$270 million donor and visionary philanthropist Jorge M. Pérez and family mark a decade of transformative giving and a lifetime of vision, humanity, and art
There are a few names that resonate across Miami’s skyline and spirit quite like Jorge M. Pérez.
For decades, the Cuban-American developer, art collector, and mega-philanthropist has reshaped not only the city’s architecture but also its heart—bringing beauty, access, and opportunity to every corner of the community he calls home.
This month, as the Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation celebrates its tenth anniversary, we also celebrate the man behind it—a longtime friend and steadfast supporter of Lifestyles Magazine / Meaningful Influence and its mission to spotlight those who give meaningfully, live purposefully, and inspire through action.
Throughout his remarkable life, Jorge Pérez has donated over $200 million to the arts and community programs, including $80 million through his family foundation to more than 160 nonprofit organizations.
Yet his accurate measure of success cannot be counted in dollars or buildings. It is found in human stories — a young student discovering music for the first time, an artist gaining the space and freedom to create, an older adult able to attend a concert because someone cared.
“Art made me think,” Pérez reflects. “It made me a better person—more aware of what’s happening in the world.”
That belief—that art cultivates empathy, imagination, and purpose—has guided him from the very beginning.
The imprint of Pérez and his firm, The Related Group, defines Miami’s skyline, but beyond the gleaming towers lies an even greater legacy: the creation of a cultural ecosystem where everyone, regardless of means, can experience the transformative power of art.
“There isn’t a major city without one,” he says.
“A place where everyone can experience and absorb the arts. I’m proud of the organizations that make that happen—the ones that help create better, more disciplined, more inspired students.”
For Pérez and his wife, Darlene, philanthropy is never a distant act. They meet personally with grantees, listening to their hopes, challenges, and dreams.
Each year, at the Pérez Grantee Summit hosted at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), they bring together nonprofits, artists, and public officials to strengthen the cultural fabric of the city.
They approach giving with both heart and discipline—funding programs that, as Jorge likes to say, “feed the soul, the mind, and creativity.”
He often invites grantees and young artists to his home, gathering them around a table for food, laughter, and inspiration. “I want them to see what’s possible,” he says simply.
“Because I started with nothing.”
His humility and warmth have made him a beloved figure not only in Miami but also in the pages of Lifestyles / Meaningful Influence, where his lifelong commitment to meaningful impact has long reflected the spirit of the magazine.
“Homelessness and hunger must be addressed,” he explains.
“But art feeds the mind and creativity — it’s what separates us from animals.” For Pérez, the arts are not a luxury but a necessity — a source of humanity that uplifts an entire community.
He speaks of the future with the same energy and optimism that have defined his life. “We’ll leave money for philanthropy, of course,” he says.
“But I want to give as much as I can now — to see the results firsthand. To watch Miami, and the people in it, flourish.”
That enduring generosity continues to ripple outward through initiatives like CreARTE, which has invested more than $16 million to expand access to arts education, and through countless programs that have given artists the freedom to create and children the courage to dream.
For Lifestyles Magazine / Meaningful Influence, celebrating Jorge Pérez is more than honoring a benefactor — it is recognizing a kindred spirit.
His generosity, humanity, and vision align perfectly with our enduring mission: to shine a light on those who redefine success through significance and remind us that every act of giving — of art, of opportunity, of heart — helps build a better world.
Jorge and Darlene, who grew up in Miami and built a successful career as a registered nurse, have four children: Christina, Jon Paul, Nicholas (Nicky), and Felipe.
The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation is the next evolutionary step in their philanthropy, taking a more intentional and strategic approach to their giving, while involving their children to build a legacy they can carry forward.
Each family member brings their own passion to the work of the foundation, stepping up as champions for what they care about and still sharing one, united vision for a thriving South Florida.
Jorge is the Founding Executive Chairman of Related Group. He is a lover of art and an avid collector, infusing his real estate developments with carefully curated pieces from master and emerging artists.
Jorge is deeply involved in supporting Miami’s ongoing cultural renaissance, sponsoring organizations such as Florida International University, the Arsht Center, Oolite Arts, Fountainhead Residency, the National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts), and, most notably, the Herzog & de Meuron-designed Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM).
Darlene has been a health practitioner for over 25 years and sits on the nursing advisory board of her alma mater, Florida International University (FIU). She founded the PAMM’s International Women’s Committee, which creates a platform to celebrate women’s contributions to arts and culture as well as a balanced representation of women through the industry.
Darlene is also a member of the Miami Cancer Institute’s Art & Design Committee, spearheading the healing arts program aimed at improving the hospital’s environment and patients’ well-being.
As a champion for health care and those with diverse abilities, she has been instrumental in shaping the family foundation’s health and well-being investments.
Christina is a Doctor of Social Work candidate at the University of Southern California. Before enrolling, she worked as a child welfare case manager at ChildNet in Ft. Lauderdale.
She sits on the boards of Voices for Children and the Demonstration School Center for Excellence in Early Education at United Way of Miami-Dade, where she reads to pre-K students. She helps guide the foundation’s Education investments.
Jon Paul “JP” currently serves as president and chief executive officer of The Related Group.
Nurturing Miami’s growing arts and culture community, Jon Paul is closely aligned with PAMM and YoungArts, participating in their annual Miami YoungArts Week.
He also sits on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, is an active United Way Young Leader, and helps inform the economic development work of the foundation.
Nicholas “Nicky” currently serves as a vice president for The Related Group.
He and his wife Kastyn believe that the quality of life for urban residents depends on access to open green spaces and making sure they protect natural environments through conservation and sustainable practices.
He helps guide the foundation’s environmental investments.
Felipe, an entrepreneur since 14 years old and an upperclassman at Gulliver Prep, has always actively volunteered and participated in school events and organizations.
He is the founding President of Gulliver’s Generation S.O.S., a nonprofit empowering youth to help their peers make informed choices about substance abuse.
He’s leading the effort to expand the program throughout Miami’s high schools.
Jorge M. Pérez and his family are not just building Miami’s skyline.
They are building its soul.