My Final Reflection

by Marvin Schotland, President & CEO

I learned a long time ago that when you become a donor at The Foundation, it’s not just a fund you acquire; it’s also a family you join. And just like a loving family can nourish its members in innumerable ways, so too The Foundation’s family supports its donors in myriad ways. 


Hopefully you have benefited significantly from the many resources, seminars, networking opportunities, and philanthropic consulting that we offer our donors – as well as our grantees and professional advisors. It’s a donor experience that has become much richer and more rewarding than ever in my three-decades-plus of leadership here. I truly hope you are capitalizing on all that The Foundation offers.


With my tenure as president and CEO concluding at year-end, I’m reassured knowing...

READ MORE

Give the Gift of Giving This Chanukah - Open a Donor Advised Fund for your Child or Grandchild

menorah-white.jpg

Make charitable giving a family affair this Chanukah by gifting a Donor Advised Fund to your child or grandchild. With a minimum contribution of $5,000, you can equip your family members with a powerful giving tool that allows them to immediately make a difference in their community. We even have a "gift certificate" we can personalize for you to make the moment that much more special!


If you would like to learn more, email us at [email protected] or call us at 323.761.8704 today.

The Foundation Awards $2.5 Million To Combat Antisemitism, Address Mental Health, Support Diverse Audiences and Vulnerable Populations

Clockwise from top left corner: Holocaust Museum LA, Our Big Kitchen LA, BaMidbar, Jews of Color Initiative

The Foundation awarded $2.5 million in Cutting Edge Grants 2.0 (CEG 2.0) -- a record amount -- to 10 organizations focused on seeding and growing innovative programs in our Jewish community. 


The programs receiving funding will reach a broad range of ages and stages of life and address a wide array of issue areas including antisemitism, Israel and Holocaust education, mental health, Jewish teen engagement, and reaching diverse communities as well as vulnerable populations.

READ MORE

Marvin Schotland Featured in LABJ's Philanthropy Issue

After 33 years leading The Foundation, CEO Marvin Schotland is preparing to step down from his role. 


In a recent feature in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s issue on philanthropy, Marvin discusses his tenure at The Foundation. “The best job in the world,” Marvin says about his role. After years of helping to improve people’s lives, Schotland talks about how the world of philanthropy has changed for himself and the giving community. 

READ MORE

Foundation Names Rabbi Aaron Lerner as Next President and CEO

The Foundation announced that it has named Rabbi Aaron Lerner as its next president and chief executive officer, effective as of the first week of January 2023.


Lerner will transition from Hillel at UCLA, where he has served as executive director since 2012, and succeed Marvin I. Schotland, who has led The Foundation since 1989 and announced in January his intention to retire at year end. Schotland will become president and CEO emeritus.

READ MORE

New Emergency Needs Grants

The Foundation recently launched a grants pilot to provide emergency funds to individuals who can't afford critical living expenses. Grants of $5,000 were awarded to Jewish Family Service of LA, LA Family Housing, Tomchei LA, and Watts Labor Community Action Committee.


These organizations will distribute emergency grants of $200-$2,000 to individuals who need support with rent or hotel costs, utility bills, transportation assistance, medical services, essential household or baby supplies, grocery gift cards, and more.


To learn more about these grants, contact the Center for Designed Philanthropy today.

"The Shape of His Heart" - Marvin Schotland's Farewell Gala

In late October, The Foundation hosted a beautiful farewell gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in honor of President and CEO Marvin Schotland. Nearly 300 people came to show their support and admiration for Marvin.


The evening's theme was "The Shape of His Heart," and community leaders like Rabbi Sharon Brous of IKAR and former Jewish Federation President and CEO Jay Sanderson, among others, spoke about how Marvin impacted their lives and the community.


The program concluded with the presentation of a beautiful commemorative tribute book filled with photos, well-wishes, and proclamations from government officials.


Thank you to everyone who attended this marvelous evening!

VIEW GALLERY

Ask Our Experts: Helpful Year-End Tax-Planning Tips

Our giving experts are here to help you help others, and also to ensure your philanthropy is as strategic and impactful as possible. With the year-end quickly approaching, we asked our experts a question that's on many people's minds this time of year:


“As 2022 comes to a close, what advice do you have for my tax planning?”

“Open a Donor Advised fund now and make year-end grant recommendations soon, since many charities account for donations in the year the check is received.”

- Dan Rothblatt, Executive Vice President

“As you examine your portfolio in this volatile market, remember that gifting long-term appreciated stock directly to a DAF allows you to avoid capital gains tax, and entitles you to an immediate charitable deduction for the stock’s full fair-market value.” 

- Natella Royzman, Vice President, Charitable Gift Planning

“Be sure to consult your financial advisor to ensure you are maximizing your charitable deduction for the year.”

- Steve Gamer, Vice President, Advancement

Join the conversation!
Facebook  Linkedin  Instagram  Youtube