Legacy-Summer 2010

NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR DONORS AND FRIENDS OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

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VOL. 20 NO. 2 • SUMMER 2010 5770

Nurturing Identity, Building Community, Repairing the World Foundation awards more than $1 million in Cutting Edge Grants to launch five new, innovative programs in the L.A. Jewish community

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ive non-profit organizations whose programs seek to address social issues, strengthen Jewish identity and add vibrancy to Jewish life, have been awarded a total of more than $1 million in Cutting Edge Grants by the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles.

Cutting Edge Grants encourage creative thinkers, social entrepreneurs and innovative organizations to propose and implement significant and transformative programs of high visibility and impact. Grantees can receive a maximum of $250,000 over three years.

Created in 2006, this grant program also provides funding for local replications of high-impact innovative programs already successfully implemented in other geographic markets.

The 2010 awarded programs include arts and culture festivals for young, unaffiliated Jews; a book gifting program that mails age-appropriate Jewish reading books to families with young children; an independent living program for special-needs adults; and a community-wide effort that organizes congregations and nonprofits to address the issue of hunger in Los Angeles.

“This year’s Cutting Edge Grants represent some of the most innovative and transformational thinking going on in our community. From addressing hunger in L.A. to the housing needs of developmentally disabled Jewish young adults, to opening up a world of Judaism for young children through reading, to new community-based arts and culture programs, these vibrant, dynamic initiatives will not only engage our community and make significant impact today, but will also resonate for years to come,” stated Marvin Schotland,The Foundation’s president and CEO.

This year’s Cutting Edge Grants will fund transformative programs benefitting a wide range of people throughout Los Angeles.

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Marvin I. Schotland PRESIDENT & CEO, JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

On a warm, late-spring evening from a hillside veranda with panoramic views stretching from Downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean, The Foundation hosted a celebration of nonprofit leadership in our community.

The symbolism of the setting—a seemingly endless vista of our city—was not lost on me. Symbolic, I say, because surrounding me on that terrace was a collection of visionaries—recent recipients of The Foundation’s Cutting Edge Grants Initiative (CEGI), each of whom has his and her own distinct perspective for perpetuating a vibrant Jewish Los Angeles.

The event (see p. 4) brought together grant recipients with donors, board members, professional staff and friends. Now five years old, Cutting Edge Grants provide multi-year awards up to $250,000 for innovative programs that address important, substantiated needs in the local Jewish community. Representatives of 13 recipient organizations shared overviews of their programs

Satisfying the hunger to help A grant of $250,000 was awarded to The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles for Fed Up with Hunger/Netiya. Initially launched at the High Holidays in 2009 with the goal of ensuring that everyone in Los Angeles County has enough to eat, this grant will support activities such as planting gardens, organizing food drives and using the community’s collective voice to influence anti-hunger legislation.

Netiya, founded by Rabbi Noah Farkas at Valley Beth Shalom, is a coalition of synagogues, camps, schools, Hillel groups, social action organizations Continued on page 2

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2010 CUTTING EDGE GRANTS RECIPIENTS

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CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP

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Printed with vegetable based inks on recycled paper/30% post-consumer recovered fiber.

2 Cutting Edge Grants Continued from page 1

2010 Cutting Edge Grant Recipients At A Glance Six Points Fellowship for Emerging Jewish Artists $250,000 to support nine L.A. artist fellows to produce exhibits and performances that connect young Jews to their Jewish identity.

The Six Points Fellowship for Emerging Jewish Artists is based on a pilot program in New York, where artists created projects that engaged 9,500 attendees from the New York area and nearly 20,000 people through online blogs and a website. Established in 2006, The Six Points Fellowship was created in response to a realization within the Jewish community that culture, especially popular culture (film, music, television, art, performance arts, books and magazines), is a powerful connector in the lives of young unaffiliated Jewish adults. It is also the primary mechanism for creating a common language and furthering Jewish identity. From this realization came the understanding that artists are critical peer guides along this journey. Three partner organizations—Avoda Arts, JDub, and Foundation for Jewish Culture—came together to create a program that would support emerging artists in creating high quality culture engaged with Jewish ideas, concepts and questions. www.sixpointsfellowship.org

Etta Israel Center: J-CHAI: Jewish Community Housing for Adult Independence $200,000 to enable independent living and participation in Jewish communal activities to 32 higher functioning Jewish young adults with special needs.

Founded in 1993, the Etta Israel Center (EIC) raises awareness of and provides services for Jewish youth and adults with special needs. The goal is for individuals with special needs to achieve inclusion and integration in the L.A. Jewish community. EIC began its residential program in 2000. It owns and operates several adult residential facilities for Jewish adults ages 18-59 with mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Additionally, EIC offers inclusion and self-contained classrooms in Jewish day schools for developmentally challenged students. EIC also provides social activities for young Jews with special needs including summer camps, shabbatonim and other recreational programs. It pioneered programming for the L.A. Iranian Jewish community, offering support groups for parents of children with disabilities conducted in Farsi. www.etta.org

The Jewish Federation received $250,000 for its Fed up with Hunger/Netiya program to address hunger and improve policies related to food access.

and community members, organized around hunger and environmental issues.

“Los Angeles has been dubbed the hunger capital of the country,” said Scott Minkow,The Jewish Federation’s vice president, Partnerships & Innovation. “More than one million Angelinos—one out of eight—lack consistent access to nutritious food.We know that across the board—Orthodox, Reform, Conservative and unaffiliated, young and old—people want to get involved in this issue. Fed Up with Hunger/Netiya can unite these efforts under one banner—and we look forward to uniting our Jewish community in this important social justice cause.”

Empowering emerging artists Also receiving a $250,000 grant was Six Points Fellowship for Emerging Jewish Artists, a partnership of Avoda Arts, JDub and the Foundation for Jewish Culture. Based on a highly successful program in New York, the program provides fellowships for emerging artists to create projects in film, video, animation, visual arts and performance-based arts that investigate Jewish values and ideas.The artists will present their projects to young Jewish audiences at mainstream venues.

“Los Angeles is a city of people who love culture,” said Rebecca Guber, director of Six Points Fellowship. “There are many cultural

JConnect Inc: Jewlicious Journeys Project $200,000 to enable thousands of young adults to connect to their Jewish identity through Jewish immersion experiences that showcase young Jewish filmmakers, musicians and artists.

Founded in 2002 by Cheston Mizel, JConnect is an independent, grassroots organization dedicated to promoting community, unity and Jewish connectivity for Jews in their 20s and 30s. JConnect merged with Jewlicious in 2009 in order to combine resources and expand its scope to offer a variety of “Jewish experience” brands that utilize innovative ways to engage and inspire Jewish college students and young adults. Programs include JConnectLA, Shabbat Tent, Jewlicious Festival, Jewlicious.com, and Jewish Film Competition. With Cutting Edge Grant funding from The Foundation, JConnect will now produce Jewlicious Journeys which aims to attract 12,000 young adults in three years to its annual cycle of four Jewish-immersion festivals in music, culture and service. www.jconnectla.com

New York fellows of the Six Points Fellowship for Emerging Jewish Artists, which is being adapted to support nine fellow artists to produce Jewishthemed exhibits and performances in Los Angeles.

Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles: Fed Up with Hunger/Netiya

Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles: PJ Library Los Angeles Community

$250,000 to engage, unify and mobilize the L.A. Jewish community to participate in a campaign of volunteerism, advocacy, and gardening/environmental programming to address the issues of hunger and food access.

$150,000 to enable 1,800 unaffiliated families to connect with Jewish community and culture through children's books and music.

Fed Up with Hunger/Netiya is a new initiative of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation and Netiya, the L.A. Jewish Coalition on Food, Environment and Social Justice. The Jewish Federation is the central planning, coordinating and fundraising body for 22 local and international agencies, as well as other partners. It offers a broad range of humanitarian programs benefitting the local Jewish community and beyond. Netiya (Hebrew for “planting”) is a multi-denominational coalition of synagogues and Jewish community institutions engaged in social action and community organizing. It was founded by Rabbi Noah Farkas of Valley Beth Shalom. www.jewishla.org

Founded in 2005 by philanthropist Harold Grinspoon, PJ Library is a national outreach program for Jewish families with young children, currently serving more than 115 communities. The PJ Library sends out free, ageappropriate Jewish children’s books and music to young Jewish children on a monthly basis.

The PJ Library has been very successful with 2,100 children currently enrolled from the San Fernando, Conejo, Simi, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys. Now, with the grant funding from The Foundation, The Jewish Federation is able to launch the PJ Library program citywide to an additional 1,800 eligible children. www.jewishla.org

3 consumers and many artists here.The Fellowship will allow a whole generation of young L.A. Jewish artists and their audiences to connect to their Jewish identity and the community through the arts.”

Six Points Fellowship will target artists in underserved communities— Israeli, Russian and Persian Jews, as well as some East Side creative neighborhoods such as Echo Park, Silver Lake and Highland Park.

“We are empowering artists to express ‘being Jewish’ on their own terms,” said Guber. “The Foundation’s support is essential for us in this particular moment as we are looking to create a truly engaging Jewish identity program in Los Angeles. Other funders are now willing to get on board with us because of The Foundation’s lead grant.”

Fostering greater inclusiveness The Foundation awarded $200,000 to Etta Israel Center for J-CHAI—Jewish Community Housing for Adult Independence—a new program to help developmentally disabled young Jewish adults find and share apartments on the Westside’s Pico-Robertson neighborhood.

The program aims to empower the residents and integrate them into communal activities and organizations. J-CHAI will serve 32 clients over the three-year grant period.

The most recent Jewlicious Festival drew 1,000 young adults over three days and featured a concert with Grammy-nominated recording artist Matisyahu, and many well-known performers artists from Israel to L.A.

“Festivals help build community by creating a low barrier for entry to participation and providing a celebratory medium for young people to explore Jewish life and culture,” he explained. “This special combination of culture, food and Judaism is a powerful connecting experience for participants.”

Connecting with young families

A $200,000 Cutting Edge Grant will enable 32 Jewish adults with special needs to live independently through Etta Israel’s program, J-CHAI: Jewish Community Housing for Adult Independence.

“Our intention is not to create a caretaking program,” said Dr. Michael Held, executive director of Etta Israel Center. “On the contrary, we fully believe that the adults who live in the J-CHAI apartments will be active, contributing members of the Jewish community.”

The Foundation grant will allow J-CHAI to hire two professionals— a case manager to ensure that residents are accessing transportation, job searches and other independent living services; and a coordinator for Jewish life, who will provide structure for J-CHAI clients and help them develop a plan for living a Jewish adult life.

“With this grant,The Foundation has taken an important leadership role in the understanding of the potential of people with special needs,” Held said. “Their support allows the L.A. Jewish community to embark on a new vision of how to support and build a community for Jewish adults with disabilities.”

Adding vibrancy to Jewish life A $200,000 grant was awarded to JConnect, Inc. for its Jewlicious Journeys Project.The project builds on the success of the popular Jewlicious Festival, which has been held every winter in Long Beach for the past six years, reaching thousands of young, unaffiliated Jews.

The grant will fund a cycle of community-wide multifaceted festivals, including Camp Jewlicious, TikkunFest, Jewlicious Festival and L.A. Sephardic Music Festival that will attract young Jews “across the spectrum of ethnicities, levels of observance, backgrounds and political persuasions,” according to Rabbi Yonah Bookstein, executive director. “The Foundation grant is instrumental in establishing this type of immersion experience, which is critical to the development of a promising Jewish future in Los Angeles.”

Each festival will have a different characteristic. Camp Jewlicious, for example, combines a summer music festival, summer camp and grassroots community organizing. “It’s the first opportunity here in Los Angeles where young Jews of any affiliation or organization can receive training and assistance on how to effect change in an issue area that they are passionate about,” Bookstein added.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles received a $150,000 grant for PJ Library, a program designed to introduce unengaged families to Jewish values and traditions by bringing Jewishcontent children’s books into the home.The program also offers information and activities to help the parents connect with Jewish life.

Created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, PJ Library® is a national program implemented by local communities. Each month, participating children ages 6 months to 51⁄2 years old receive a book or music CD, along with a parents’ guide that helps connect the theme of the book or songs to a Jewish value.

The program currently reaches 2,100 children living in underserved communities north of Mulholland Drive. Foundation funding will allow for replication of this model and citywide implementation to all of Greater Los Angeles to include an additional 1,800 children south of Mulholland Drive.The grant will also support the hiring of a program coordinator, who will identify and reach out to prospective participants and create opportunities for community involvement for PJ Library parents.

Foundation funding will enable 1,800 unaffiliated “We deeply appreciate The families with young children Foundation’s validation of the work to receive Jewish books we are doing,” said Carol Koransky, and music directly in their executive vice president, Jewish homes through the Federation of Greater Los Angeles.

PJ Library program.

“We underwent a rigorous process, which gave us an opportunity to take a good look at our organization.We are grateful to The Foundation for helping us to launch this throughout Greater Los Angeles.”

Working of behalf of Jewish L.A., these 2010 Cutting Edge Grant recipients will indeed help to make our community more deeply engaged, more inclusive and more committed to the Jewish imperative to repair the world.

Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles Emergency Cash Grants Program $250,000 grant to provide for basic needs In addition to the more than $1million in Cutting Edge Grants for 2010, The Foundation has awarded $250,000 to The Jewish Federation’s Emergency Cash Grants Program, which provides grants directly to individuals and families affected by the economic downturn to meet their immediate needs. Support falls into the following categories: healthcare; household expenses and shelter; employment support; and emergency childcare. Funding follows an initial Foundation grant of $250,000 that was awarded in 2009 for this purpose. For more information, go to www.jewishla.org/pages/hunger-and-poverty or call (323) 761-8345.

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The Foundation Celebrates Visionary Community Leaders and Nonprofit Programs Foundation funding focuses on innovative programs with impact

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here is something extraordinary that is coming out of Los Angeles right now. It is a kind of creativity, a kind of willingness to take risks…. It is an extraordinary moment for us!”

Rabbi Sharon Brous, recipient of The Foundation’s Inspired Leadership Award, spoke these words during her keynote address at a recent evening of gratitude which acknowledged the innovative and transformative work being done by social entrepreneurs in the L.A. Jewish community with critical support made available through The Foundation’s Cutting Edge Grants.

The Cutting Edge Grants Initiative was established to respond to needs in the community in a creative, unique way.

“Our goal is to help social entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers dream bigger, reach higher and ultimately succeed in Community leaders and non-profit organizations gathered for a celebration and evening of making a positive difference in our community,” explained recognition hosted by The Foundation. Cutting Edge Grant funding from The Foundation Marvin Schotland,The Foundation’s president and CEO. helped these programs to flourish and transform the Los Angeles Jewish community.

Foundation chair Lorin Fife introduced the evening’s Photo credit: Maxine Picard program adding, “We’re particularly proud that this extraordinary transformation is taking place during one of the worst economic downturns we’ve experienced in many years.”

Fostering Jewish-Latino relationships as neighbors In addition to Rabbi Brous, 13 grant recipients spoke to an audience and friends of donors, board members and community leaders gathered at the beautiful home of Hayley and Michael Miller and shared updates Two grantees shared how their programs have fostered ongoing, about how their ideas have flourished and evolved into sustainable, rewarding relationships between the Jewish and Latino communities. impactful programs.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center—Museum of Tolerance received a $250,000 grant for Jewish Student Leadership for a Diverse World.

Linda Blanshay, director of program development at the Museum, reported that nearly 100 Jewish and Latino students participated.

She noted that during the student leadership training program, “they explored Jewish and Latino identity, history and values, and intercultural competency to foster mutual respect, understanding and friendships.”

Rabbi Randy Brown, director of American Jewish Community (AJC), thanked The Foundation for the $150,000 seed funding to create Esencia de Judaismo (Essence of Judaism). According to Rabbi Brown, over the past two years, 250 Latino pastors have participated in a 20-hour academic course about Judaism, Jewish culture, and Israel, addressed stereotypes, and promoted collaboration between Latinos and Jews on community projects.

Educating public high school students and teachers about Israel Rabbi Sharon Brous, recipient of The Foundation’s Inspired Leadership Award, flanked by The Foundation’s president and CEO, Marvin Schotland (L) and The Foundation’s chair, Lorin Fife (R).

Photo credit: Maxine Picard

Connecting every Jew under the sun A Cutting Edge Grant of $250,000 helped launch LimmudLA, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to connecting Jews in Los Angeles of all ages and affiliations. More than 700 participants attended the last annual three-day conference which included Jewish learning, films, networking, yoga, concerts, prayer services and much more. “Without The Foundation’s grant, LimmudLA would not have gotten off the ground,” said former executive director Ruthie Rotenberg.

Engaging Iranian-American Jews in political and L.A. civic life

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The Foundation awarded 30 Years After a three-year Cutting Edge Grant of $200,000 to engage the 40,000 L.A.-based Iranian-Americans Jews to become more active community members.The program focuses on encouraging participation in American civic and advocacy affairs and inspiring a commitment to Israel, social justice, and political action through educational events, student mentoring, and voter registration drives. Co-founder Sam Yebri said, “Thanks to The Foundation’s grant, 30 Years After has been able to organize dozens of lectures, workshops, conferences and programs that have attracted several thousand young Persian Jews.”

StandWithUs is an international organization that ensures Israel’s story is told on campuses, in libraries, churches and the media. Over the last three years, a Foundation grant enabled the organization to launch Learn Israel, which provides programs for teachers and students about the Middle East conflict so they can participate in educated dialogue.

“We’ve presented to 25,000 students in public high schools in L.A.” reported executive director Roz Rothstein.

Also among the grant recipients who highlighted their programs’ accomplishments were the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles for HaMercaz and the NextGen Initiative, Jewish World Watch, JDub, Jewish Artists Initiative, Jewish Family Relief Network, Jewish Jumpstart, and Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services.

“There is an incredible amount of creativity, of moral courage, and of great spiritual strength in our community. And we are at a point right now where we can harness it, support it and turn it into what the next generation of Jewish life will look like,” said Rabbi Brous. “Working together, we can truly make a difference. I believe that the future is very bright,” she concluded.

To view video excerpts from the Celebrating Nonprofit in Our Community event, visit www.jewishfoundationla.org and click on “News and Events” and then click “Past Events.”

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Donor Profiles Sandy will soon be renewing their vows under that very same chuppah to mark their 50th wedding anniversary.

Personal interests: Irv enjoys golf and they are both serious about their bridge playing, but most of their focus is on the family. “We love spending loads of time with our family. One day a week we take the grandkids to dinner, and we have Shabbat dinners together every Friday night.”

Sandra & Irving Klasky

Joined The Foundation family in: Established a Donor Advised Fund in 2006.

Live in: Northridge. Although Sandy and Irv each hail from Detroit, they met in Los Angeles when they were counselors at summer camp when Sandy was 19 and Irv was 20.

Community involvement: Irv is a past president of Temple Judea and coordinates its current legacy campaign. Sandy is a docent at the Skirball Cultural Center. She is a past president of The Jewish Federation’s Valley Alliance and presently, co-chairs the Endowment Committee for its Women’s Department. Sandy is particularly passionate about the importance of endowing a gift as a way to leave one’s legacy.

Occupation: Irving has been a gastroenterologist for 41 years. Sandy worked as a teacher in the Gifted Program at LAUSD. After raising her family, she returned to school and earned a masters degree and a doctorate in educational policy and later worked as a college fundraiser and advancement executive.

When did you first learn about philanthropy? Sandy explains, “When I was fifteen years old, my rabbi gave a sermon that informed the rest of life. It was about the ethical code by which we aspire to live as Jews.

It made a lasting impression on me, and the concept of giving back to others has been a central point in my life ever since.”

Family details: The Klaskys have three grown children—Helaine (married to Will Wechsler), Neil (married to Adrian Koffka) and Stephanie (married to Steve Gamer)— and six grandchildren, whose ages range from almost 3 to 13 years old. “Our children were all married under a special chuppah.” Sandra said. At the suggestion of their family, Irv and

Focus of our philanthropy: The Klaskys enjoy supporting their synagogue, Temple Judea, and the Jewish Studies program at Cal State University, Northridge.They also support the greater Jewish community, primarily though The Jewish Federation, as well as causes important to the gay and lesbian community, and L.A. Family Housing which

Stuart studies Jewish texts and Hebrew language.

Stuart also enjoys magic and recently became a card-carrying member of the Magic Castle— a status he earned after an audition before a group of serious magicians. Fran is a harpist, and together they enjoy yoga and hiking, family vacations, and sharing Shabbat meals and all the Jewish holidays with the family. “Family is #1 for us,” Stuart said.

Frances & Stuart Miller Joined The Foundation family in: Established a Donor Advised Fund in 2010.

Live in: Beverly Hills.

Occupation: Fran is a housewife. Stuart is the vice president of S & R Metals, a steel processing firm.

Family details: The Millers have five children—Rita, 24 (married to Jonathan Statman), Daniel, 22, Dena, 21, Devora, 18, and Estee, 14. Four of the five children, as well as Jonathan, just celebrated graduations this spring!

Personal interests: As their kids attended Jewish day school and grew in their Jewish learning, Fran and Stuart decided to make sure they were setting the right example in their home. “We were always committed to Judaism, but we grew more deeply committed to religious observance over time,” Fran explained.

When did you first learn about philanthropy? “Tzedakah is the cornerstone of our faith,” Fran explained. “We’re both children of Holocaust survivors.We were brought up in homes where we learned never to take for granted how fortunate we are and how important it is to help others when we can.” Stuart added, “My father was a big ba’al tzedaka (giver of charity). He would hand me a check and direct me to give it a woman on the street so she could pay her rent.We feel it’s our duty to give at least 10% to charity. It feels good to give, but even if it didn’t, it’s still a responsibility we all must fulfill.The work is never done, but we should always strive to do more.”

Focus of our philanthropy: Central to the Millers’ values is a love of Israel. They strongly believe in the importance of supporting institutions in Israel, both secular and religious. One organization the Millers care deeply about it is Bet Elazraki, a residential facility in Netanya, Israel that assists children who cannot be raised by their parents due to such issues as violence in the home, drug or alcohol abuse, mental illness, and abandonment. “We visited this home on one of our trips to Israel, and can never forget the important and amazing work they are doing with young people,” Fran said.

provides services assisting those in need of transition out of homelessness and poverty.

The Klaskys feel strongly in every one doing their part and then some. As Sandy stated, “If everyone does the minimum, how will those in need be helped? It’s our responsibility to do as much as we can.”

Goals for our fund: “Our goal is that the institutions we support through our Donor Advised Fund will continue do to their good work long into the future—here in Los Angeles and in Israel.We both feel passionate that we have contributed our time, energy, and resources to the Jewish community.We want to make sure the Jewish community continues to thrive and that our work continues beyond our years.”

The Development Perspective I had the pleasure of meeting the Klaskys in 1985 and our lives have been intertwined ever since. Their commitment to the community and family sets a high standard for all of us. They live the concept of Tikkun Olam every day.

When I joined the staff of The Foundation, I was not surprised to learn that the Klaskys had a fund here and that they were part of The Foundation family. The Foundation provides excellent tools for philanthropists. It’s a great match, and for me, it’s a pleasure to support the philanthropic vision of such wonderful people.

– Dan Rothblatt, Senior Vice President, Philanthropic Services

The best thing about The Foundation is: The Millers appreciate the way The Foundation handles the vetting of its grantmaking and that they can trust in its professional expertise.

Furthermore, according to Stuart, “The Foundation handles all the administrative part of our philanthropy—and that is quite helpful for us,” Stuart said. “It’s nice to be a part of something bigger than ourselves,” added Fran.

“It’s what we love about the Jewish community and about being a part of The Foundation.”

The Development Perspective The Millers have been close friends of my family for many years. Through the years, our families have shared many celebrations, Jewish holidays, and Shabbat meals together. Every so often, Stuart would ask me a few casual questions about The Foundation. One day, Stuart said, “I’d like to call you and talk about setting up a fund. Bring an agreement.” We talked over lunch, and the Stuart & Frances Miller Family Charitable Fund was established.

The Millers appreciate all the administration support The Foundation provides so they can focus their time on the things they care about most. I suspect that the Millers’ relationship with The Foundation will grow deeper over time, much like my friendship with them.

– Baruch Littman, Vice President, Development

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Artist-in-Residency Programs Come Full Circle Thanks to Pooled Donor Funds

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rts for All, a program to bring arts education to the 80 school districts in Los Angeles County, received $60,000 from the Arts in Schools! Giving Circle, an initiative spearheaded by the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles.The Giving Circle provided pooled funds for the artist-in-residency program—in dance, music, theater, and the visual arts.

The funding was presented by Arts in Schools! Giving Circle co-chair and Foundation Advisory Board member Sonia S. Cummings at the recent Arts for All progress report meeting at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles.

The Arts in Schools! Giving Circle was formed in response to donor interest in funding arts education. “These funds represent the support of a diverse group of individuals in Los Angeles, and underscore our vision, that together we can leverage our resources and impact the lives of children through art,” said Ms. Sonia S. Cummings.

“The Foundation is deeply appreciative of Sonia’s leadership in the Arts in Schools!

Giving Circle,” said Amelia Xann, vice president of the Family Foundation Center A proud student shares his artwork.

Pictured at the event (from left) are Laurie Schell, executive director, California Alliance for Arts Education; Amelia Xann, vice president of the Family Foundation Center and Grant Programs at The Foundation; Sonia Simon Cummings, Arts in Schools! Giving Circle co-chair and Foundation Advisory Board member; Laura Zucker, executive director, L.A. County Arts Commission; Mark Slavkin, vice president of education, Music Center of Los Angeles County.

and grants programs. “It is so rewarding to see what tremendous good can happen when like-minded funders join together to make a difference in the community.”

Arts for All is a comprehensive program that works to ensure that all students in Los Angeles County’s 80 school districts receive sequential arts education every year from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Foundation Chair Lorin Fife Meets with Donors

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orin Fife,The Foundation’s chair, was delighted to meet with some new donors at a recent luncheon hosted at The Foundation.Topics of conversation included ways The Foundation can add value to donors’ philanthropy, the consulting services of the Family Foundation Center, and The Foundation’s grantmaking activities. It also provided the opportunity for new donors to become better acquainted with one another. In addition, president and CEO Marvin Schotland shared more background on our 56-year history and how it supports initiatives that help to transform our community.

(L to R) Stuart Miller; Dan Rothblatt, The Foundation’s vice president of philanthropic services; Nina and Alan Miles; Diane Sweet; Foundation chair Lorin Fife; Donn Delson; Foundation president and CEO Marvin Schotland; Irene Baron and her son, Don Baron.

An Honor For Linda and Lorin Fife The Foundation’s chair, Lorin Fife, and his wife Linda were recently honored at Congregation Adat Ari El’s annual tribute event. Pillars of the Adat Ari El community and esteemed leaders in the Los Angeles Jewish community, we at The Foundation were thrilled to join in this wonderful evening of recognition and celebration of our dear friends.

In addition to Adat Ari El and The Foundation, among the organizations and programs to which the Fifes have dedicated their leadership and support are LimmudLA, the Los Angeles-Tel-Aviv Partnership, and The Jewish Federation. They are passionate about Israel, arts, education, the Jewish community, and most of all, their family.

Linda and Lorin Fife received a special presentation from California State Assembly member Mike Feuer at the recent annual tribute event at Adat Ari El in their honor.

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Transforming Works of Creativity Into Tools for Philanthropy Business and family office managers learn how art, royalties and intellectual property can be transformed into resources for a powerful philanthropic legacy for their clients

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Mr. Cohen’s advice to the audience was to consider steering their clients toward a Donor Advised Fund at The Foundation.This way the donor can receive immediate tax benefits, have their fund managed professionally, and also make grant recommendations with The Foundation’s guidance, if so desired.

A key point for transforming works of creativity into philanthropy is that record keeping is vital. “When I first read about The Foundation and all of its benefits, I wondered why anyone would want to create their own private foundation,” said Mr. Doloboff. “A Donor Advised Fund is so effective and so much simpler.” ▲

e tax lawyers don’t get out that much,” joked Joseph Doloboff, partner at Blank Rome and one of two presenters at a recent Foundation event entitled, Transforming Works of Creativity into Tools for Philanthropy held at the Kirk Douglas Theater in Culver City.

The event was especially designed for business managers, family office managers and other professional advisors to explore creative ways to benefit their clients and promote increased philanthropy by donating intellectual properties.

“This is relatively simple to do, and safe. But you can mess up a good idea,” said Bradford Cohen, partner at Venable. Mr. Cohen is best known for his business and tax advice related to the motion picture, television, music, emerging media and sports industries. Specializing in coordinating relationships among the entertainment, advertising and nonprofit industries, Mr. Cohen spoke about how the intersection of copyright law and tax and estate planning can affect many advisors including copyright attorneys, business managers, accountants, corporate attorneys, estate planners, tax attorneys, lenders, and investment bankers. “If the advisors do not coordinate, unintended results can occur,” said Mr. Cohen.

Mr. Doloboff, who brings more than 25 years of experience in business tax law in both the public and private sectors, emphasized that current tax laws provide a great opportunity to strengthen relationships between donors and worthy organizations. “These rules are groundbreaking,” he said.

“There has been nothing like them in the law before.”

To view a video recap and a copy of the PowerPoint presentation, as well as event photos, visit www.jewishfoundationla.org and click on “News and Events” and then click “Past Events.”

To learn more about The Foundation’s charitable planning services, contact our Development Department at (323) 761-8704, or email us at donate@jewishfoundationla.org.

(L to R) Elliot Kristal, The Foundation’s vice president of charitable gift planning, Baruch Littman, The Foundation’s vice president of development, Joseph Doboloff, partner at Blank Rome, Bradford Cohen, partner at Venable, Dan Rothblatt, The Foundation’s senior vice president of philanthropic services, and Amelia Xann, vice president of the Family Foundation Center and grant programs at The Foundation.

Photo credit: Howard Pasamanick

www.jewishfoundationla.org

A Site to Behold!

Our website is full of information, tools and resources that support your goals in making a difference.

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Read articles about current news in philanthropy, charitable giving solutions, inspiring stories by donors, how Foundation grants are transforming the community…and much more!

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Before meeting with your attorney, download a complimentary copy of our Estate Planning Workbook and you’ll be better prepared to meet with your advisor and create or update your estate plan.

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Did you know that you can easily calculate how a specific annuity or trust can benefit you—right on our website?

PG CALC, our web-based, interactive calculator can provide you with charitable deduction calculations and payout rates for a range of planned gifts. You simply plug in information specific to

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your needs and run a test scenario of what your potential payout would be.

PG CALC provides you with an additional tool to confidentially evaluate your various planned gift options. Or, if you prefer, you can receive a customized, confidential gift calculation from The Foundation without obligation by contacting the Development Department.

www.jewishfoundationla.org

Log on today!

If you’d like to discuss any of the above with a member of The Foundation’s Development Department, please call (323) 761-8704 or email hglynn@jewishfoundationla.org.

Join our email distribution list and conserve paper.

Simply click on “Join Our Mailing List” at the bottom of our homepage.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE

PA I D LOS ANGELES, CA PERMIT NO. 1805

6505 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1200 Los Angeles, CA 90048

CUTTING EDGE GRANTS INITIATIVE to encourage SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS and FORWARD THINKERS to actualize their ideas to transform JEWISH LOS ANGELES. To learn more about eligibility, visit www.jewishfoundationla.org, email grants@jewishfoundationla.org or call (323) 761-8705.

For those eligible to apply for a 2011 CUTTING EDGE GRANT, we highly recommend attending the GRANTSEEKERS WORKSHOP on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2010.

Space is limited. Registration for the workshop is required.

Legacy is published to provide news and information about The Foundation to donors and friends.

Chair

Lorin M. Fife

e g a c y

The Foundation created the

VOLUME 20 NO. 2 SUMMER 2010

President and CEO

Marvin I. Schotland Vice Presidents

Kenneth A. August Leah M. Bishop Anthony Chanin Max Factor, III Bertrand I. Ginsberg Harold J. Masor Alan Stern Senior Vice President, Philanthropic Services

Dan Rothblatt CFO/Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration

L

Seeking Cutting Edge Grant Applicants for 2011 !

Michael J. Januzik

Vice President, Charitable Gift Planning

Elliot B. Kristal Vice President, Development

Baruch S. Littman Vice President, Family Foundation Center and Grant Programs

Amelia Xann Secretary

Selwyn Gerber Treasurer

Lawrence Rauch

TEL.

(323) 761-8700 (323) 761-8720 TOLL-FREE (877) ENDOW-NOW (877-363-6966) www.jewishfoundationla.org FAX

Please send your comments and suggestions to the editor.

Editor: Lewis Groner Managing Editor: Bonnie Samotin Zev Design: Graphic Orb Contributing Writers: Tabby Biddle Jackson Dragon Janet Sanders

© 2010 Jewish Community Foundation. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or used without permission.

Printed with vegetable based inks on recycled paper/30% post-consumer recovered fiber.

8 From the Desk of Marvin I. Schotland Continued from page 1

and, gratifyingly, the attendant impact enabled with seed funding from The Foundation. Since establishing the Cutting Edge Grants Initiative in 2006, we have seeded 39 initiatives with a total of nearly $6.2 million.

Among those represented were Jewish Jumpstart, which incubates and provides start-up support for nonprofits; Nes Gadol, an initiative of Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, to facilitate b’nai mitzvah for special-needs children; and the American Jewish Committee’s Esencia de Judaismo, conceived to promote cross-cultural understanding with the Latino community, to name just three programs.

Video footage featuring all 13 of these stirring presentations is viewable online at www.jewishfoundationla.org (click on “News and Events” and then click “Past Events”).

In the evening’s capstone, we were held rapt as Rabbi Sharon Brous, who received The Foundation’s inaugural Inspired Leadership Award, spoke in characteristic eloquent and impassioned form, challenging those of us on that veranda to continue to drive change— through social justice, Jewish engagement and continuity, and community building.The evening was equally moving and electric.

Fast on the heels of celebrating recent Cutting Edge Grant achievements, it was time to select the 2010 recipients, whose programs are featured in this issue. Five programs received multi-year awards totaling more than $1 million in aggregate: Six Points

Fellowship for Emerging Jewish Artists; J-CHAI: Jewish Community Housing for Adult Independence; Jewlicious Journeys Project; Fed Up with Hunger/Netiya; and the PJ Library.

Current and past awardees are resounding indication that social innovation is pulsing through Jewish Los Angeles. Our role at The Foundation is to harness the most promising initiatives, provide critical funding and offer expertise on organizational development and infrastructure. Call this, if you will, the intersection of institution and inspiration—in this case, matching our resources with the origin of great ideas.

In this context, support for breakthrough initiatives is a central component of The Foundation’s mission to serve the long-term needs of our communities.We are here, in every respect, For this generation…and generations to come, which with this issue of Legacy, The Foundation is introducing as its brand position line. It is a reflection that while grounded in the issues of today, we keep the collective eye trained on the evolving requirements tomorrow will undoubtedly bring. Ever forward looking,The Foundation will be here far into the future—for coming generations of donors, dynamic innovators and the communities they sustain alike.

Upcoming Professional Advisor Events – September 8 and 15!

The next presentations in our 2010 Professional Advisor Speaker Series are on the topic, Tips re: How Not to Fall into the Family Law Abyss, and will be held on Sept. 8 (Beverly Hills) and Sept. 15 (Woodland Hills). The presenter will be Stacy D. Phillips, Law firm of Phillips, Lerner, Lauzon & Jamra.

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To sign up or for more information, call (323) 761-8707 or email ekristal@jewishfoundationla.org.

The Foundation’s complimentary educational seminars for professional advisors address timely and critical issues related to estate planning and charitable giving, as well as provide a great networking opportunity.

MCLE credit is available.

To see video recaps of past professional advisor events, visit: www.jewishfoundationla.org and click on “News and Events” and then click “Past Events.”