Ludwick Family Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Ludwick Family Foundation does not name specific goals or areas of focus for its grantmaking but has demonstrated interest in animals, public health, housing and K-12 education.
IP TAKE: This is not an accessible funder. However, while Ludwick does not accept unsolicited proposals, organizations working in its areas of interest may reach out to the foundation’s staff via email for information about grantmaking opportunities. Persistence and patience can pay off here. This funder tends to support smaller organizations that have a strong impact on the communities they serve. Los Angeles and its San Gabriel Valley is an important region of giving.
PROFILE: The Ludwick Family Foundation was established in 1990 by Arthur and Sara Ludwick in Glendora, California. Arthur Ludwick was the CFO of the Rainbird Corporation, a company known for its innovative irrigation products. Arthur Ludwick graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, as well as a master's in civil engineering administration. He held executive positions at Rain Bird Corporation, a family-owned company known for its iconic sprinkler and numerous other irrigation innovations. Sarah earned a master's degree in child development from the University of La Verne. She serves as president of the Ludwick Family Foundation.
This foundation is “committed to assisting a broad array of groups that are working to make a positive difference in the world.” The foundation does not name specific grantmaking interests, but has prioritized animals and wildlife, public health, housing and K-12 education in recent years.
Grants for Animal Welfare and Wildlife
The Ludwick Family Foundation does not name animals and wildlife as funding interests, but tax filings show that the foundation has supported many wildlife conservation and domestic animal rescue and care organizations. The Alaska Whale Foundation received funding for research, conservation and education programs on marine mammal conservation. In California, the foundation has given to A Purposeful Rescue, which rescues and cares for older dogs. Other grantees in this area include the Greater Los Angeles Zoo’s Gottlieb Animal Health and Conservation Center, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, the Peregrine Fund and America’s VetDogs.
Grants for Housing and Community Development
The Ludwick Family Foundation has demonstrated a strong interest in the development of affordable, emergency and transitional housing for at-risk individuals and families. One recent grantee, Los Angeles’s Housing Works, received funding for the development and improvement of housing projects for disabled and low-income individuals and families. Another grantee, South Dakota’s Abbott House, provides therapeutic housing and independent living programs for young people between the ages of seven and 23 who have suffered abuse, neglect or mental illness. Other housing grantees include HomeAid Orange County, the Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living and several chapters of the national organization Habitat for Humanity.
Grants for K-12 Education
Ludwick’s K-12 education funding prioritizes educational opportunities and services for vulnerable and disabled children. In La Verne, California, the foundation has given to the Haynes Family of Programs, which provides specialized services and programs to children with emotional delays and learning disabilities. Another California grantee, the McKinley Children’s Center, coordinates education, mental health and other services for “children who are survivors of abusive environments.” Other recent education grants have gone to the Glendora Unified School District, the Girl Scouts of Hawaii’s STEM Center of Excellence, the American School for the Deaf and multiple chapters of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization.
Grants for Public Health
Ludwick’s health funding predominately funds hospitals and clinics in California. Recent grants have supported the Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare, Friends of Malibu Urgent Care Center, the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa.
Grants for Civic Engagement
The Ludwicks founded Arsalyn, a program of the foundation that was created to “encourage young Americans to become informed and active participants in the electoral process.” Arsalyn's Democracy in Action civic education project brings high school students trained by their teachers into elementary schools to teach students about democracy and voting. Citizens, Not Spectators, meanwhile is a partnership between Arsalyn and the Center for Civic Education aim to increase the voting rate among young Americans by providing engaging voter education to students in grades 4-12.
Grants for Global Development
The foundation also earmarks funds for global organizations like African Centres for Lightning and Electromagnetics Network, and March to the Top - Africa, which serves the “critical needs of the people and lands of Africa through the initiatives in health, education, and conservation.” Organizations that work for/in Africa appear to be of focus.
Grants for Arts and Culture
Ludwick launched “Music in the Park” summer concert series serving on the Glendora Parks and Recreation Commission. Grantees have included Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), Los Angeles Live Steamer's Railroad Museum, and National Weather Museum & Science Center.
Important Grant Details:
In recent years, the Ludwick Family Foundation has made about $1 million in grants a year. Its average grant size is about $5,000. This funder tends to support small organizations that have direct involvement with the communities they serve, as well as some local chapters of national organizations that work with underserved or disabled populations. Ludwick lists its past grantees on its website.
The Ludwick Family Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications for funding, but prospective grantees may reach out with general inquiries via email or telephone at 626-914-5404.
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