Upton Beall Sinclair Jr. Author, Social Activist Icon
ABOUT THE EVENT
For nearly 50 years, the Liberty Hill Upton Sinclair Event has remained one of LA’s most beloved social justice gatherings, celebrating the local movement work that drives social change in Los Angeles.
This year’s Upton Sinclair Celebration, scheduled for Wednesday, April 30th, will transform the tradition to the next level with a brand new location, a fresh, fun vibe, and all the camaraderie and community spirit you’ve come to know and love from Liberty Hill.
The 2025 Upton Sinclair Celebration will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in the Petree Hall, a vibrant location that will serve as host for our reimagined event. Join us for special performances, exciting surprise guests, our signature “strolling dinner,” exhibits from community-based organizations and much more.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Deepak
Bhargava President, Freedom Together Foundation
Deepak Bhargava is President of the Freedom Together Foundation. He leads its mission to build power among people who have historically been denied it, so they can change unjust systems and create a more democratic, inclusive, and sustainable society. Before assuming the presidency in February 2024, he spent many years as a foundation grantee and board member, most recently as vice chair of the board.
Deepak brings over 30 years of expertise in social justice movements as a leader, campaigner, and strategist. Prior to becoming Freedom Together’s President, he led the grassroots organization Community Change for 16 years, working to strengthen the community organizing field and launch coalitions that won major policy victories on issues such as poverty, health care, and immigration. Deepak also served as a distinguished lecturer at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies and a Senior Fellow at the Roosevelt Institute.
Mike Farrell
Larry Janss
Win McCormack
Anne Mendel
Sarah Pillsbury
Jackie Goldberg
Mark Ridley-Thomas
Jilliene F. Schenkel
Hannah Weinstein
Rodolfo F. Acuna
Ed Asner
Past Honorees
Davida Coady
Betty Warner Sheinbaum
Jeff Dietrich
Irene Hirano
Shirley Magidson
Martin Ritt
Harry Belafonte
Dino Hirsch
Linda Wong
Edward James Olmos
Lynda Palevsky
Anthony Thigpenn
Mary Jo Von Mach
Mae Churchill
Joie Davidow
Jay Levin
Ben Margolis & John Mcternan
Fr. Luis Olivares
Ginger Varney
Michael Ventura 1980 s
Past Honorees
Jim Becker
Maria Elena Durazo
Claudia Moore
Oliver Stone
Clark Branson
Jane Fonda
Dave Johnson
Rev. James M. Lawson, Jr.
Lillibeth Navarro
Robin Cannon
David Clennon
Sara Martinez
Bonnie Raitt
Karen Bass
Patrick Lippert
Warren Olney
John Singleton
Jay N. Gordon M.D. & Meyera
Robbins
Miya Iwataki
Comite Pro Paz En El Barrio
Haskell Wexler
Nancy Smyth Cervantes
Richard Foos
Constance Rice
Alfre Woodard
Theresa Allison
Rabbi Leonard Beerman
Mary Steenbergen & Ted Danson
Nikki Brown & Ted Gardner
Gilda Haas
Gary Phillips
Stanley K. Steinbaum
Wally Marks
Linda Marquez
Rage Against the Machine
Harry Shearer
Daniel and Diana Attias
Sylvia Castillo
Dan Pallotta
Howard Zinn
Past Honorees
Culture Clash
Madeline Janis-Aparicio
Norman Jewison
Katrina vanden Heuvel
Judith Baca
Michael Kieschnick
Stewart Kwoh
Tim Robbins
Susan Sarandon
Anna Deavere Smith
Marqueece Harris-Dawson
Betsy and Paul Mazursky
Bill Melamed Jr.
Eve Ensler
Arianna Huffington
Rob McKay
Rev. Eugene Williams
Tom Hayden
Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon
Antonio Manning
Angelica Salas
Geri Silva & Gail Blackwell
Robert Greenwald
Bill Resnick, M.D.
Sarah Pillsbury
Lisa Powell
Kent & Jai Lee Wong
Barry and Paula Litt
Rev. Alexia Salvatierra
Eric Schlosser
Ed Burns & David Simon
Richard D. Jacobs Pacoima Beautiful
Bill Gallegos
Dean Hansell & Jason Murakawa
Sheila Kuehl
Past Honorees
Liz Heller & John Manulis
Walter Mosley
InnerCity Struggle
Tim Gill
Margarita Ramirez
Gary Stewart
Paris Barclay
Wendy Chang
Dr. Manual Pastor
Alex Gansa & Howard Gordon
Charles Floyd Johnson
Alison Morgan & Parke Skelton
Ron Yerxa and Albert Berger
Kafi Blumenfield
2010 TO 2024
Scott Budnick
Veronica Gutierrez
Dr Frank Gilliam
Michele Prichard
Robbie Conal
Benjamin Goldhirsth
Fran Jemmott
Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering
Susan Genco and Mitch Kamin
Ana Ortiz
Elizabeth Levitt Hirsch
Congressman John Lewis
Senator Holly J. Mitchell
Torie Osborn
Jared Rivera
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan
The Dodgers Foundation
Meltzer Sieroty Family
Robert K. Ross, M.D.
Weston Milliken
Chloe & Maud Arnold
STAND-L.A. Coalition
Eunisses Hernandez
Celia Bernstein
Derek Steele
Aloe Blacc
Powering Social Change
L.A.’s social justice foundation for over 45 years.
Our Mission
Liberty Hill is a laboratory for social change philanthropy. We leverage the power of community organizers, donor activists and allies to advance social justice.
Our North Star
Support community organizing that is building power in communities most impacted by system oppression to achieve justice and equity.
Our Focus Area
Liberty Hill’s work is focused on Los Angeles County, however we understand that what happens in L.A. influences the nation. In this historical moment, we believe it is especially important for Los Angeles to be a beacon of social justice nationwide.
Our Priorities
Liberty Hill is an accelerator of community organizing in Los Angeles and a national leader in social justice.
Racial Justice
Environmental & Climate Justice
Youth & Transformative Justice
Economic & Housing Justice
LGBTQ & Gender Justice
Electoral Power Building
Progress in Action
$6.8 M
Program Grant
DAF Grant
Total 159 Program Grants Awarded $5.8 M
Total 591 DAF Grants Awarded $5.4 M
Government Subcontracts Distributed $2.9 M Raised in Individual Contributions
Ways to Give
Liberty Hill is your partner in social justice philanthropy. There are many ways to make an impact in Los Angeles. One donation to Liberty Hill supports dozens of grassroots organizing groups. We offer innovative giving solutions such as Donor-Advised Funds, Giving Circles, Planned Gifts and other options.
Contribute Annually
Take the guesswork out of giving by making an annual donation in support of Liberty Hill’s organizing and activism. With a deep understanding of the issues facing our communities, and of the leaders on the frontlines of change, Liberty Hill will direct your annual gift where it’s needed most. Onetime or monthly giving options are available. Liberty Hill offers several membership benefits at each level.
Join A Giving Circle
A Giving Circle is a self-directed group of individuals and philanthropic partners who pool their donations and vote on the organizations the circle will fund with its grants. By joining together, Giving Circle members make larger grants and stronger impacts on the issues and organizations they care about.
Liberty Hill advises our Giving Circles and provides management and grantmaking advice.
Join our Community
Liberty Hill donor-activists are the backbone of our support and help fuel our mission to create a more just L.A!
Changemakers
Our community of donor activists, who give between $1,200 - $4,999, receive recognition in our annual report, invitations to several of our annual events and access to a personal advancement representative to assist with your giving needs and help you stay connected to our work.
Advocates
Our community of donor activists, who give between $5,000 - $9,999, have access to additional special events with Liberty Hill and our community partners throughout the year.
Champions
Our community of donor activists, who give $10,000+, have opportunities to deepen their connection to Liberty Hill and our community partners, with top donor events throughout the year, including an exclusive invitation to Champions Brunch with Liberty Hill CEO as well as access to our social justice philanthropy advisors.
Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
Manage all of your philanthropy in one place, while magnifying the impact of your life at L.A.’s exemplary social justice foundation. Zero start-up costs, immediate tax deduction, with flexibility to give grants over time.
Advantages of opening a DAF
• Expert advice to ensure your contributions are making a difference.
• Get a foundation-like structure without administrative complications and costs.
• Reduce email, mail and phone solicitations from organizations.
• Join a community of donor activists rooted in a strong sense of shared mission.
• No taxes on capital growth, with just a 1.25% and lower annual operating cost
• LHF handles tax filing, auditing and accounting.
• Donors are able to remain anonymous if they choose.
• Tax deductibility is 60% of AGI for cash and 30% of AGI for securities.
City of Angels Society
Making a bequest donation to Liberty Hill Foundation ensures a better, more just Los Angeles for generations to come.
Keep the values of democracy and justice alive through your gift.
Vehicles to Give
Bequest through a Will
Living Trust or other Non-Charitable Trusts
Charitable Remainder Trust
Charitable Lead Trust
Beneficiary Designation through Retirement Plans or Insurance Policies
Guarantee a steady stream of resources for future generations of community organizers committed to building a fair and just society.
Ways to Give Cash
Stock
Bonds
Mutual Fund Shares
Real Estate
In Memoriam
Liberty Hill honors the memories of our dear friends and supporters:
Liz Levitt Hirsch
Lee F. Lainer
Dorothy Lawson
James Lawson
Martin Liebowitz
Jerry Manpearl
Andrea Nevins
Alan Sieroty
We are so grateful to our dedicated and committed Founders for your visionary leadership in creating Liberty Hill Foundation. You embody the principles upon which you founded this groundbreaking organization and your support for our mission to make Los Angeles a more just and equitable place has fueled progress across the region for nearly a half century.
Thanks to you the fight continues.
Board of Directors
Mary Ann Braubach
Jon Christensen
Marta Ferro
Veronica Flores
Shimica Gaskins
Julie Hermelin
Jennifer Ito
Sarah Pillsbury Board Emeritus
Angel Roberson-Daniels
Mark Smith
Timothy Silard
Dominique Tan
Amelia Williamson
Belen Vargas
Shane Murphy Goldsmith President & CEO
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sponsors
Win McCormack ServiconCares
Sponsors
EDITOR
Celia Bernstein and Brad Kesden
Roberta Conroy
Paula & Barry Litt
Kafi D. Blumenfield & City
Councilmember Bob Blumenfield
The Narrative Method SHOUT! Factory
Steve Phillips
Allison Thomas
Shana Weiss & John Silva
Sponsors REPORTER
Angell Foundation
Diana & Dan Attias
Stephanie & Harold Bronson
Beth Burnam
California Community Foundation
The California Wellness Foundation
Jon Christensen & Ursula Heise
Barbara Cohn
Marta Ferro & Starfish Impact
Martha Hackett
Liz Heller & John Manulis
Joshua Kamensky & Heather Joy Rosenberg and Ocean & Mountain Communications
Mary Lassen
Janet Levin & Frank Gruber
Los Angeles Rams
Carol & Wally Marks III / Suzy Marks
Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams Family Foundation
Weston Miliken
Connie & Keith Rohman
Jemmott Rollins Group
Abby Sher
Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs
Unite Here! Local 11
Weingart Foundation
Elizabeth Zaillian
Sponsors ORGANIZER
11th Hour Foundation
California Black Freedom Fund
Jessica Raphael Social Justice Learning Institute Southern California Grantmakers
GYL
Andy Bartholomew
Jeff Beall
Mary Ann Braubach
David Bohnett Foundation
Catalyst California
First 5 LA
Veronica Flores
Shimica Gaskins
Susan Genco & Mitch Kamin
Whitney Green
Crystal Hayling
Julie Hermelin
Sponsors CHANGEMAKER
Paul Hernandez
International Community Foundation
Jennifer Ito
Diane & Jules Kabat
Katharine King
Trice Koopman & Mark Freund
Zuzana & Shawn Landres
Latino Community Foundation
Brooke Lykins
Loraine Lundquist
Momentum Solutions
Sarah Pillsbury
Jared & Janina Rivera
Cathy Salser
Robyn Samuels & Bruce Shragg
Tim Silard
Mark Smith
Social Good Solutions
Dominique Tan
United Way Los Angeles
Belen Vargas
Gina Welch
Amelia Wiliamson
Proud to partner with Liberty Hill in creating a more just and equitable Los Angeles.
We salute Deepak Bhargava whose leadership we need now more than ever and congratulate Liberty Hill on another year of good work.
Paula & Barry Litt
The Narrative Method honors Liberty Hill’s grantees and donor activists for their courage to use their voices and agency for freedom and justice.
TheNarrativeMethod.org connecting humans to themselves and each other
Thank You to the Angels of Los Angeles!
With love from, Harold, Stephanie, Spencer, and Greer Bronson
Thank you to our entire community of organizers, advocates, donor activists, board, and incredible dedicated staff for another year of successfully fighting the bad, achieving the wins, defending against backlash, and building the good in Los Angeles!
Jon Christensen Co -Chair of the Board of Directors Liberty Hill Foundation
“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within”. -Maya Angelou
Congratulations to the entire Liberty Hill Foundation Community. I am proud of our unwavering perseverance and drive to build the good and let our lives speak every day.
Holding us all in the light— Love, Marta Ferro & The Starfish Impact Team
If Now Now, When?
If Not You, Who?
Helping To Light Our Path...
Our heartfelt thanks and admiration to Liberty Hill and its extraordinary supporters, grantees, volunteers, staff and board...
45+ years in the right place and the right time. A bright light, waging the right fight.
Liz Heller and John Manulis
We are proud to suppor t Liber ty Hill Foundation’s 42 Upton Sinclair Celebration. nd
Liber ty Hill’s unwavering commitment to social justice and grassroots leadership is driv ing change across Los Angeles. From tenant organizing to env ironmental justice, Liber ty Hill’s community par tners are putting democracy into action and building a more equitable future for all.
We proudly celebrate Liberty Hill for their activism and contributions to drive social justice
Congratulations to 2025’s Upton Sinclair Award honoree!
At the Center for Nonprofit Management, we’re proud to stand alongside Liberty Hill in advancing a stronger, more just Southern California.
