Foundation star.8183 [Converted] - Jewish Community Foundation

NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR DONORS AND FRIENDS OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
VOL. 19 NO. 1
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SPRING 2009
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$1 Million in Emergency
Funding Is On the Way
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Foundation Seeds the Jewish Family
Relief Network to Provide Emergency
Assistance in the L.A. Jewish Community
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o help alleviate the economic suffering
experienced by members of the Greater
Los Angeles Jewish community, the Jewish
Community Foundation is distributing
$1 million for emergency services, grants,
scholarships and loan programs.
Grants totaling $750,000 will go to five
Jewish agencies in a new collaboration
called the Jewish Family Relief Network.
Seeded by The Foundation, the network
includes: Jewish Family Service ( JFS),
Jewish Vocational Service ( JVS), Jewish
Free Loan Association ( JFLA), Bureau
of Jewish Education (BJE), and Jewish
Big Brothers Big Sisters ( JBBBS).This
endeavor represents the first time that all
five agencies have been brought together
through funding from The Foundation to
provide a coordinated response.The grants
will be used to deliver services to first-time
clients who have been recently impacted by
layoffs, reduction of hours, changes in family
finances or other situations directly related
to the economic downturn.
Foundation funding is enabling the Jewish Family Relief Network to
help more people hurt by the bad economy. The CEOs of the Network’s
agencies include (L-R) Mark Meltzer, Jewish Free Loan Association;
Vivian Seigel, Jewish Vocational Service; Margy Feldman, Jewish Big
Brothers Big Sisters; representing The Foundation, Amelia Xann, Vice
President of the Family Foundation Center & Grant Programs; Paul
Castro, Jewish Family Service; Dr. Gil Graff, Bureau of Jewish Education.
F R O M
T H E
D E S K
$250,000 for Jewish Federation’s
Emergency Cash Grants Initiative
Marvin I. Schotland
The Foundation awarded an additional grant of
$250,000 to the Jewish Federation of Greater Los
Angeles for its Emergency Cash Grants Initiative,
which processes grants directly to individuals and
families to meet their immediate needs. (See sidebar
on p. 3 for more information.)
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PRESIDENT & CEO, JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
e live in extraordinary times amid
economic conditions unprecedented in
most of our lifetimes.The
downturn in capital and
credit markets that defined
2008 appears only to have
deepened so far this year.
Against this climate of
uncertainty and challenge—
for individuals, corporations
and nonprofit institutions
alike—I wanted to take
the opportunity to share
how The Foundation
is responding.
Let me say at the outset that our Foundation
is not immune from these same challenges and,
in certain respects, is even representative of them.
However, through the conservative, stable
approach to operations that is the hallmark of this
organization—not to mention committed donors
(p. 11), a tireless lay leadership (pp. 4-7) and
dedicated staff (p. 10)—we are navigating this sea
change better than most. Notably, we are resolute
Dramatic increase in need
“All of the agencies that comprise the Jewish Family
Relief Network have a long history of serving people
in our community who are in need, and all are
experiencing a dramatic increase in requests as a result
of the economic downturn,” said Amelia Xann,The
Foundation’s vice president of the Family Foundation
Center and Grant Programs, who assisted the agencies
in developing a collaborative proposal to present to
The Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “We decided
to explore what could be done collaboratively and
comprehensively for families and individuals who
were first-time clients of these agencies.”
To maximize their impact, the five agencies of the
Jewish Family Relief Network will coordinate their
efforts to refer and deliver services, using a common
database for the first time to track clients, services,
scholarships, and/or loans provided as well as outcomes.
Continued on back page
Continued on page 2
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NEW FOUNDATION CHAIR,
LORIN FIFE
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NEW DONOR PROFILES
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Foundation Donors Continued from page 1
The Jewish Family Relief Network, seeded
by the Jewish Community Foundation
Jewish Family Service (JFS), established in 1854, helps more than
60,000 people each year in the greater Los Angeles area. JFS provides
food and shelter, connects people with disabilities to vital resources, and
help relatives and friends care for loved ones, young and old. JFS counsels
families in crisis and at-risk children through school based programs;
provides safe shelter for homeless families, as well as for abused women
and their children; and helps them create independent lives.
Tel: (323) 761-8800 www.jfsla.org
Volunteers from Jewish Family Service’s “Young Leaders” program helping
to bag groceries for people in need at a JFS/SOVA Food Pantry. Providing
food and basic necessities to people affected by the economic downturn is
but one objective of the Jewish Family Relief Network.
“The shared database provides a snapshot of the client to facilitate
case management,” explained Xann. “For example, if a family comes to
Jewish Family Service for mental health counseling, they may also be
referred to Jewish Vocational Service for job assessment, training and
placement.We know that hope plays a major role in mental health, so the
opportunity to be retrained for a job or to get assistance in finding one
can be a significant step forward.”
Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) was founded in 1930 in response to the
Great Depression. At the core of JVS’ programs are career services, which
help clients discover or assess their skills, interests and values to match
them with the right career. JVS provides help to women in transition with
professional mentoring, Jewish families struggling to make ends meet,
college graduates looking for their first job, and refugees and immigrants
trying to adapt to a new workplace and reality, as well as career professionals who may be out of work for the first time. Last year, JVS helped
more than 25,000 people. Tel: (323) 761-8888 www.jvsla.org
Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA) offers assistance to people of all
faiths facing financial challenges. For over 100 years, JFLA has provided
a helping hand instead of a handout to hundreds of thousands of people
through interest-free loans for emergencies, education, developing small
businesses, healthcare and life cycle events. JFLA is a source of economic
justice in the community, providing cash in hand to promote self-sufficiency
with dignity. Tel: (323) 761-8830 www.jfla.org
The Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles (BJE), in
partnership with 150 schools, allied national and local institutions,
educators, parents and supporters of Jewish education for children and
families, advances the goals of engaging growing numbers of children
and families in Jewish educational experiences, enhancing the quality
of Jewish education and making Jewish education accessible to all who
seek it. Tel: (323) 761-8605 www.bjela.org
Jewish Family Service: A 43% increase in clients served
Jewish Family Service (JFS) and SOVA (its food bank) is on the
front lines of helping those impacted by the economic downturn. In
January 2009, 7,000 clients visited its three program sites while a year
earlier they had 5,000 client visits in this same time period, representing
a 43% increase. JFS’ Centralized Intake Phone Line is experiencing a
130% increase in calls. Just two examples of urgent needs JFS has been
addressing include an Israeli couple in their mid-60’s that was forced to
move in with their daughter since their business closed in December
2008. Unfortunately, the landlord is evicting them all for violating the
lease. A 60-year-old man with cancer who relies on public assistance
and food stamps and has been unemployed since March 2008 cannot pay
his rent or outstanding medical bills.
To help address the growing
demand, Jewish Family Service will
receive $250,000 for case management
and purchase of required items and
services for a minimum of 100 clients
during the 18-month grant period.
Each client will be assigned a care navigator, who may be assisted by a trained
paraprofessional, and will receive up to
20 hours of case management services.
Clients may receive care in mental
Through the Foundationhealth, senior services, navigation of
supported Jewish Family Relief
financial systems and other critical areas
Network, JFS will be able to
and may also be eligible to submit
increase its support for those
receipts for payment of bills related to
impacted by the economic
medical expenses, food security, moving
downturn, like the elderly, and
and transportation needs.
provide a critical safety net.
“At a time when state budget cuts
have led to deep reductions in critical safety-net services, and the
national economic downturn has significantly increased demand for JFS’
supportive services, this additional support from the Jewish Community
Foundation will enable us to respond to increased community need,
providing a critical safety net for those who need our help,” said Paul
S. Castro, JFS executive director and CEO.
Jewish Vocational Service: 160% increase in families
seeking service year-to-date
Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (JBBBS), founded in 1915, specializes
in mentoring children through its core matching program and schoolbased mentoring program. It is also home to Camp Max Straus, a
residential camp in Glendale serving underserved children annually
through outdoor environmental education, summer camp or weekend
Sports Buddies and Arts Buddies mentoring programs. JBBBS specializes
in mentoring children through its wide network of volunteers and staff.
More than 2,500 children benefit from the organization’s programs and
services annually. Tel: (323) 761 8675 www.jbbbsla.org
Faced with an overcrowded job market, limited resources and the
need to provide for their families, clients of Jewish Vocational Service
(JVS) now include many who never thought they would turn to a
social service agency—retirees forced to return to work and career
executives who are unemployed for the first time in decades.To date
in 2009, the agency has seen a 160 percent increase in Jewish families
seeking assistance, compared to the same period in 2008.
Recent JVS clients include a woman with a B.A. in communications
who had been living in her car for several months; a 58-year-old man
with a strong business background who has been unemployed for
eight months; and a couple, both college graduates and one a former
television producer, who are at risk of losing their home due to the
downturn in the stock market.
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A $150,000 Jewish Family Relief Grant will enable JVS to offer
individualized skills assessment, coaching and industry-specific training
to approximately 100 clients. “We all know someone who has been
affected by today’s economy
and job market,” says Vivian
Seigel, JVS CEO. “More
than ever, JVS needs to be
someplace they can rely on.
The Foundation’s seed
funding will enable us to
expand the scope of our
services to meet the overwhelming demand, without
having to turn anyone away.”
Jewish Free Loan
Association: 30%
year to date increase
in client intakes and
appointments
(L-R) Jewish Vocational Service career
counselor Bobbi Yanke with Fortuna
Ippoliti, a graduate of JVS’ WoMentoring
program and one of the many people JVS
helps with job training and placement.
Through the Jewish Family Relief Network,
more people will be able to get back on
their feet through additional JVS job assistance made possible by The Foundation.
Over the past several
months, the Jewish Free
Loan Association (JFLA) has seen a 30 percent increase in client intakes
and appointments compared with the same period during the previous
year. According to executive director Mark Meltzer, “JFLA continues
to experience increased loan demand during these difficult times.”
Typical clients of JFLA include a 55-year-old sales director for a
magazine publishing company, whose salary has been cut 20 percent,
leaving her unable to afford her apartment of eight years. She applied
for an interest-free loan to cover the security deposit and moving
expenses for a new apartment.
JFLA will apply its $150,000 grant to establish a special loan fund
for first-time clients capable of
future repayment who need to
access cash immediately to pay for
basic needs such as food, housing,
monthly mortgage assistance to
prevent foreclosure, transportation,
including car repair, and medical/
dental expenses. “We are thrilled to
receive funds for emergency loans
at such a critical time for our
community,” says Meltzer. “We are
grateful we can meet the needs of
those individuals and families facing
financial despair through this
This happy couple, clients of Jewish important and valuable agency
coalition. Our hope is that The
Free Loan Association, received an
Foundation’s seed funding will be
emergency loan allowing them to
the catalyst for additional funding
rent an apartment. Additional JFLA
from others wishing to support the
loan support for those hurt by the
critical work of each organization
recession is forthcoming through
participating in the Jewish Family
Foundation funding.
Relief Network,” he concluded.
Bureau of Jewish Education: Increasing drop-out
rates at Jewish schools
According to a recent BJE survey of 26 Jewish day schools, more
than 230 families have asked to renegotiate their tuition for this year
and, despite the best efforts of the schools, 103 students dropped out
before the start of the 2008-2009 school year; 34 dropped out during
the first semester; and 19 did not return to school for the second semester.
Most of the drop-outs were due to financial hardship.
With a $150,000 grant from the Jewish Community Foundation, the
Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE) will provide tuition assistance to
between 25 and 50 families, so that their children will not be forced to
drop out of Jewish education for next year.
“The Jewish Family Relief Fund makes it possible for qualifying
children to continue their education in Jewish day schools—with
enduring impact on families,
for generations.This grant
represents a visionary and
caring act on the part of
the Jewish Community
Foundation of Los Angeles,”
said Dr. Gil Graff, BJE
executive director.
A Bureau of Jewish Education scholarship recipient in a computer class.
BJE will be able to provide up to 50 more day school scholarships to families
hurting from the recession through Foundation community relief funding.
Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters: More requests for
scholarship assistance
The JBBBS Scholarship program offers gifts of financial assistance to
motivated and deserving former Little Brothers and Little Sisters who
are pursuing their goals of post-secondary education. Awards are based
on the scholar’s financial needs, ability to succeed and commitment to
community service.
This year, JBBBS has received calls
from scholars changing schools or even
considering dropping out until they
or their families recover from the
financial downturn. Parents are out of
work, being evicted, and students are
under more stress than ever before.
A Foundation grant of $50,000 will
provide much-needed scholarships for
a maximum of two years for ten to
15 college students whose families are
(R) Jewish little brother Josh
residents of California. JBBBS will
Entis, with proud big brother
provide a 2:1 match through their
Doug Braun, is able to continue
endowed scholarship program. “I am so
his education at Cal State
proud to be a part of this collaborative
University-Channel Islands for
and of the leadership and generosity
another year after receiving
of The Foundation,” says Margy
a Jewish Big Brothers Big
Feldman, JBBBS CEO. “It is an
Sisters scholarship. The
honor to be a part of the Jewish
Jewish Family Relief Network
Family Relief Fund that is being
provides for additional JBBBS
mobilized and funded to address
scholarships for families
this economic crisis.”
affected by the economy,
Benefits beyond the crisis
thanks to Foundation funding.
Every crisis contains the seeds of opportunity, inviting new ways of
thinking and approaching challenges. According to Marvin Schotland,
The Foundation’s president and CEO, “The Jewish Family Relief
Network offers new ways of leveraging resources to achieve a better
result. For the five social services agencies in the network, the benefits
of collaborating on a comprehensive case management program that
provides access to services, scholarships and loans—and the shared
experience of working together—will hopefully endure beyond the
18-month period of our grant. And for the clients helped by the Jewish
Family Relief Network, the emergency assistance they receive could be
just the boost they need to put them back on the road to self-sufficiency.”
If you’re interested in supporting the Jewish Family Relief Network’s
vital work in the community, please contact Dan Rothblatt, The
Foundation’s senior vice president of philanthropic services, at
(323) 761-8701 or [email protected].
Foundation Awards $250,000 to the Jewish
Federation’s Emergency Cash Grants Initiative
As part of its $1 million initiative to provide emergency services,
funds, scholarships and loans to members of the Los Angeles Jewish
community affected by the economic downturn, the Jewish Community
Foundation has awarded $250,000 to the Emergency Cash Grants
Initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.
“We are happy to be able to partner with the Jewish Community
Foundation to deliver this much needed Emergency Cash Grants
Initiative. Together, we are helping people in a moment of great need,”
said John Fishel, president of the Jewish Federation of
Greater Los Angeles.
The program provides cash grants to members of the Jewish
community in the Federation’s catchment area (Los Angeles County
and adjacent parts of Ventura County). Clients in need work directly
with Jewish community social service providers and Board of Rabbis’
members to apply for cash grants in the following categories:
• Healthcare—including medical, dental, prescriptions, etc.
• Household Expenses and Shelter—emergency household repairs
and replacements (such as plumbing repairs, refrigerator replacement), car repair and emergency rental/mortgage assistance
• Employment Support—expenses related to finding or maintaining
employment such as job training, transportation costs, clothing
purchases, and job placement assistance
• Emergency Childcare—limited to situations where other resources
are not available and where assistance is necessary to allow a
parent to generate income
Grants are available to a maximum of $750 for individuals; $1500
for families with two to four members; and $1800 to families with five or
more members.
For more information about the Jewish Federation’s Emergency Cash
Grants Initiative, go to www.JewishLA.org/fedcashgrants or call
(323) 761-8345.
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New Chair Lorin Fife: “Jews are
specially called to heal the world.”
Lorin Fife, new chair of The Foundation, brings a unique perspective to his role as the senior lay leader of The Foundation. Growing up in a
non-Jewish family from the San Fernando Valley, he began studying Judaism at the age of 18, and eventually went through both Reform and Orthodox
conversion processes. “I was attracted to Judaism’s focus on perfecting the world as it is today through tikkun olam, rather than waiting for a perfect
world in the hereafter,” he explains. “It has been so long now since my conversion that I sometimes forget I was ever not Jewish.”
In 1998, Lorin retired from his position as a senior executive and attorney with SunAmerica, a financial services holding company, to focus more on
family, art and community-oriented activities. He joined The Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 1996 and has been actively involved with The Foundation
for the past 13 years. Since joining the Board, he has served as treasurer, vice president and chair of both the Grants and Finance Committees. Among
other positions, he has served on the Executive Committee and Board of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation; as Los Angeles chair of the Federation’s
Tel Aviv-Los Angeles Partnership; and as president of Adat Ari El, a Conservative synagogue in Valley Village. Lorin is also an accomplished artist,
working in oils, watercolors and pastels.
According to The Foundation’s president and CEO, Marvin Schotland, “During this time of great economic challenge, Lorin brings an ideal
combination of outstanding legal and financial experience to his role as chair of The Foundation.This background, coupled with his deep communal
involvement across the denominational spectrum and his own religious experience, makes for a highly effective lay leader.The Foundation and our
entire community are going to be very well served through Lorin’s considerable talents and abilities,” concluded Marvin.
Getting to Know Lorin Fife
What inspired you to leave a
successful corporate career to
become a full-time community
activist?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my
business life, so I feel an obligation to give
back to the community. And I’ve had some
wonderful role models. Eli Broad, my boss at
SunAmerica and an extraordinary community
activist, was a powerful inspiration. Most
importantly, I’m passionate about Judaism, and
I truly believe that Jews are specially called to
make the world a better place.
Position: Chair of The Foundation
Originally from: Granada Hills
Currently lives in: Valley Village
Education: B.A. with merit, United States
Naval Academy; Post-graduate studies, Tel Aviv
University; J.D., University of Southern California
Family: Married to Linda, also a full-time
community activist, who is the founding co-chair
of Limmud L.A. and a professional Jewish
educator. They have two sons, a daughter-in-law
and one grandchild.
What I find most satisfying about
philanthropy is: “By becoming involved in and
giving back to the community, I have always
received back in return far more than I could
ever invest.”
Goals for The Foundation: “In addition to
helping the Foundation navigate through the
current economic challenges, I would particularly
like to create a clearinghouse of information that
would link funders with other like-minded donors
in funding collaboratives and then match them
up with organizations at the leading edge of their
areas of interest.”
You are assuming the role of
Foundation chair during the most
troubled economic time in decades.
What are the biggest challenges
you will face?
The last six months have been devastating
to our entire community.This is the most
difficult set of circumstances we have faced
in The Foundation’s 55-year history. In light
of this, our primary challenge is balancing
the short-term, immediate needs of the
community with the traditional long-term
vision of The Foundation. Since I took office,
we have allocated more than $1 million for a
very important community relief initiative,
The Foundation’s Jewish Family Relief
Network (see cover story), to help alleviate
some of the pressing needs resulting from
the economic downturn.While we must
continue making responsible decisions in
the short term, we cannot lose sight of our
community’s long-term needs.
Over the past several months,
you’ve helped to guide The
Foundation through the Madoff
fraud matter. What have you
learned about The Foundation and
its people over this period of time?
We have an extraordinarily talented group
of staff and lay people, and a terrific array of
strengths to bring to the community. I’m
particularly proud of The Foundation’s record
during Cathy Seigel Weiss’ tenure as chair.
She has demonstrated tremendous leadership
and strength, particularly when things became
more difficult near the end of her term. In the
wake of the challenges confronting us due
to the stock market decline and the Madoff
fraud—challenges that are unprecedented in
our 55-year history—I have been incredibly
inspired by the outpouring of support and
expressions of continued confidence from
The Foundation’s donors and friends across
the community.
As former chair of the Grants
Committee, what are you most
proud of in terms of helping to
seed new programs and initiatives
in the community?
The Cutting Edge Grants Initiative,
implemented in 2006, took us to a whole new
level of impact in the community, by focusing
larger dollars on bigger ideas over a longer
time period. But if I had to pick a single grant
on which to focus, it would be HaMercaz, a
Jewish community resource organized by our
Federation in collaboration with our communal
agencies for families who have children with
special needs.The Foundation’s grant focused
on a group of individuals in our community
that was underserved, and our seed funding
helped to establish a program that has
effectively transformed their world.
Why should a prospective donor
in the community consider joining
The Foundation’s family of donors?
The Foundation is designed to work with
each individual to fulfill his or her own
philanthropic goals.Thanks to our Family
Foundation Center, we are able to help
donors and other funders plan and implement
their philanthropy in a thoughtful, strategic
and effective manner.We are also the perfect
vehicle for giving in a way that is both taxadvantaged and flexible, so a donor can give
when the timing is right, as opposed to being
driven by artificial tax timing. Plus, donors
know that their management fees are supporting our institutional grant initiatives which are
having a positive and very discernible impact
in the Jewish community.
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Welcome New Trustees!
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he Foundation is very pleased to announce two new members
of the Board of Trustees: Evan Schlessinger and Brian Shirken.
Our new trustees are entrepreneurs who are active members of the
community.They have extensive expertise in each of their respective
fields which include the food and beverage industry, real estate, marketing,
finance and investments. “It is always exciting to see the new energy,
ideas and perspectives that new board members bring,” stated Lorin M.
Fife, the new chair of The Foundation. “We welcome Evan and Brian
to our board as we work to continue to advance our efforts to serve the
needs of the Los Angeles Jewish community and the community-at-large.”
Evan Schlessinger is the president
of the Springboard Company, a new
product innovation and marketing consulting
firm based in Los Angeles, specializing in
the food and beverage industry and providing
services to top manufacturing and retail
companies. His work has been featured in
the national media including Wall Street
Journal, The Washington Post, Newsweek, CBS
This Morning and The ABC Home Show.
Evan serves on the Executive Committee
of The Jewish Funders Network and is
also the board chair for Jewish Family & Life Media (the largest
magazine and website publisher for Jewish children ages 8-15). He is a
graduate of the Wexner Heritage Program, and a founder and most
recent co-chair of the Los Angeles Jewish Venture Philanthropy
Fund. Evan is a frequent speaker, facilitator and trainer on the topic of
marketing for non-profits.
He is a graduate of the Wharton School at the University of
Pennsylvania and earned his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School
of Business. Evan and his wife, Dana, live in Westwood with their
three children.
Continued from page 4
You’ve expressed a concern with
bringing Jews together across
denominations. Why do you think
that’s important?
I have a unique and ecumenical background,
in that I went through a Reform conversion,
then an Orthodox conversion, and served as
president of a Conservative congregation
(Adat Ari El). I’ve also had the opportunity
to serve as the Los Angeles chair of the
Federation’s extraordinary Tel Aviv-Los
Angeles Partnership, the greatest experiment
in Israel-Diaspora relations to date, and as
co-chair of the Federation’s Israel and
Overseas operations.
To me, the great benefit of diversity is that
you get a better result when you have more
viewpoints around the table. And I really
believe that, as Jews, we are charged with
serving as a light unto the world. If we can’t
talk naturally to one another across our
respective denominations, we won’t be able to
accomplish the greater role that we need to
play in the world.
Brian Shirken is the co-founder and
principal of Columbus Pacific Properties
(CPP), a real estate investment and development company based in Santa Monica. He
has over 20 years of real estate, finance and
investment experience and deep-rooted
relationships with developers, investors
and financial institutions. He has led the
acquisition of properties with total value
in excess of $300 million and has directed
the acquisition of mezzanine loans and
preferred equity positions totaling more
than $200 million. He has also restructured over $120 million of debt.
Prior to co-founding CPP, Brian held senior management positions
with a real estate company with varying types of properties in 10 states
and assets exceeding $300 million in value. Prior to this, he fulfilled
auditing, accounting and advisory service responsibilities at a national
accounting firm where his client base was primarily in the real estate
industry. He is a California CPA (inactive) and a California Licensed
Real Estate Broker.
Brian is the former chairman of the United Jewish Fund Real
Estate Division, a co-founder and partner in the Los Angeles
Jewish Venture Philanthropy Fund, a member of the board of the
Los Angeles Jewish Federation and co-chair of its Leadership
Pillar. He is a graduate of the Wexner Heritage Program, holds a
bachelor’s degree in commerce and accounting and an honors graduate
degree in finance and management control systems from the University
of Cape Town. Brian and his wife, Kirsten, live in Santa Monica with
their two children.
Outgoing Chair Cathy Siegel Weiss
receives Etz Chaim/Tree of Life Award
The Foundation’s new chair, Lorin Fife (L), and Marvin Schotland (R), president and CEO,
present outgoing chair Cathy Siegel Weiss with an Etz Chaim/Tree of Life Award at a recent Board
of Trustees meeting for her service as chair from 2005 until early 2009. While serving as chair,
Cathy was instrumental in overseeing significant growth of The Foundation and its grantmaking
activities. Among numerous accomplishments, she spearheaded the creation of the Cutting Edge
Grants Initiative, allowing for more substantial grant awards over a longer period of time to new
and innovative programs in the community. During her four years serving as chair, donors made
gifts of $413 million to The Foundation. In this same period, The Foundation and its donors awarded
more than $270 million in grants to thousands of worthy programs and causes locally, nationally
and in Israel.
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Meet The Foundation’s Officers
T
he Jewish Community Foundation remains true to its philanthropic mission thanks to its strong and diverse lay leadership, which in
addition to Lorin Fife, new chair, and Marvin Schotland, president and CEO, consists of eight officers.These eight individuals—financiers,
lawyers, accountants and businessmen—are all people who, in addition to family, religious and work commitments, find the time to dedicate
themselves to The Foundation. Everyone associated with The Foundation benefits from their expertise, creativity, and passion.What follows
are snapshots of our eight officers who are providing sure-footed guidance during challenging times:
Leah M. Bishop
Foundation Vice President and
Professional Advisors Outreach
Committee Co-Chair
Leah M. Bishop, who as a partner in
the Trusts & Estates department of Loeb &
Loeb LLP has represented many high net
worth individuals and exempt organizations,
holds to the tenets of Tikkun Olam:The
world is broken, and we all have an
obligation to fix it. But some repairs are
better than others.
When a well-intentioned client bought an industrial-sized washing
machine for a woman who did laundry for people with HIV, Bishop
responded: “You know, you don’t get a tax deduction for that.” She
introduced the client to The Foundation, which identifies people and
causes that really need assistance, and he ultimately created a charitable
fund. According to Bishop, “Now is the time for people to increase
their giving. My retirement account is approximately half what it was
but I’m still giving,” she says. “You can’t defer giving until next year
when food bank shelves are empty.”
Since becoming a trustee in 1998, Bishop has educated numerous
potential donors about techniques to be more tax effective in giving
to The Foundation. “I tell people what a wonderful organization it is.
I can stake my reputation on it.”
In addition to The Foundation, Bishop and her husband of 34 years,
Gary Yale, have spearheaded fundraising efforts for several educational
institutions, following their two daughters from The Willows Community
School and Harvard-Westlake to Columbia (where Bishop earned her
law degree) and NYU.When she’s not working at Loeb & Loeb or
volunteering for The Foundation, Bishop frequents local stage and
movie theaters. “I like big screen and big sound. I love watching
great acting.”
Harold J. Masor
Foundation Vice President and
Audit Committee Chair
Harold J. Masor, a partner with Ernst &
Young LLP, was planning his father’s estate
when he discovered The Foundation, which
helped him set up the Seymour and Elaine
Masor Family Foundation. He is now the
chair of the Foundation’s Audit Committee.
“I’m involved because I think I can make
a difference for our community,” he says.
“I have financial skills that are useful to
The Foundation. It’s great to have a community foundation where
Jews can put their money and use it as a vehicle for charitable giving.”
Masor has responded to the economic downturn by increasing his
charitable giving. “The people who have the ability need to step up.”
He believes that The Foundation has deftly refocused its efforts to
provide basic needs for the down and out without sacrificing long-term
commitments.
Jewish education is central for Masor, who is president of the New
Community Jewish High School and on the Advisory Board of the
Ziegler Rabbinical School. “My heart and mind are focused on Jewish
education,” he says. He travels to Israel with his wife Amy at least
once a year. During a trip to Israel 11 years ago to celebrate his eldest
daughter’s bat mitzvah, Masor decided to devote himself to learning
Hebrew. He studied at the American Jewish University for two years
and then hired a private tutor with whom he still studies today. In
recent years he’s read more than 50 books and novels in Hebrew and
reads the Israeli newspaper weekly. “It’s something I do to keep my
mind absorbed and it’s something I love,” he says.
Max Factor III
Foundation Vice President
As a fulltime mediator and arbitrator,
Max Factor III loves to help resolve
disputes. He also loves The Foundation.
What motivated him to become an officer?
“You want to be with excellence and the
staff and leadership are excellent. It’s just
where you want to be.”
Factor takes a decidedly objective and
hopeful view of The Foundation’s role in
the future. “In spite of the difficult economy, the world is not going
down the drain,” he says. “The situation we’re facing is just human
nature and reflects the ebbs and flows of life. I’m not a Pollyanna
optimist. I know it to the core that The Foundation is going to be
successful in its outreach at this challenging period of time.”
Factor was selected one of Southern California’s Top Neutrals by
Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers. He was the president of the Beverly
Hills Board of Education and the co-founder of the Beverly Hills
Education Foundation. Factor, who attended Harvard and Yale Law
School, continues to educate himself. He and his wife, Jane, an
economist and president of JurEcon Inc., which provides experts in
finance and business, belong to two book groups.They will soon be
traveling to England to study English poetry. Closer to home, Max and
Jane raised three daughters and love to go hiking in the Santa Monica
Mountains. “I’ve been very blessed,” he says.
Selwyn Gerber
Foundation Secretary and
Israel Grants Committee Chair
Selwyn Gerber, an economist, CPA and
investment advisor, sees the end of the era
of private foundations for all but the very
wealthy, as compliance costs and regulations
spin out of control.The Jewish Community
Foundation fills the gap by providing a
“virtual private foundation, with none of
the hassles, all of the convenience and in
many cases enhanced tax benefits.”
The Foundation’s role doesn’t change during turbulent economic
times. “We are the firm hand on the steering wheel,” says Gerber,
who joined The Foundation more than five years ago. “We have
significant resources, both financial and non-financial.We have a good
infrastructure of relationships and networking; and we have the ability
to continue making grants even in this tough environment.”
Gerber, who grew up in South Africa, is a member of one of the
pioneering Jewish South African families to settle in Los Angeles in
the 1970s. He arrived here with four generations from Cape Town
including three sisters, and his wife, Glynis.They have since raised two
generations of Angelenos, including four children and five grandchildren.
Gerber is the founding director of both Gerber & Co. Inc., a fullservice 35-person CPA firm, and Rip Van Winkle Wealth Advisory.
He sees The Foundation as a vital resource for many of his wealthy
clients and associates because of the way it facilitates the philanthropy
of the affluent. He is involved both as a funder and volunteer in a
range of causes and organizations. Gerber is a Wexner Heritage Fellow,
a founder of LimmudLA and the Academy for Jewish Religion/CA,
and is an active member of both Beth Jacob and Young Israel of
Century City synagogues.
7
Bert Ginsberg
Foundation Vice President
Bert Ginsberg, a principal and financial
advisor with Bernstein Global Wealth
Management, a unit of Alliance Capital
Management, brought his accounting and
investment management expertise to The
Foundation beginning in 1982. During the
last 27 years,The Foundation has weathered
several recessions. “Every organization,
whether for profit or not-for-profit in these
kinds of times, has to take a long hard look
at how they’re doing things and make sure they’re spending money
wisely,” he says.
Ginsberg gives The Foundation a good grade. “It’s a very lean and
mean organization that is very efficient at what it does,” Ginsberg says.
“Having served on the Audit Committee, we’re consistently told by
the auditors that relative to other organizations we run a very
efficient ship.”
Ginsberg is still attracted to The Foundation by the same things that
drew him in the first place. “It’s facilitating the mechanical aspects of
giving, particularly planned giving, and on the flip side, it’s helping
people find appropriate philanthropic opportunities for their areas
of interest.”
Ginsberg, who earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an
MBA from UCLA, serves on the boards of several charitable organizations, including the UCLA Foundation. He says he’s the “luckiest guy
in the world” because of his wife, Benita, whom he describes as the
family’s administrative pillar.They have a son, a urologist; a daughter, an
account executive with an ad agency—each of whom has a wonderful,
caring spouse; and four grandchildren.
Larry Rauch
Foundation Treasurer and
Finance Committee Chair
Larry Rauch, president of Los Angeles
Cold Storage, has been a Foundation trustee
since 1982 and believes The Foundation
provides long-term support for the Jewish
community, using its endowment to ensure
the community’s survival. “I like that sense
of ensuring the viability of the Jewish
community, long beyond my life and
beyond my children’s lives,” Rauch says.
But as the immediate needs of the community change,The
Foundation must respond.This year, some money that might have
traditionally gone to Cutting Edge Grants is now being redirected to
more urgent needs like food, shelter and social services. Rauch is glad
The Foundation does not restrict its giving solely to the Jewish
community. “We’re part of the greater Los Angeles community and
we should wholeheartedly participate in it and we do, and so do our
donors,” he says.
Rauch has been active in the broader community since he moved
to L.A. from Houston 35 years ago to work in his family-owned cold
storage business. He and his wife, Linda, raised their three children in
Encino. He has been very involved with Jewish Family Service since
1976, serving as president from 1982 to 1984. He served as chairman
of the Central City East Association and was a committee member
on the Mayor’s Task Force of Central City East Association. He
currently sits on the Board of Governors of the World Food Logistics
Organization and previously served as chairman of the International
Association of Refrigerated Warehouses and on the Board of the
Natural Fisheries Institute.
“There are people involved in The Foundation or at Jewish Family
Service who give an enormous amount of their time to different
charitable and civic pursuits,” he says. “It’s a real indication of the
strength of the community.”
Kenneth A. August
Foundation Vice President
For Kenny August, it’s not only the
mission of The Foundation, but also the
people at The Foundation who make the
difference, from the professional staff to the
volunteers.“I’ve found it to be as committed,
interesting and smart a group as I’ve ever
had the privilege of working with,” he says.
The interaction comes with its share of
debate. “People are passionate about their
positions,” August says. “The actions and
reactions have presented some challenges, which I find particularly
engaging.”
A former partner in the law firm of Ziffren, Brittenham, he now
serves as the leader of the U.S. Media and Entertainment practice and
vice chairman for Deloitte LLP. August has seen The Foundation evolve
since becoming involved over a decade ago. “It has become less a series
of smaller one-shot grants to now being more strategic in terms of
our desire to leave a long-term impact on the community,” he says.
Regarding the impact of the current economy on Foundation
business, August comments: “I see us redoubling our outreach efforts
and our interaction with our donor base to be sure we will continue
to both serve the community and to grow.” He also observed that
The Foundation was frugal, even before the downturn. “The
percentage of money we spend on administration is at the lower end
of guidelines for organizations such as ours,” says August, a former
Finance Committee chair.
August is also vice chair of the USA Swimming Foundation and on
the Board Development Committee of the Friends of the L.A. Free
Clinic. A graduate of Stanford University and Columbia Law School,
he and wife Patricia have two married daughters.
An avid golfer and angler, August has represented the United States
in the World Fly-fishing Championships. His best fishing experience?
“Without hesitation, New Zealand. It’s difficult fishing, but you always
have a chance at a double-digit trout.”
Alan Stern
Foundation Vice President and
Cutting Edge Grants Committee Chair
Alan Stern, a partner of Specialty
Commodities, Inc., an importer and
distributor of nuts, dried fruits and grains,
has applauded the pluralistic nature of
The Foundation since he became involved
in 2000. “It serves the needs of the entire
Jewish community in a completely nonjudgmental way,” Stern says. “It serves those
across the denominational divide and even
those not involved in the community.”
The Foundation’s recent decision to make grants to five major
agencies in the Jewish Family Relief Network (see cover story) to serve
basic community needs “is an important shift,” Stern says. “It shows we
have responded quickly to the economic emergency that we found
ourselves in.”
In addition to his work for The Foundation, Stern is president of
Congregation Etz Chaim, treasurer and board member of the Jewish
Journal, a board member of the Orthodox Union and the Jewish
Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation. He is a fellow
of the Wexner Heritage Program.
Stern, a London native who now lives in Hancock Park, studied
at the Gateshead Talmudical College in the U.K. and received his
bachelor’s degree (honors) in Business Administration from the City
of London School of Business Studies.
An avid yachtsman, Stern is a member of the Del Rey Yacht Club
in Marina Del Rey. He and his wife, Lisa, an attorney, are also major
Judaica collectors.They have loaned a large portion of their collection
to the Museum of Tolerance at the Simon Wiesenthal Center.They
have three children.
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The Foundation Awards $200,000 in
Los Angeles Collaborative Grants
S
even collaborative initiatives addressing a variety of
community issues have been awarded a total of $200,000
under The Foundation’s new Los Angeles Collaborative
Grants Program.
Formerly called General Community Grants, the newly
implemented Los Angeles Collaborative Grants award
coalitions of nonprofits supported by public and private
funding that focus on important causes in the Los Angeles
area.Through this expanded program, collaboratives can
receive grants of up to $50,000.
“The Foundation has created this new Collaborative
Grants program to support Los Angeles institutions and
community members who are working together when
the scale and complexity of a problem exceeds any one
organization’s capacity to address the concern alone,” said
Marvin I. Schotland, Foundation president and CEO.
“We hope that by joining forces with one another, these
collaboratives will achieve greater impact in their fields than
In December 2008, at an environmental summit hosted by the GREEN LA Coalition,
is possible by working individually. In these economic times,
L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa meets with the region’s environmental leaders.
which are unprecedented in most of our lifetimes, it is
especially important for organizations like ours to achieve
maximum impact with our funding.”
The Foundation awarded a $30,000 grant to the Leavey Health
“Patients need documentation to obtain housing and employment,
Center Planning Group, a coalition consisting of six Skid Row
and case managers will help them with that,” said Deborah Villar,
organizations and the
Leavey Health Center Chief Development Officer. “But The
County of Los Angeles,
Foundation grant means more than case managers; it will help us
to coordinate healthcare
engage the Los Angeles community in working together to address
services for homeless
the issue of homelessness. It’s a humanitarian issue that’s broader than
men and women
healthcare.”
through the Leavey
Center Expansion
A $40,000 grant went to the GREEN LA Coalition, a network of
Project.The Planning
approximately 100 environmental and community-based organizations,
Group will introduce
to raise awareness about California’s eight-year drought and promote
primary healthcare case
sustainable, local solutions.
management services at
“The Foundation grant gives us the resources to educate the
the Leavey Health
public, elected officials and members of the collaborative about water
Center, a new 20,000
conservation measures that are urgently needed.We’re grateful that
square-foot facility.The
The Foundation recognizes the critical nature of this issue and the
Foundation grant will
importance of acting now for the benefit of our Los Angeles commuallow the Group to hire
nity,” said GREEN LA Director Jonathan Parfrey.”
case
A medical practitioner at Leavey Health
The Southern California College Access Network, an alliance
managers, who will serve
Center provides primary healthcare to
of
20
community-based programs focusing on first-generation college
as patient advocates for
young girl.
attendees,
was awarded $30,000 for its Youth Ambassadors of
each individual, linking
College Knowledge program to increase college access and success
patients to services and
rates for low-income, disadvantaged youth.The Network will create
programs within the community that address their physical and mental
an active presence of youth ambassadors at participating high school
health, housing and substance abuse needs.
campuses, train at least 100 students to speak to high school students,
and work with college counselors.
Representatives of the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking receive a commendation from L.A. City Council members for its Know Human Trafficking
program, which received Foundation grant support.
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Recipient
Program
Grant Summary
Amount
GREEN LA Coalition
Greater LA Water Campaign
To launch the Greater LA Water Campaign to raise awareness about the eight-year water drought and to
promote sustainable, local solutions. Due to the ongoing water crisis that has depleted water supplies,
GREENLA believes California will soon face water rationing and mandatory conservation measures.
GREEN LA will conduct educational programs for the general public, elected officials, and members of
the collaborative about water conservation policies.
$ 40,000
LA Anti-Trafficking
Collaborative
Human Trafficking Survivors
To ensure ongoing and improved support to trafficking survivors enabling them to more quickly establish
healthy, independent lives. Survivors require emergency and transitional care to address acute and chronic
effects on mental and physical health.The collaborative will improve responsiveness to trafficking cases
through improved case management, technical assistance and issue-based training programs.
$25,000
LA Public/Private
Funders Partnership for
Infants & Toddlers
Healthy City
To invest and promote innovations that advance the lifelong health and well being of children age
prenatal to five.The Partnership will use various methodologies to map philanthropic investment data in
LA County to identify service gaps, leverage existing investments for greater effects, and find new
opportunities for collaboration.The Partnership will also produce an online, interactive Web site displaying
investments in prenatal to five programming, and recommendations on how to view investments
compared to need.
$20,000
LA Youth Transition
Action Team
Foster Youth Summer Jobs Plus
To ensure healthy outcomes for transitioning foster youth, particularly in the area of career development
and employment.The Youth Transition Action Team will enroll 100 foster youth in a six-week Summer
Jobs Program, in which they work 120 hours in government offices and non-profit organizations and
are paid $8 an hour. A full-time case manager will oversee the program and will follow up with the youth
after they have completed their employment.
$25,000
Leavey Health Center
Planning Group
Leavey Center Expansion Project
To coordinate health care services for homeless men and women on LA’s Skid Row.The Planning Group
will introduce primary healthcare case management services to the new Leavey Health Center.The
Center will hire a case manager with an estimated caseload of 200 patients.The Case Manager will link
patients to services and programs within the community that address their physical and mental health, as
well as housing and substance use needs.
$30,000
Southern California College
Access Network
Youth Ambassadors of
College Knowledge
To increase college access and success rates for low-income, disadvantaged youth.The Network will
coordinate activities that encourage and prepare low-income 8th-10th graders in Los Angeles to pursue
higher education. SoCalCAN will create an active presence of youth ambassadors at participating high
school campuses, train a minimum of 100 youth ambassadors to speak to groups of high school students,
and collaborate with college counselors.
$30,000
Westside Infant-Family
Network
Case Management Program
To ensure that infants to three-year-olds receive culturally sensitive emotional and developmental care and
services to become securely attached, resilient, productive adults.The Westside Infant-Family Network will
hire a clinical director to manage the Infant Mental Health Therapeutic Program to ensure high-quality
clinical care and services to all families.The Director will also lead training programs and conduct research
on infant mental health.
$30,000
$200,000
TOTAL DISTRIBUTED:
Young adults participating in a summer job work readiness training program sponsored by
the L.A. Youth Transition Action Team.
“The peer ambassadors program has been in the planning stage for
two years, and The Foundation grant will help us get it off the ground
and reach more students,” said Alison De Lucca, director of the
Southern California College Access Network. “Now more than ever,
with the economy in a downturn, we need to come together and be
innovative.The grant couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s difficult
for collaboratives to raise funds due to the complexities of our organizational structures and programmatic implementation.We really appreciate
The Foundation’s insight and support and value The Foundation as a
strategic leader.”
Other awards include:
■ $30,000 to the Westside Infant-Family Network, Case
Management Program to ensure that infants up to three years of
age receive culturally sensitive emotional and developmental care and
services to help them become resilient, productive adults. A clinical
director will manage the Infant Mental Health Therapeutic Program
to ensure high-quality care, lead training programs and conduct
research on infant mental health.
■
$25,000 to L.A. Anti-Trafficking Collaborative, Human
Trafficking Survivors to ensure ongoing and improved support to
trafficking survivors, enabling them to more quickly establish healthy,
independent lives. Survivors require emergency and transitional care
to address acute and chronic effects on mental and physical health.
The collaborative will improve responsiveness to trafficking cases
through better case management, technical assistance and issue-based
training programs.
■
$25,000 to L.A.Youth Transition Action Team,
Foster Youth Summer Jobs Plus, to ensure healthy
outcomes for transitioning foster youth, particularly
in career development and employment.The Team will
enroll 100 foster youth in a six-week summer jobs
program, which places them in government offices and
non-profit organizations.
■
$20,000 to L.A. Public/Private Funders
Partnership for Infants and Toddlers, Healthy City,
to invest and promote innovations that advance the
lifelong health and well being of children, from
prenatal to five years of age.The Partnership will map
philanthropic investment data in L.A. County to
identify service gaps, leverage existing investments, and
find new opportunities for collaboration. It will also
produce an interactive website that displays investments
in programming for this age group, and enables analysis
of investments compared to need by mapping funding
and programming activities by geographic areas.
Foundation support continues to reach deeply into the broader
community. In 2008,The Foundation and its donors dispensed nearly
$16 million, equal to 24 percent of its total giving, to nonprofit
organizations in the community at large.
During a Westside Infant Family Network therapy session, a mother and
son learn how to develop stronger bonds and a more secure attachment.
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Employees Celebrate Milestone
Anniversaries at The Foundation
P
eople are the strength of any organization, and the Jewish Community Foundation boasts a professional staff of exceptional experience, commitment
and longevity. According to president and CEO Marvin Schotland, who is himself celebrating 20 years at The Foundation, talented
employees stay “because every single day presents an interesting new challenge and opportunity.The Foundation is a wonderful lab for philanthropic
work, because our community is so vibrant and dynamic.”
As The Foundation prepares to celebrate its 55th anniversary (it was founded in 1954), Legacy spoke with four employees who together with
Marvin Schotland are celebrating a combined 65 years at The Foundation. “Their longevity with us is testament to the fact that working at
The Foundation is more than just a job,” notes Schotland. “Each day provides them—and all our valued employees—with the opportunity to express
a vital part of themselves through the important work that The Foundation does on behalf of the community.”
15
years
Fay Althausen
Support Foundation
Account Executive
“My title is support foundation executive,
but I’m really a jack-of-all-trades,” says Fay
Althausen. “I started as the controller, and
worked in all aspects of finance for The
Foundation.Today, my primary focus is
working directly with donors, utilizing both
my accounting and financial skills on
their behalf.”
Fay is a CPA and MBA, born and raised in
New York. Before moving to Los Angeles 17 years ago with her husband,
Dr. Irwin Weiss of UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, she was an
accountant at Ernst & Young and head of the audit department of a
New York hospital. Fay joined The Foundation in 1994 and is its liaison
to Support Foundation donors. She oversees the financial aspects of
their foundations, and also supervises the Donor Relations Department,
which manages all Donor Advised Funds and Endowment Funds.
The mother of four children aged 10 through 18, Fay is known to
be a wonderful cook, and often has a dozen or more guests for her
sumptuous Shabbat and holiday meals. “I love entertaining friends,
whether they are my friends or my children’s friends,” she says.
She also appreciates the good work that The Foundation is doing
in the community. “We are the largest clearinghouse of Jewish philanthropy in Southern California, and knowing that I am helping to put
charitable dollars to work in the community is very fulfilling, especially
in these times of critical need,” she says. “Plus, I have the opportunity
to work with terrific people. Everyone here is committed to the same
cause, so it’s a great working environment.”
10
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Janices Brown
DatabaseManager/Information
Technology Specialist
Janices Brown hails from the small town
of Thomasville, Alabama. She and her
husband moved to Los Angeles in 1989.
They have a son who will graduate from
high school this year.
Janices joined The Foundation in 1999 and
provides information technology support and
is responsible for keeping The Foundation’s
comprehensive database current and accurate.
She also assists with Accounting Department reporting, and was recently
involved in a major upgrade of The Foundation’s accounting software to
improve the efficiency of donor communications and data reporting.
Janices acquired her technological skills while working at an engineering firm in Alabama. “I took every computer-related course that
was offered,” she says. She worked for a major accounting firm before
joining The Foundation.
Janices enjoys the familial atmosphere at The Foundation. “Everyone
here really cares about everyone else, so I find it real easy to get along
well with my supervisors and co-workers.”
“Over the years, my responsibilities have steadily increased, and I feel
that I am making a valuable contribution to this important cause,” she
continues. “The Foundation provides a service to the community and
the world at large, because it supports a lot of really good programs
through its grants processes. I was especially impressed with the grants
The Foundation gave to Jewish World Watch back in 2005 and 2006
to help the people of Darfur.That definitely makes me feel good about
working here.”
10
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Lewis Groner
Director of Marketing &
Communications
Lewis Groner is a midwesterner who
comes from a Chicago-based family of rabbis.
Because his father was a congregational rabbi,
he learned the value of service to the Jewish
community at an early age. He is an accomplished photographer whose work has been
exhibited in Southern California galleries, a
prolific gardener and a co-leader of a camping
and hiking group, Jewish Outdoor Adventures.
Lew spent 15 years in corporate marketing working for J.Walter
Thompson, an international ad agency and Experian, a credit and
information services company, before joining The Foundation in 1999.
Even then, he had one foot in the philanthropic world, representing
his companies in walk-a-thons and other charitable fundraising events.
“The position at The Foundation was the perfect marriage of my
marketing and communications skills, philanthropic interests and
commitment to the Jewish community,” he says.
Lew considers his position of director of marketing and communications to be “the most enjoyable job here, because I get to promote and
publicize the good work that The Foundation does. It’s been wonderful
to work for over a decade with such committed, smart and creative
people over the years, both inside and external to The Foundation—
including our external marketing partners and the many donors and
professional advisors I’ve had the opportunity to feature. Our donors’
commitment to tzedakah constantly inspires me.”
Lew’s work at The Foundation provides a sense of fulfillment that
comes with doing work that matters in the world. “At the end of the
day, I feel pretty good about having helped strengthen our community,
and doing my small part in our collective efforts to facilitate tikkun
olam, repairing the world.”
10
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Baruch S. Littman
Vice President,
Development
Baruch Littman is an MBA and a native
New Yorker. He and his wife, Deborah, have
been married for 28 years and have three
children in their twenties. Baruch serves on
the board of his synagogue,Young Israel of
Century City.
Baruch brings more than 30 years of development and marketing experience to his
position at The Foundation. He has moved
seamlessly between the for-profit and non-profit sectors, bringing his
professional expertise to non-profit organizations, including the
American Nurses Association and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles.
He held senior marketing and management positions at Fortune 100
and 500 corporations, and was the founding executive director of
The California Israel Chamber of Commerce.
Since joining The Foundation in 1999, he has never looked back.
“The sum total of the experiences I’ve had in my career have positioned
me perfectly to do what I do,” he says. “While I originally might not
have envisioned working here for a decade, now that I have, I could not
see working anywhere else.
Baruch says that his role of increasing The Foundation’s assets “is
about relationship-building rather than fundraising.” It’s a mission and
a commitment that puts a smile on his face each day.
“Seriously, I’m in love with my work,” he says. “I may have four or
five meetings every day, talking about The Foundation to three or four
different sets of people, but I have never gotten tired of it, and I believe
that I still have the ability to motivate the people I meet.”
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Donor Profiles
Hy & Miriam Freedman
Live in: Sherman Oaks
Occupation: After serving in the Navy in
WWII, Hy moved to Los Angeles from Lynn,
Massachussetts. Miriam arrived here from
Chicago and New York.They married in 1948.
They owned and operated a metal products
manufacturing company. Upon selling the
company in 1983, Hy and Miriam retired.
Family details: The Freedmans have two
married children – Fay and Daniel, and
four grandchildren.
When we joined The Foundation family:
Opened a Donor Advised Fund in 1998 and a
Charitable Gift Annuity in 2007.
Joe Lipner and Abigail Yasgur
Live in: Los Angeles
Occupation: Abigail is a professional
librarian and former director of the Jewish
Community Library of Los Angeles. Joe
is a writer and attorney at Irell & Manella.
They recently co-authored a children’s picture
book, Max Said Yes! The Woodstock Story. It was
Abigail’s cousin, dairy farmer Max Yasgur of
Bethel, NY, who offered his farm for a music
festival in August 1969.This became
Woodstock.
Family details: Abigail is from Bradford,
Pennsylvania and Joe is from Spring Valley,
New York.They met at Harvard, where Joe
was attending law school and Abigail was a
research librarian.They moved to Los Angeles
Community involvement: Hy has been
active in Los Angeles’ Jewish community and
the community-at-large for more than 50
years. Hy was honored in 1999 for his years of
dedication to The Jewish Federation Valley
Alliance, where he has served on the board
for more than 10 years, and participated in the
Planning and Allocations Committee and
virtually every other committee. Hy is also
proud of his work on the Bnai Brith Encino
Chapter “Bagel Brigade.” Twice a week for
the past 10 years, Hy is up at 5:30 a.m. and
delivers breads and baked goods to the needy.
“On average, we pick up 60,000 loaves of
bread per month. It makes me feel good.”
Mickey is actively involved in the sisterhood
at their synagogue, Adat Ari El.
Focus of our philanthropy: The Freedmans
care deeply about Israel. “Our first trip to Israel
was in 1969, just after the Six Day War, and we
have traveled to Israel eight more times since.”
Their philanthropy supports various causes in
Israel, as well local charities that support Jewish
education, synagogues and the needy.
Why we joined The Foundation family:
“Rather than us writing checks all the time,
we let The Foundation take care of it for us.
At the end of the year, we have an accounting
statement from The Foundation that we bring
to our accountant. It’s very convenient.”
The Freedmans also set up a Charitable Gift
Annuity so that in the future,The Foundation
will be recipient of the gift so that their legacy
of giving will live on.
Instilling philanthropic values in others:
“Tzedaka is a big word around here,” the
Freedmans explain. Both Hy and Miriam come
from families that were active in philanthropy
and the community.They made a commitment
early on to continue the tradition of their parents.
Beginning with their very first jobs, the
Freedmans began giving no less than 10% of
their income to tzedaka and made this a lifelong
practice. “We actively try to instill this legacy
of tzedaka into our children and grandkids.”
The Development Perspective
The Freedmans exemplify the “Greatest
Generation” – they helped build this country,
raise a family, and are actively involved in the
community. They are kind, thoughtful and caring, and their commitment to helping others is
legendary. I am so honored to work with the
Freedmans and call them my friends. Since
they opened their Donor Advised Fund, they
have been able to let us manage all the
paperwork so they don’t have to worry about
anything and can enjoy
focusing on giving and
volunteering. Perhaps best
of all, their Charitable Gift
Annuity assures them that
their gifts will indeed
“keep on giving” long
after they’re gone.
– Dan Rothblatt, Senior Vice President,
Philanthropic Services
in 1991, and have three children: Emma,16,
Max, 14, and Rose, 10.
support Shalhevet’s multi-year programs over
time, as well as our other charitable interests.”
When we joined The Foundation family:
Opened a Donor Advised Fund in 2008 to
primarily support Shalhevet High School in
Los Angeles.
Instilling philanthropic values in others:
Be involved in something about which you
care deeply. Contribute passion, action, and
money if you’re able.The kids are watching.
Community involvement: Abigail serves
on the board of directors of B’nai David
Judea and Shalhevet High School. Joe and
Abigail regularly deliver meals for Tomchei
Shabbos, a food bank delivering kosher meals
to needy Jews for Shabbat and the holidays.
Focus of our philanthropy: Abigail and
Joey support B’nai David Judea, Shalhevet
High School, Tomchei Shabbos and
American World Service. “We felt very
strongly about supporting Shalhevet High
School because our daughter goes there, and
because we believe it is a visionary school that
serves an important purpose for the L.A. Jewish
community. Shalhevet is in the process of
recreating itself with a new administration and
new programs that will strengthen its ability to
service its educational mission.”
Why we joined The Foundation family:
“We are personally acquainted with members
of The Foundation leadership.They share our
conviction that charitable giving is fundamental
to Jewish life. Additionally, the fund enables us
to give a significant gift in one tax year, while
setting up our donations in a way that will
The Development Perspective
Abby has been a well-known face to the
Jewish community, having directed the Jewish
Community Library for 12 years. Together, this
young, vibrant couple has been committed to
community and actively involved in charitable
and community work for some time, both
professionally and personally. They felt the
time was right to make a significant donation.
They believe in the work of the Shalhevet
School—as well as other worthy causes—and
were interested in supporting particular multiyear programs. The Donor Advised Fund that
Abby and Joe set up at
The Foundation enabled
them to set up a donation in one tax year, and
at the same time, support
the Shalhevet School’s
new vision for a number
of years to come.
– Baruch Littman, Vice President,
Development
12
From the Desk of Marvin I. Schotland Continued from page 1
in honoring all outstanding grant commitments.The Foundation’s
mission—to its donors and various communities—is steadfast and,
with the harsh economic backdrop, assumes greater urgency than ever.
We remain focused on addressing these pressing communal needs
and channeling funding where it will have the most significant
impact. Just a few of these ways include:
• One-time Community Relief Grants, totaling $1 million,
established this year in an effort to respond in a timely way to the
economic downturn. Awarded to The Jewish Federation and its
affiliated agencies, as detailed in our cover story, the funds are
aimed at helping working- and middle-class Jewish residents of
Los Angeles who have been directly affected by the downturn
through layoffs, reduction of hours, changes in family finances and
retirement benefits, or other situations related to the downturn.
The Jewish Federation and the Jewish Family Relief Network
consisting of Jewish Family Service, Jewish Vocational Service,
Jewish Free Loan Association, Bureau of Jewish Education, and
Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters will administer these funds to their
various constituencies.
• Los Angeles Collaborative Grants, formerly our General
Community Grants, recently awarded $200,000 to nonprofit,
government and private sector coalitions that work collectively to
focus on important issues in the general Los Angeles community
(see pp. 8-9).We hope that by banding together, recipients of these
new grants will make a greater impact than is possible by each
recipient working alone.
• A continued but scaled down commitment to our Cutting Edge
Grants Initiative that fosters innovative programs with the power
to transform Jewish Los Angeles. It is imperative that, especially in
troubled times, we continue to encourage creative problem-solving
by social entrepreneurs.With its financial resources and knowledgebase,The Foundation is uniquely positioned to help incubate these
endeavors through its Cutting Edge Grants and, in the initial three
years since inception, has dispensed $4.2 million to a range of
breakthrough initiatives, including $1.6 million to seven causes
in 2008.
Prudent stewardship of assets, with an emphasis on diversification,
helped mitigate the impact of steep capital market declines and our
regrettable exposure in the Bernard Madoff fraud.We are, as well,
grateful for the continued confidence and charitable commitment of
our donors, who in 2008 added $82 million to Foundation funds,
including a $15.4 million addition to an existing Donor Advised Fund
near year-end. At Dec. 31, 2008, our assets stood at $670 million; in
2008, we and our donors distributed approximately $65 million in
grants to hundreds of worthy Jewish and general community causes.
Our Donor Advised Funds, invested primarily in U.S.Treasury and
other government instruments to enable liquidity and flexibility,
returned 3.8 percent last year. Results of The Foundation’s endowed
and managed charitable assets, known as the Common Investment
Pool, more closely reflected the performance of broader markets, and
declined by approximately 29.6 percent in 2008, including the Madoff
loss.To put this decline in perspective, our Common Investment Pool
significantly outperformed both the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial
Average, which fell 37 percent and 31.9 percent, respectively, over the
same period.
Our organization’s strength and breadth of resources enable us to
fulfill our primary mandates: providing support for nonprofit programs
and institutions; encouraging the philanthropy of The Foundation’s
donors; and assisting them with estate-planning strategies that bring
meaning and impact to their charitable giving.
I recently came across an inspirational thought from Rabbi Niles
Goldstein, spiritual leader of the New Shul in New York City, which
befits the times:
Muscle tissue gets stronger after being broken down. I believe the same is
true of our souls. Feeling broken from a crisis opens our hearts and helps us
appreciate things we previously took for granted.
When the prevailing cross-currents pass—and assuredly they will—
I have every confidence that our Foundation and our community, too,
will emerge stronger and our hearts will remain open.
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
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PA I D
LOS ANGELES, CA
PERMIT NO. 1805
6505 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Advising in a Changing Environment: Critical Issues Affecting
Estate & Charitable Planning is The Foundation’s new and dynamic
breakfast sessions for 2009. The seven complimentary sessions are held
in both Westside and San Fernando Valley locations.
“We are really excited about this year’s line-up,” said Elliot Kristal,
vice president of charitable gift planning. “The series offers valuable
opportunities for professional advisors to convene to discuss new
developments in the field and explore innovative ways to serve clients.
We’re looking forward to these important and timely discussions.”
Look for your invitations in the mail, or view the invitation online at
www.jewishfoundationla.org. To register or for more information, contact
Heather Glynn at (323) 761-8704 or [email protected].
VOLUME 19
NO. 1
SPRING 2009
e g a c y
Attention Professional Advisors: New 2009
Speaker Series Is Starting!
Legacy is published to provide news and information about The Foundation to donors and friends.
Chair
Lorin M. Fife
President and CEO
Marvin I. Schotland
Vice Presidents
Kenneth A. August
Leah M. Bishop
Max Factor, III
Bertrand I. Ginsberg
Harold J. Masor
Alan Stern
Senior Vice President,
Philanthropic Services
Dan Rothblatt
Vice President, Finance
& Administration
WE NEED YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS! So that we may better
communicate with you, please send your email address to: gbaquet@
jewishfoundationla.org or call Georgina Baquet (323) 761-8725. Thanks!
L
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
Director, Marketing &
Communications
Lewis Groner
6505 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 1200,
Los Angeles, CA 90048
TEL.
(323) 761-8700
(323) 761-8720
TOLL-FREE (877) ENDOW-NOW
(877-363-6966)
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FAX
Please send your comments and
suggestions to the editor.
Editor: Lewis Groner
Assistant Editors: Stacey Young
Bonnie Samotin Zev
Design: Graphic Orb
Contributing Writers:
Janet Sanders
Lyndon Stambler
© 2009 Jewish Community Foundation. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or used without permission.