OVERVIEW: The Wertheimer Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to health, education, youth, Jewish causes, as well as other community organizations.
IP TAKE: Not to be confused with the Wertheimer family from the House of Chanel, the Wertheimer Foundation is a place-based family foundation focused on Southern California. It prefers a proactive grantmaking approach which restricts clarity on funding strategies and interests. As a result, it does not accept unsolicited applications, but you may contact them by snail mail below.
PROFILE: The Wertheimer Foundation was established in 1986. It was founded by Hollywood executive and producer Tom Wertheimer and family. Tom served as Executive Vice President and Chairman of the home video and television groups of MCA. He has also served as a consultant to NBC Universal Studios and works as a TV producer. He has served as a board member of “I Have a Dream” Foundation and as a member of the Columbia Law School Board of Visitors. The Wertheimer Foundation lacks transparency and does not maintain a website, which makes it difficult to locate further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies.
Grants for Public Health, Education, and Jewish Causes
Tax filings suggest the Wertheimer Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to health, education, youth, Jewish causes, as well as other community organizations. The Wertheimers have steadily supported Princeton University, home to the Wertheimer Family Foundation Scholarship. Tom and other family members attended the school. Much of the family’s other grantmaking prioritizes the Los Angeles area.
Past grantees include Jules Stein Eye Institute – UCLA, St. John’s Health Center Foundation, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Greater LA, Jewish Federation of LA, and LA Park Conservancy.
Important Grant Details
Grants range from $200 to $25,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $134,000. While the foundation keeps a low profile, a recent tax return indicated that the foundation does accept applications. There is no specific form or information required. There are no submission deadlines either.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
The Wertheimer Foundation
14191 Alisal Lane
Santa Monica, CA 90402
