“I Have A Dream” Foundation – Los Angeles

OVERVIEW: The “I Have A Dream” Foundation – Los Angeles supports education in Los Angeles, California.

FUNDING AREAS: Education, K-12 education, higher education

IP TAKE: Although this is not a traditional nonprofit grantmaker, it is an accessible one to know for at-risk youth in underserved Los Angeles who are need of financial support for education.

PROFILE: Established in 1987, the “I Have A Dream” Foundation – Los Angeles is a charitable organization based in Los Angeles, California. This is the foundation of New York businessman Eugene Lang, who first created a national foundation in 1981 and later created the Los Angeles foundation as a second affiliate. Lang was inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and applied this concept to high school dropout rates and college attainment. The foundation aims to "promote, from an early age, values of higher education and career success and provide opportunities guaranteed through financial resources, enrichment programs and more.” It funds local efforts for education, including K-12 education and higher education.

The “I Have A Dream” Foundation – Los Angeles is known for its whole-child education approach and for working in under-resourced local communities. Its contributions help youth have the opportunity to earn college degrees and pursue successful careers. The funder’s individualized support offers resources for financial literacy, health and wellness, academic success, support networks, civic engagement, college and career readiness and social and emotional life skills. Interests of this foundation include drug, crime and pregnancy prevention, as well as mentoring, career exposure, tutoring, parent engagement and cultural enrichment. This funder has served thousands of young scholars since the foundation was created, a majority of which who come from low-income family and who qualify for free or reduced lunches.

Grants are typically about $8,000 each. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on Los Angeles, California and specifically the underserved communities of Boyle Heights, Watts and Inglewood. Past local grantees include individual students and their families living in the Los Angeles area. This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Direct general questions to the staff at 213-572-0175 or via online form.

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