Jean Shafiroff, Philanthropist, Humanitarian, and TV Host

Jean Shafiroff is a philanthropist, humanitarian, TV host, writer, and the author of the book Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give. Jean is often referred to as “the first lady of philanthropy” by the press because of her generosity and extensive work as a volunteer fundraiser and leader in the philanthropic world. She serves on the boards of many charitable organizations and each year; she chairs upwards of eight to ten different charity galas. She also hosts and underwrites large cocktail parties for different charities in her New York homes. Among the many causes she champions are those involved in women’s rights, the rights of underserved populations, health care, and animal welfare.

As the “First lady of philanthropy” what was important to you in 2024?

My main objective was to see that the charities that I am involved with met their goals and then to help people in need and animals that rely on us.   

First, I take this title very seriously. The year 2024 was also a year to lend support to many different philanthropic causes. In addition to the financial donations, I give and then the fundraising I do, it was important to show support to a myriad of charities. I attended and also hosted many events for charity. Of particular importance is my involvement with the NY Women’s Foundation, a charity whose board I serve on and whose mission is to create a just and equitable world for all women.  We also work to empower women and families out of poverty.  As a woman, I think it is vitally important to support other women — especially women who live at or below the poverty level.  Another great interest of mine is supporting underserved children and families .  My board  involvement with Mission Society of NYC and Casita Maria, two charities that serve underserved children, is very important to me. We must never forget that children and families are our future.  We must create opportunities for families  and children to grow and thrive. I also love animals and work on charity boards to help with animal welfare and animal rights. I love the work of Global Strays and Southampton Animal Shelter, two charities who I am quite involved with as a board member.   Health care for all is also something I support. I serve on one hospital foundation board — Southampton Hospital Foundation and believe that a good healthcare system is key to all communities. In  2024,  I chaired or co-chaired about 8 or 9 charity galas. I also hosted and underwrote about 8 large  parties in my home for different philanthropic causes.  I love the volunteer work I do and feel fortunate to be able to do it.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about philanthropy, family and fashion. I also love the arts and travel. In the philanthropic arena my four areas of focus are women’s rights, rights of underserved populations, health care,  and animal rights. Though I also support many other causes. 

How important is authenticity to you?

Authenticity and honesty are everything. You must be able to trust someone in order to do business with them or to want to have that person as a friend. Trust is the backbone of all relationships in business and in social matters.  

Tell us about Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give. 

The purpose of writing my book was to inspire and motivate others to get involved in the philanthropic process and then to serve as a practical guide to giving. The main message of my book is that anyone can be a philanthropist. If you do not have large amounts of funds to donate, you can become a philanthropist by donating your time and knowledge. However, I do believe that those that have resources have an obligation to give financially.   Most charities are looking for responsible volunteers and welcome those who earnestly want to help. Another message of my book is that giving is greatly rewarding. By helping and giving to those in need, we achieve great personal satisfaction.  It is far more rewarding to give than to receive.  

What are some of the key points we can find on your weekly television program called “Successful Philanthropy?

I started my TV show ” Successful Philanthropy” to give others a platform and opportunity to speak about their philanthropy. The purpose of the show is to help motivate others to get involved in philanthropic causes. When the viewers hear the real-life stories of my different guests — philanthropists, executive directors of charities, celebrities and politicians – who are involved in the philanthropic process, they often want to get involved themselves. The show is also designed to give younger generations the opportunity to hear how my guests have become successful in life.  Most successful people generally get involved in philanthropy. They are compelled to help the underserved.  However, this is not always the case. To date, I have interviewed close to 200 very accomplished guests — all about their philanthropy.  

Can you share an upcoming charity event you will be supporting?

I support numerous charities each year.  Each month I attend many charity galas. I purchased tickets to these events to show my support. In addition, I serve on many charity boards and then host and underwrite many parties for philanthropic causes.  In February 2025, I will serve as a co-chair of the French Heritage Society Gala in Palm Beach.  I will also serve as a Philanthropy Chair of the annual Palm Beach Tabletop Event that directly supports breast cancer research.  In May, I will co-chair the Viennese Opera Ball in NYC which supports cancer research by giving all profits to Memorial Sloan Kettering and Gabriel’s Angels. Both these charities support cancer research.  These are just a few of the charity events that I will be involved with  in the winter and early spring of 2025. During the summer and fall of 2025 there will be many more.   I am also involved with the American Red Cross as a Tiffany Circle Member and look forward to their upcoming events.  The list of events I support each year seems to keep growing and growing. I plan to do my philanthropic work for the rest of my life and feel grateful to be able to do the work I do!