The Sidney Kimmel Foundation was formed in 1993 and since that time the Foundation and its subdsidiary, the Sidney Kimmel Foundation for Cancer Research, have committed more than $495 million to various philanthropic causes. These gifts reflect Sidney Kimmel's strong dedication to his hometown of Philadelphia as well as the performing arts, education, Jewish continuity and cancer research.

The Foundation is the lead donor to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, one of the most unique physical structures of modern architecture and new home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, and has funded the construction of a theater at the National Constitution Center which opened on July 4, 2003.