Steve Gordon’s Philanthropy and Its Impact in Los Angeles

PHOTO: XMEE/SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTO: XMEE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Steve Gordon is primarily known in Southern California for his prominent role at Domino Realty, a holding company for an international trading company, real estate holding company, and apparel manufacturing company. Gordon has been a principal owner of Domino since 1970 and has developed and managed over a billion dollars of real estate in California. But beyond his business persona, Gordon has lately been active in regional philanthropy.

Here’s a look at Steven Gordon’s philanthropy and how he has been giving through his foundation in the Los Angeles area.  

Gordon’s Jewish Giving

Gordon has been a deeply involved with Jewish philanthropy since his early days of giving, and this is where the really big Steve Gordon Family Foundation grants tend to go. Over the years, Gordon’s foundation has awarded grants to the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, Chabad of Westwood, and the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust.

Grants for Health Organizations

Health is also a top priority for Steve Gordon, who gives regularly to big-name hospitals and clinics. Past support from Gordon’s foundation has gone to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Department of Neurology in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. But as with many private family funders, Gordon’s health interests often align with his personal interests. For example, Gordon’s father had Parkinson’s disease, and past funding has established a chair for Parkinson’s disease research at the local hospital. Gordon has also served on the board of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Other Family Foundation Grants

While Jewish causes and health organizations often receive the most Gordon grantmaking dollars each year, Steve has other charitable interests as well. He has steadily supported UCLA, his alma mater, as well as other local schools. Grants have occasionally gone to education and youth groups that assist children who have disabilities and mental health challenges. Grantees includes Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services, the Make a Wish Foundation, and Palms Middle School.

A Dedication to Southern California

Los Angeles-area nonprofits tend to see the bulk of Gordon foundation support year after year. Gordon’s company and foundation are both based in Beverly Hills, so a good number of grants target underprivileged groups in this famously affluent city as well. Other California grantees are located in Agora Hills, Rutherford, and Santa Monica.

An Accessible Local Foundation

The good news for local nonprofits is that Gordon’s foundation accepts unsolicited requests for funding. Grantseekers should submit the standard array of application materials to the foundation’s Santa Monica Boulevard address via mail. There are no specific forms required, submission deadlines, or restrictions on awards, making this an accessible funder worth getting to know now and for the years ahead.

Check out IP’s full profile of this foundation and others that give locally in Los Angeles and Southern California by browsing through our regional guide.