Myra Reinhard Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Myra Reinhard Family Foundation’s grantmaking includes support of health, arts and Jewish causes.

IP TAKE: The Reinhard Family Foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. The foundation is not transparent, and does not maintain a website which would provide further details. The good news for grantseekers is that this is an accessible funder that does appear to accept unsolicited request for funding. Contact information is provided below.

PROFILE: Established in 1998, the Myra Reinhard Family Foundation is steered by Silicon Valley real estate magnate Myra Reinhard and her children. Myra Reinhard was a founding board member for the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA), which supports “children in the foster care system who have experienced abuse and neglect.” She served as a board member of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. She has also supported her alma mater UCLA. The foundation is not transparent, and does not maintain a website which would provide further details. Tax filings suggest, however, that the foundation invests in health, arts and Jewish causes.

Grants for Jewish Causes

The Reinhard Family Foundation does not appear to have clear giving programs or priority areas; however, tax records indicate that support for Jewish causes and Israel are top concerns. Many grants are awarded to the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, as well as the Jewish Community Center of Mountain Brook, Alabama. Other past grantees include Chabad of Greater South Bay, Alexander Jewish Family Service, Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City, and American Friends of Barkai.

Several different Jewish education organizations have seen support, including Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education, Jewish Learningworks, and American Friends of Mosdot Mesilat Avot.

Beyond supporting Jewish community groups and Jewish education in the United States, the foundation has also given to Israel-focused organizations. Past grantees in this space include The Israel Project, Central Fund of Israel, Friends of United Hatzalah, and Yad Sarah in Jerusalem.

Grants for Public Health and Access, Diseases

While its giving in this area is not as robust as its support for Jewish causes, 990s show that the foundation strongly supports nonprofits focused on health and healthcare. Stanford University School of Medicine, home to the Myra Reinhard Family Laboratories, is a top grantee. Others include Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, VMC Foundation, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, Myelin Repair Foundation, Joyful Heart Foundation, and Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health.

It is worth noting that the family has been impacted by diabetes and supports translational research in this field. Joslin Diabetes Center has received continued support over the years.

Grants for Arts and Culture, and Film

Arts and culture is another area where the foundation makes a significant number of grants, many of them in the Bay Area. Previous grantees include San Jose Museum of Art Association, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, Intersection for the Arts’ Ron Shulamit Conservatory, Imagination Stage, and San Jose Children’s Musical Theater.

Myra Reinhard considers herself a “lifelong film fan” and has steadily supported the UCLA Film and Television Archive’s efforts at film preservation.

Important Grant Details

Grants range from $1,500 to a high of $180,000, but the most common amount is $35,000. The foundation does accept unsolicited applications for support; however, a formal application is required.

According to its 990s, the application form should include:

·       Additional sources of support and in what amounts

·       a copy of the current year’s organizational budget

·       A list of board members and other affiliated individuals

·       A brief history of the organization, as well as its mission, address, and phone number

·       A copy of the IRS determination letter

·       A detailed summary of the project and populations served

·       The amount of support requested

There is no deadline for submission, but the board meets annually in March.

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CONTACT:

The Myra Reinhard Family Foundation

ATTN: Myra Reinhard, President

15729 Los Gatos Blvd, #201

Los Gatos, CA 95032

408-358-3907