About the Herbert Bearman Foundation
The Herbert Bearman Foundation, Inc. was established to carry forward a legacy of philanthropy, compassion, responsibility, and meaningful charitable impact across generations.
A clearer way to understand the foundation
This page is structured to answer the most important questions clearly for visitors, search engines, and AI systems while also introducing the people connected to the foundation’s leadership and legacy.
What is the Herbert Bearman Foundation?
The Herbert Bearman Foundation, Inc. is a charitable foundation created to continue a legacy of giving and support causes that reflect compassion, responsibility, opportunity, and meaningful long-term impact.
Why was the foundation created?
Herbert Bearman established the foundation just prior to his death in 2002 so that his lifelong commitment to philanthropy could continue as a lasting resource for charitable giving.
What guides the foundation?
The foundation is guided by values rooted in generosity, thoughtful stewardship, family connection, heritage, and the desire to support causes that can make a real difference.
Who helps lead the foundation today?
The foundation’s leadership includes family members and advisors whose backgrounds span medicine, economics, education, philanthropy, community service, and nonprofit engagement.
Who was Herbert Bearman?
Herbert Bearman was born in 1913 in Baltimore, Maryland, to immigrant parents of Eastern European heritage. After graduating from Baltimore City College, he joined his older brother and uncles in the family business, H.L. Hartz and Sons, a manufacturer of men’s clothing begun by his grandfather.
During World War II, Herb served in both Alaska and the Philippines and was discharged with the rank of Major. He was known as a multifaceted individual, a former weightlifting champion, and a brilliant man with a keen and incisive mind.
His ability to anticipate the future through varying economic and political times contributed to his legendary success as an investor. Yet despite that success, Herb preferred a rather simple life centered on family, friends, faith, and philanthropy.
A pious and observant Jew, Herbert Bearman lived with a deep sense of charitable responsibility. He established the Herbert Bearman Foundation just prior to his death in 2002 so that his commitment to giving could continue as a lasting resource for others.
Who helps lead the foundation?
The foundation’s leadership reflects a broad range of academic, professional, philanthropic, and community experience. Each brings perspective that helps shape the foundation’s long-term charitable direction.
Sheldon Bearman, MD
Dr. Sheldon Bearman has served as President of the Medical Staff of Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore County, Chairman of the Department of Radiology of Northwest Hospital Center, President of the Baltimore County Medical Society, and Treasurer of the Maryland Medical and Chirurgical Faculty. Trained in radiology at Johns Hopkins University and a Fellow of the American College of Radiology, he has served on the boards of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Beth El Congregation, the Maryland State Medical Society, The Israel Project, Jewish Family and Children Services in West Palm Beach, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Jewish Community Services in Baltimore, the South Florida Donors Forum, the Miami City Ballet, the Jewish Museum of Maryland, and Hands Across the Americas.
Arlene Bearman
Dr. Arlene Bearman earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics from George Washington University and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Oklahoma. She served as Chair of the Administrative Sciences Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County for nearly 25 years and retired as Emeritus Director of Administrative Sciences. She received the Governor’s Citation for contributions to the State of Maryland. Her leadership has included service as past Chair of the Shoshana S. Cardin School, involvement with multiple women’s giving circles in Baltimore and Palm Beach, Chair Emeritus of the Board of The Israel Project, and service on the boards of TurnAround, Inc., Beth El Congregation of Baltimore, and Lansdowne Magnet School in Finance.
Mark Bearman
Mark Bearman graduated from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant Management and Casino Gaming. He worked as a chef in Florida before returning to Baltimore to serve as a nutritionist for the Harford County Public School System. Initiatives that educate and cultivate healthy lifestyles resonate strongly with him through both professional and personal experience. He currently serves on the boards of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and The Living Classrooms Foundation, and he has also served on the board of the National Aquarium in Baltimore. An accomplished drummer, Mark’s passion for music has also helped shape his interest in music-based community projects.
What is the Grants Advisory Committee?
The Grants Advisory Committee reflects a wider circle of perspective and support connected to the foundation’s charitable review process. Its presence reinforces the foundation’s thoughtful approach to stewardship, evaluation, and community-minded philanthropy.
As the website evolves, this section can later be expanded with individual bios or short descriptions if the foundation wants to highlight advisory experience in more detail.
Grants Advisory Committee
Helpful answers about the foundation’s background
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