 by Herbert A. Kern, Sr., a major contributor to the Theosophical Society in America and other Theosophical organizations. He created this independent foundation, managed by a bank trustee, with his two sons, John C. and Herbert A., Jr., as individual trustees. The basic objective of The Kern Foundation is "to aid the spiritual enlightenment of as many people as practical by exposing them to the theosophical philosophy."

At the time of creating The Kern Foundation, Mr. Kern felt that one of the ways his aims could best be accomplished was by assisting Theosophical organizations with special emphasis on dissemination of Theosophical ideas through the written word and educational endeavors. Herbert Kern’s older son John was named as advisor to the Corporate Trustee for developing granting programs. Since the inception of The Kern Foundation, John Kern as advised and encouraged Theosophical organizations in their work. His presence has been invaluable in challenging grant recipients to strive for excellence in all programs. The Kern Foundation never dictates the policies of recipient organizations. John always acts as a supportive partner, encouraging new approaches to sharing theosophy, the foundation then providing financial assistance for selected Theosophical activities at each organization provided grants. In recent years he has especially focused on use of the Internet and initiatives like this wiki.

Here are some examples of programs funded by The Kern Foundation:

• The establishment of this wiki was supported with funding for a new server.
• A full scholarship to the Happy Valley School was offered.
• Kern Lectures in the Chicago area have featured prominent speakers such as Rupert Sheldrake, Ian Stevenson, and Eben Alexander.

Other resources

• Personal Reminiscences on the Origins of the Kern Foundation by John Kern
• Recalling the Beginnings by Joy Mills