From Golf Balls to Global Impact: The Philanthropic Journey of David Sherman

At just four years old, David Sherman’s father taught him his first lesson in giving. On the 18th hole of the Glencoe public golf course, David and his sister sold lost golf balls they’d scavenged from the woods. His father insisted that half of the proceeds go to the Combined Jewish Appeal. That sidewalk stand was more than a childhood memory, it was a spark that ignited a lifetime dedicated to philanthropy.

David didn’t simply follow in his father’s footsteps, he forged his own path. While his father’s intense approach to giving shaped his early exposure, David developed a deeply personal, relational style of philanthropy centered on authenticity, humility, and connection.

When I asked how he balances running a business, raising a family, and leading nonprofits, he humbly said, “I was lucky. Really, you have to be in a situation where the organization is OK and encourages volunteerism. Not all companies value it as much as others. I was so lucky to come into a family business and be able to attend events, meetings…”

What started as an obligation transformed into ownership when David attended a mission (trip) to Israel with the Jewish United Fund (JUF) in Chicago. By his late 20s, he was serving on the JUF board. By his mid-40s, he had served as Campaign Chair and Chair of the Board, helping raise millions for the Jewish community during some of its most trying times.

I asked how he raised so many dollars as Campaign Chair. He answered, “I’ve never been the guy who pushes someone to go from $5,000 to $25,000. I meet with people. I listen. When I do make the ask, it’s in a way that aligns with their values, not mine.”

His impact reaches beyond race, religion, and social sectors. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, David helped lead innovative efforts to stabilize social service agencies. His calm, principled, and analytical leadership reminds everyone that philanthropy isn’t about panicking, it’s about stepping up when it matters most.

Even as he rose to lead one of Illinois’ largest social service agencies and became Chair of the Israel Policy Forum, David stayed true to his approach to leadership. “My style isn’t to be front and center,” he says. “It’s to put the right people in the spotlight and help them shine.”

Whether building bridges across Jewish, Black, Latino, or Muslim communities, David believes in nuance, mutual respect, and expanding the table.

But it’s not just about institutions. David’s family shares these values, too. His children have volunteered at Uptown Café, worked with therapy dogs in memory care centers, and served as mentors. For their B’nai mitzvahs, there were no lavish parties, instead meaningful service projects.

Philanthropy was never forced on his children. It’s been woven into the fabric of their lives. As a family, they talk about giving together. Each year, the next generation next generation is allocated philanthropic dollars to fund Jewish causes casting a wide and thoughtful net.

In addition to running Sherman Residential and actively leading nonprofits, David still makes time for hobbies. He’s run marathons, learned the mandolin, attended Second City improv classes, and continues to stretch himself. Always learning and growing.

The real story is about intention: choosing to show up, lead, and give in a way that feels authentic, kind, and transformative.

David Sherman’s journey proves that philanthropy isn’t just about what you give—it’s about how you live.