An Overview of the Richard and Emily Levin Foundation’s NorCal Grantmaking
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With deep roots in San Francisco and a background in economics, Richard Levin is a Bay Area millionaire who has been quietly involved in philanthropy for many years. He and his wife, Emily, created the Richard and Emily Levin Foundation in 1989 and pursue numerous interests via their charitable giving.
Here are a few things to know about the Richard and Emily Levin Foundation if you work in the nonprofit sector in Northern California.
The Bay Area Jewish community
Richard Levin was born to Jewish parents and has remained involved with the Jewish faith throughout his life. Through their foundation, the Levins give steadily to Jewish organizations in the Bay Area of California, such as Jewish Home, an assisted living facility, and specific Jewish temples, including Temple Beth-El and Temple Emanu-El in San Jose.
Other interests
Beyond supporting Jewish organizations, the Levin Foundation has a number of other interests in Northern California. They include education and the arts, especially as they relate to the performing arts and underserved youth. Recent arts grantees include the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts and the Richmond Art Center. Other Levin Foundation grantees include the Bay Area Rescue Mission, the Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Fund, Boys & Girls Club of the Redwoods and Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Health is an emerging interest of the foundation, with grantees like the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation in Eureka and the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project in Arcata.
Typical foundation giving
In recent years, the Levin Foundation has maintained assets of around $6.5 million and has awarded less than half a million dollars per year in grants. Levin grants tend to be between $1,000 and $10,000 each, with only an occasional grant reaching the six-figure mark.
Unsolicited requests are unwelcome
The foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers, and only limited information is available about this funder. Recent tax records indicate that the foundation does not accept unsolicited requests and only makes contributions to preselected charities. Janice Levin and Elsie George of Sunnyvale, California serve as trustees of the foundation. However, there are no paid employees or staff members.
You’ll find more details about this funder and contact information in IP’s full profile of the Richard and Emily Levin Foundation, which is part of our Bay Area & Northern California Grants Funding Guide.
