Our Story

NorthLight Foundation, a private foundation established by Dan and Sheryl Tishman, invests at the intersection of human and environmental landscapes and works with organizations to deliver high-impact and systemic change.

Originally incorporated as the Dan and Sheryl Tishman Family Foundation in 2011, the Foundation entered a new phase in 2018 when it adopted a new name, NorthLight, evoking the Trustees’ commitment to supporting solutions that will bring about a healthy, just, and sustainable world. NorthLight Foundation is the product of many years of active philanthropy in education and the environment and builds upon the legacy of John L. Tishman.

Currently, NorthLight has four focus areas that guide its engagement, with a focus on investing in ambitious projects that can deliver new, high-impact solutions:

Reimaging Conservation: Investing in and engaging with innovative organizations and conservation strategies, focusing on keeping oil and gas development out of the Arctic.
Catalyzing Climate Action: Developing and funding initiatives fostering new leadership on climate and clean energy.
Building Resilient Rural Communities: Supporting innovative approaches to climate resilience, healthcare access, and education challenges in targeted rural communities.
Centering Community: Investing in organizations whose mission enriches the communities they serve.

The Foundation is unable to consider unsolicited grant proposals.

Trustees

Daniel R. Tishman, Chairman and President

Daniel R. Tishman is Principal and Vice Chairman of the Board of Tishman Hotel & Realty LP. Dan formerly served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tishman Construction Corporation and currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of its parent company, AECOM. Dan is Chairman Emeritus of the Board of the Natural Resources Defense Council. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Montefiore Medicine and as a member of the boards of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, among others. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and Planning from Evergreen State College and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Lesley College.

Sheryl C. Tishman, Vice President

Sheryl C. Tishman is an avid environmental activist and philanthropist and currently sits on the Board of Trustees of Trust for Public Land, Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters and the NorthLight Foundation. Sheryl is a former Trustee of Telluride Mountainfilm, Open Space Institute, National Audubon Society Expedition Institute, Mianus River Gorge Preserve, George Mitchell Scholarship Foundation, Teton Valley Ranch Camp and Meade School. She holds a BS in Environmental Studies from Middlebury College and MS in Education from Lesley University. In her spare time she enjoys her gardens and all outdoor pursuits, especially wilderness travel.

Gabriel L. Tishman, SECRETARY

Gabriel L. Tishman is a 5th generation Tishman and son of Dan and Sheryl Tishman. Gabe currently sits on the Investment Committee of Tishman Hotel and Realty L.P. and Tishman Capital Partners. As an avid environmentalist and fly fisherman, Gabe serves on the Anglers Circle of the American Museum of Fly Fishing. Gabe formerly worked with the Natural Resource Defense Council on multiple New York City Sustainability Initiatives. Gabe holds a B.S. degree in Sustainability and Public Policy, with a minor in Business, from the University of Michigan, where he also played on the Division 1 Varsity Tennis team for four years.

Francis W. Beck, Treasurer

Francis W. Beck is Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for Tishman. Prior to joining Tishman in 1992, he was in charge of Finance and Administration for Guinness PLC, overseeing the financial activities for the Group's hospitality development and management business in the United States. Before that, Frank held various Hotel Corporate and Property Controllership positions and started his career in auditing and consulting with the CPA firm of Pannell, Kerr and Forester. Frank holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Business Administration from the State University of New York.