The Jacob & Charlotte Lehrman Foundation was established in 1953 by its namesakes in Washington, D.C., where they lived. Their philosophy is expressed by the following quote, which is inscribed on Jacob Lehrman's headstone:
I shall not pass this way but once—
Therefore, any good that I may do or
Any kindness I may show
Let me do it now
For I shall not pass this way again
Jacob and Charlotte Lehrman ran the Foundation during their lives. The Foundation is still run by the family, and the board now includes Lehrman children, grandchildren and a family associate.