As the SAM Initiative completes its 10th annual giving cycle, they have reached a total of $3 million in grants to the community, with this year alone raising $500,000 for seven local nonprofits and microlenders.
The giving circle, which was founded in 2013 by Los Angeles philanthropist Mindy Freedman, serves “as a catalyst to improve the lives of women, children and families in Los Angeles through engaged philanthropy.” Made up of all women, the board has poured their financial resources and experiences to collectively fund innovative programs that promote social change, as well as nonprofit sustainability.
“It’s been a pivotal year for SAM, celebrating our 10th anniversary. We reached significant financial milestones, and explored new avenues of philanthropy to invest in innovative means to reduce poverty,” Freedman said. “Our members continue to be generous with their philanthropic commitment and willingness to embrace new ventures in their giving.”
This year, SAM awarded seven grantees with the focus of greater a better Los Angeles. Aligned with their mission of improving the lives of women, children and families in LA, SAM gave a total of $300,000 to the following four nonprofit organizations: Alexandria House, East LA Women’s Center, Ready to Succeed and Village for Vets.
Alexandria House is a transitional home for women and children in L.A. which provides safe and supportive housing amid the process of moving from an emergency shelter to permanent housing. East LA Women’s Center ensures all women, girls and their families live under a safe roof, free from violence and abuse.
Ready to Succeed empowers first generation college students to graduate and launch successful careers, maximizing their full potential. Lastly, Village for Vets fills critical gaps in key services for homeless and at-risk veterans on their journey to stability and independence.
And with the broader goal being to invest in sustainable solutions for large-scale societal problems, SAM supported three separate organizations with grants totaling $200,000: Accessity, Inclusive Action for the City and TMC Community Capital. All three organizations provide microloans — access to capital — which SAM has recognized plays a major role in alleviating poverty and promoting economic independence.
Through engaged philanthropy, SAM brings like-minded people together in order to accomplish their goals with hopes to keep on giving. “Together, we strive to educate and engage donors by investing in community-based organizations that reflect our passions and address the most pressing needs in our community. … We pride ourselves on our ability to connect people to organizations they’re passionate about,” reads SAM’s website.
For more information, visit saminitiative.org.
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