Liquor baron and long-time president of the Canadian Jewish Congress Samuel Bronfman and his fellow philanthropist and wife, Saidye, were influential figures in the history of Montreal and left a global legacy that continues to advance cultural, social, legal, political, and Jewish causes. One aspect of their contribution to society is a leading Canadian philanthropic organization, the Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation (SSBFF).

Showing how the SSBFF has balanced its commitments to Jewish charitable causes and to Canadian culture, Spirited Commitment explores how the Foundation dealt with the challenge of respecting the wishes of its famous founders while still making a difference in contemporary Canadian society. A detailed account of the Foundation's numerous programs over three decades - including the Centre for Cultural Management and the Saidye Bronfman Centre - Spirited Commitment highlights the innovations that SSBFF grants have led to in the arts, community development, and scientific research. An illuminating and vibrant portrait of the personalities, motivations, and strategies behind the Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation, Spirited Commitment is a revealing, insightful account of the inner workings of philanthropic foundations.