Jean Shafiroff – First Lady of Philanthropy

For New York philanthropist, TV host, and author Jean Shafiroff, giving back is not a seasonal activity—it is a year-round full-time mission. Known for her deep philanthropic commitments, leadership, and generosity, Shafiroff embodies the rare combination of elegance and purpose. She is steadfast in her mission: “Those who have resources,” she says, “have an obligation to give back.” Shafiroff walks the talk. She is a wonderful example of a leader who leads professionally, with great expertise and grace. 

Shafiroff is the author of the book, Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give. She hosts the TV show Successful Philanthropy, which airs six times each week. She serves on seven charity boards, on various advisory boards, and an honorary board. Each year she chairs eight to ten charity galas and then hosts and underwrites many charity events in her homes. She has been honored dozens of times by both international and regional charities. The international press often refers to her as “the First Lady of Philanthropy,” a title she truly lives up to on all accounts. In 2022, the New York state assembly also named her the “First Lady of Philanthropy.” She has been featured on the covers of countless magazines, both international and local.  

That ethos defines her summer schedule, which is packed with nonprofit work spanning health care, animal welfare, women’s rights, and underserved communities. In addition she supports the LGBTQ community, art institutions, and environmental work. “My summer is a working summer,” she said during a recent interview. “But I enjoy the philanthropic work I do. It creates great purpose in my life. I am most fortunate to be able to do this work. I think we all need to live a purposeful life.”

Shafiroff’s list of summer commitments is nothing short of staggering. She chaired the Southampton History Museum’s Halsey House Gala on July 5—an event she’s led for several years and which draws a large sophisticated crowd in a casual cocktail setting with serious results. “It’s always fun, always well attended, and always a big success,” she noted.

A week later, she was honored by the South Fork Natural History Museum for her philanthropic work, and that same evening, she was the philanthropy chair of the Holiday House Gala supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Her July continued with the Southampton Animal Shelter Gala on the 19th—a cause she chaired for just about a decade and continues to support as an honorary board member. “They did not have chairs this year. However, I purchased a table to support the good work of the shelter,” she said. The next day, she chaired the Southampton African American ­Museum Gala brunch, another wonderful commitment.

On July 26, she served as honorary chair of the Ellen          Hermanson Foundation Gala, supporting breast cancer survivors—another cause close to home. Long Island has a very high percentage of women who have had breast cancer, and it is important that we help them with breast care services.  

Shafiroff’s background in healthcare lends added weight to her advocacy. She holds a B.S. in physical therapy from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons and began her career treating patients at St. Luke’s Hospital. “Most of my patients lived at or below the poverty level. It would be hard to work in that setting and not develop empathy,” she explained. After a short career as a physical therapist she returned to Columbia and earned an MBA in finance from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University and then worked as an investment banker on Wall Street. “Both those experiences—working with people in need and people with the means to meet them—inspired me to use my knowledge and network to raise funds and awareness.”

That network is vast. Shafiroff serves on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Southampton Hospital Foundation; she served as a vice chair of their August 2 Summer Party Fundraiser. She’s also on the boards of the NY Women’s Foundation, Mission Society of NYC, French Heritage Society, Casita Maria, Couture Council for the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Global Strays. In addition, she serves on the honorary board and is an honorary trustee of the Jewish Board, after serving on its board for 28 years. In addition, Jean Shafiroff serves on the advisory boards of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and Ballet Palm Beach.

Beyond official board seats, Shafiroff is a tireless volunteer fundraiser and a very generous donor herself. “When you go out there and ask people for large sums of money, you really have to know what you are doing,” she said. “You must be professional, accurate, and always send official paperwork. And remember, a ‘no’ today could be a ‘yes’ tomorrow. Funds should never be sent to you, they must be sent directly to the charity.”  

She’s not only contributing financially; she’s shaping the future of giving. One of her priorities is inspiring younger generations to take philanthropy seriously. “I think it’s really important to motivate young people. We must help mentor them and show support to those who want to get involved in philanthropy.” I say this often: Life is not created equal. We can all try to help reduce the divide.” 

Her own daughters are shining examples. “My older daughter spent years in Kenya doing volunteer work with disabled children,” she said. “And my younger daughter co-founded and is president of Global Strays, a charity which supports animal welfare in underserved countries.” Shafiroff credits a combination of family values and early exposure. “Parents and teachers serve as the greatest examples to children.” Philanthropy needs to be passed down from generation to generation.  

Shafiroff also uses her book, Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give, as a tool to share that message. “I wrote entire chapters on how to choose a charity, how to fundraise as a volunteer, and what charities expect of board members,” she said. “Before getting involved with a charity, people should do their research—check Charity Navigator, GuideStar, the Better Business Bureau.”  

She emphasizes that every contribution counts, regardless of wealth. Her honesty—wrapped in fashion and with great style—may be part of what makes Shafiroff such a compelling figure. Also, her kindness and hard work.  Regarding her philanthropic life she says, “Fashion and philanthropy can go hand-in-hand. When people get dressed up for a gala, it makes the event more exciting, more glamorous. And if it encourages people to come out and support a good cause, then it serves a purpose.” 

Indeed, she’s become known for her great sense of style and her spectacular ball-gown collection, including such designers as Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, and more. But she also champions emerging designers. “I do purchase from lesser-known but highly talented designers: Victor de Souza, Malan Breton, B Michael, Zang Toi, Ese Azenabour, and Nabys Vielman, to name a few. Wearing their work gives them visibility, and I then have the opportunity to wear something unique.” Shafiroff is considered a fashion icon and has appeared on major fashion magazine covers and best-dressed lists. 

Jean Shafiroff has a large Instagram following: over 1.2 million people around the world. She uses her primary account, @jeanshafiroff, to promote philanthropy, positivity, fashion and younger generations. But it’s the philanthropic mission that keeps her going. “It’s a full-time job,” she says with a laugh. “But I believe in it.” She believes that those who have resources have an obligation to give. Her guiding principle remains simple but powerful: “Everyone can give something. Whether it’s time, knowledge, or money—if you have it to give, you should.” 

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