The Leir Foundation is a charitable organization that was founded by Henry Leir and his wife Erna, who came to this country in 1938 and settled in Ridgefield in 1954 after building an empire from his former partnership in the refractory metals business. Henry Leir was a philanthropist and founded several university chairs, donated millions to hospitals and schools, and most notably, a half million dollars to Ridgefield's own Aldrich Museum. The Foundation continues its efforts to continue the Leir's legacy.