Weingart Foundation

The Weingart Foundation is a prominent private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation based in Los Angeles, California, dedicated to advancing social and economic equity in Southern California. Established with a mission to build a more equitable and inclusive region, the Foundation primarily provides unrestricted operating support to a diverse array of community-based organizations. This approach allows its grantees the flexibility to allocate funds where they are most needed, thereby strengthening their institutional capacity and ensuring their long-term sustainability in addressing critical community needs.

Unlike traditional venture capital firms that invest for equity returns, the Weingart Foundation operates purely as a philanthropic entity. Its funding model focuses on empowering local nonprofits working across various sectors, including housing, education, healthcare, economic development, and social justice. The Foundation's strategic grantmaking aims to support organizations that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve and are actively working to dismantle systemic barriers to opportunity.

The Foundation possesses substantial financial capacity, managing an endowment exceeding $1.1 billion. This significant resource base enables it to make substantial and consistent contributions to the region's nonprofit ecosystem. For example, in recent years, the Weingart Foundation has consistently disbursed over $55 million in grants annually, supporting hundreds of organizations across Southern California. These grants typically range from $50,000 to $300,000 for unrestricted operating support, reflecting their commitment to providing meaningful and flexible funding.

Through its focused grantmaking and substantial financial commitment, the Weingart Foundation plays a crucial role in fostering resilient communities and addressing deeply entrenched inequities. Its dedication to empowering local organizations underscores its position as a vital resource for the nonprofit sector in Southern California, driving positive social change and community development.