Our Mission
To bring the multicultural, creative spirit of Keats into children’s lives and literature
- Supporting arts and literacy programs in public schools and libraries
- Celebrating new writers and illustrators of exceptional picture books for a diverse audience of children
- Preserving Keats’s work and extending his legacy
Our History
The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation was incorporated in 1964, with Ezra as President and his lifelong friend, Martin Pope, as Secretary, but remained a personal conduit until Ezra’s death, in 1983. His will directed that the Foundation use the royalties from his books for social good. It was left to his successors to decide how best to carry out his wishes.
Martin and Lillie Pope, now both deceased, became President and Vice President of the Foundation, and focused the work of the foundation on a population and institution especially dear to Ezra: children and public education. Through its Bookmaking and Mini-Grant programs, the Foundation provides children across the country with opportunities to enjoy reading, develop a lifelong love of learning, and to believe in themselves.
Ezra’s commitment to diversity in children’s books is realized through the Ezra Jack Keats Award, which has recognized emerging writers and illustrators whose books reflect our diverse culture since 1986. The EJK Award was conceived of by Hannah Nuba, Director of the New York Public Library’s Early Childhood Resource and Information Center (ECRIC), and proposed to Dr.’s Martin and Lillie Pope in 1983.
The Foundation also supports fellowships for the study of children’s literature and scholarships in art and music to universities, museums, music schools and other public organizations.