Thank You, The SAM Initiative
June 6, 2023
The SAM Initiative recently completed its annual giving cycle, donating a total of $500,000 to seven grantees. SAM is a giving circle, started by Los Angeles philanthropist and non-profit strategist Mindy Freedman. SAM’s mission is to passionately pool charitable dollars to fund and support programs committed to driving social change and promoting nonprofit sustainability. SAM is fueled by Freedman’s personal motto: “We can do far more together than we can alone.” Since its first giving cycle in 2013, SAM has granted $3 million to local nonprofits.
With a continued focus on nonprofit organizations that work to improve the lives of women, children, and families in Los Angeles, this Fall SAM awarded grants totaling $300,000 to the following organizations:
● Alexandria House Provides safe and supportive housing for women and children in the process of moving from emergency shelter to economic stability and permanent housing.
● East LA Women’s Center Ensures that all women, girls and their families can live in a safe and healthy place, free from domestic and sexual violence.
● Ready to Succeed Empowers foster youth and first generation college students to graduate college, launch successful careers, and reach their full potential.
● Village for Vets Fills critical gaps in key services for homeless and at-risk veterans in greater Los Angeles.
SAM also looks to invest in the movement toward sustainable solutions for large-scale societal problems. As such, this Spring SAM focused its efforts on supporting organizations that provide access to capital, recognizing the significant role this plays in alleviating poverty. SAM granted $200,000 to three outstanding local organizations that provide microloans and support services to underserved women entrepreneurs to help them move toward economic independence:
● Inclusive Action for the City
With respect to SAM’s focus on mission driven financial institutions, TMC Community Capital CEO Daniel Fernandez remarks, “It feels like we’re building something together. After my very first conversation with the SAM team I remember thinking to myself, 'they get it.' Their refreshing approach is rooted in a genuine focus on the needs of the community and, truthfully, the needs of the organizations they choose to support."
SAM takes pride in educating and including the perspective of our youth. For the fourth consecutive year, SAM included students from Wildwood High School, and for the first time, SAM also welcomed Buckley School students into its process.
“It’s been a pivotal year for SAM, celebrating our tenth anniversary. We reached significant financial milestones, and explored new avenues of philanthropy to invest in innovative means to reduce poverty.” says Founder and President Mindy Freedman. “Our members continue to be generous with their philanthropic commitment and willingness to embrace new ventures in their giving.”