although lindner was a devout baptist he was considered as one of the largest non-jewish donors to the organized jewish community in the united states. in 1978 he was named the man of the year by the united jewish appeal, and was later named a recipient of the tree of life award for the jewish national fund, and was recognized as the largest non-jewish purchaser of israel bonds. lindner, who said an early loan from isaac wolfson inspired him to never forget his gratitude to the jewish people, donated to such causes in multiple occasions, including $1 million in a 1991 fundraiser and $5 million in 2004.