Specialty Family Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder has two big grantmaking priorities: inner city K-8 Catholic education, and alcoholism and substance abuse treatment. The foundation has a Los Angeles focus.
IP TAKE: Unfortunately for grant seekers, the Specialty Family Foundation does not publicize any of its grant application procedures. Grants are made by invitation only. Although Catholic schools and substance abuse are the top priorities, the foundation has expressed an interest in exploring programs that address homelessness and food security.
PROFILE: The Santa Monica-based Specialty Family Foundation was established in 2008 by Dr. Jim Peter, a businessman and research doctor. It seeks to “to alleviate the conditions that lead to persistent poverty.” Overall foundation grantmaking prioritizes expanding education in low-income communities and helping residents who struggled with alcoholism and substance abuse. Within those parameters, the Specialty Foundation favors inner-city Catholic schools and treatment facilities that impact women and children.
The foundation made headlines for its $25,000 grant to support Homeboy Industries, which helps former gang members and previously incarcerated individuals learn job skills and become productive community members.
Grants for Education
The Specialty Family Foundation created the Catholic School Consortium, which is a program that benefits 21 inner-city schools in Los Angeles. Through this program, Specialty helps fund the leadership position of director of marketing and development. Not only have these local schools seen average enrollment gains of more than 13 percent, but they have also been able to use millions of dollars in support for their missions.
Grants for Housing and Homelessness, Community Development
As another goal, Specialty channels charitable grantmaking to nonprofits that help Los Angeles residents overcome alcohol and substance abuse problems. In recent years, the foundation has expressed an interest in also exploring programs that address homelessness and food security. Poverty and community intervention are other funding priorities.
Important Grant Information
The Specialty Family Foundation has an estimated $70 million in assets and has been described as having an “aggressive spending policy.” Unfortunately for grant seekers, it does not publicize any of its grant application procedures. Unsolicited inquiries are not welcome. General inquiries can be directed to the foundation staff at 310-899-9700 or by email at info@specialtyfamilyfoundation.org.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
LINKS:
