Who We Are
The Feinstein Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Rhode Island that has been dedicated to teaching kindness and supporting schools since 1992. Founded by Alan Shawn Feinstein.
Our mission is to:
inspire young people to help others, embrace kindness, and make our world a better place.
Our Impact
More than 1 million students have participated in our Jr. Scholar program and are recognized as Feinstein Jr. Scholars. Each student receives a Feinstein Jr. Scholar Card, giving them and their guest complimentary admission to several attractions throughout Southern New England. The Jr. Scholar program connects families with opportunities for exploration while reinforcing the value of acts of kindness for kids and community service.
About Alan
Alan Shawn Feinstein was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts in 1931. After graduating from Boston University and earning his Master’s degree from Boston Teachers’ College, he worked as a teacher in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and abroad in Bangkok, Thailand. Mr. Feinstein went on to dedicate his life to philanthropy, providing millions of dollars in school grants and community support. His legacy includes the Feinstein colleges and institutes at the University of Rhode Island, Roger Williams University, Rhode Island College, Tufts University, and Providence College.
About Leila
As Feinstein Foundation President & CEO, Leila directs the organization’s philanthropic strategy and long-term mission. Having spent years collaborating with her father, Alan Shawn Feinstein, she now leads the Foundation into its next chapter, focusing on service, education, and community impact.
Leila graduated from Brown University in 1993 where she met her husband, Chaka Forman. She went on to earn a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from NYU. They now have three children — Chaya, Sakai and Desmond. Leila spent two decades working in television news as a reporter and anchor, winning four Emmy Awards at KTLA in Los Angeles. After two decades dedicated to journalism, she returned full-time to the Foundation to work alongside her father.
Under her leadership, The Feinstein Foundation has strengthened its focus on empowering young people through kindness, community, and service. Leila oversees the Feinstein Leadership School program, as well as the Jr. Scholar Card program and Golden Ticket Awards — while expanding the Foundation’s work supporting education, equality, and community needs across Southern New England.
Dedicated to stewardship and impact, Leila continues to advance the Foundation’s belief that even the smallest acts of kindness can make the world a better place — a message she works to instill in every Feinstein Jr. Scholar.
Want to know more?
Contact us today to learn more about the Feinstein Leadership school program.