Our history 

In 1982, Bernard E. (“Bernie”) and Alba Witkin established the Bernard E. & Alba Witkin Charitable Trust with funding from royalties of Bernie’s legal writings and publications, to support non-profit groups advancing social justice and society. The Foundation was created in 2003 to provide greater flexibility in carrying on the 1982 Trust’s mission.
 
Bernie and Alba's support spanned a variety of local and global initiatives in their early philanthropic years. The Witkins supported music in Berkeley’s public school system, affordable housing and food for the needy, gender and refugee studies, mental health services, and supported projects for peace, social justice, and human rights.
 
Currently, approximately 100 charitable organizations receive contributions from the Foundation each year. The Foundation looks forward to carrying on the thoughtful philanthropy of the Bernie and Alba Witkin for years to come. The Foundation is open to forming partnerships with non-profits that advance our mission. Please reach out to us through our contact page.  

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Bernie​

Bernie moved with his family from Holyoke, Massachusetts to San Francisco when he was five years old and he then remained in Berkeley, California for most of his life, until passing away there in 1995.
 
After pursuing an undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and receiving an LLB from the UC Berkeley Law School, Bernie went on to become a well-known and highly respected commentator on California law. Generations of California lawyers and judges continue to rely on the Witkin Treatises for authoritative legal guidance, and the California courts continue to cite the Witkin publications extensively. 

Alba​

Alba Pichetto Kuchman Witkin was born in Paterson, New Jersey to Italian-German immigrant parents. Alba moved with her family to Fresno, California when she was ten years old.
 
Alba graduated as a valedictorian at Fresno State College and received a master’s degree in Public Personnel Administration from Stanford University. Alba led a distinguished career with numerous community organizations, which included relocating Japanese-American students from the World War II West Coast internment camps to eastern and Midwestern colleges. Alba met Bernie after being widowed from her first husband, Carl Kuchman of Sacramento, California.
 
Following Bernie's death in 1995, Alba carried on the couple's charitable work. Alba’s concerns became increasingly focused on the health, education, and enrichment needs of young children in the East Bay Area. She also continued to support several non-profit law-related activities which were important to Bernie.
 
Listen to Alba speak about her interest in supporting East Bay Area youth below in a video made as she was inducted into Alameda County Women's Hall of Fame in March 2014, shortly before her death.