The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation - Grant Information & Application Details

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $123.6 million (FY 2023)
Success Rate: Not publicly available
Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
Grant Range: Varies widely - from $100,000 to $100+ million
Geographic Focus: Los Angeles (community grants) and national (flagship institutions)

Contact Details

Website: www.broadfoundation.org Email: info@broadfoundation.org Phone: 310-954-5050 Address: Los Angeles, CA

Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. They identify and invite organizations that align with their funding initiatives.

Overview

Founded in the late 1960s by Eli and Edythe Broad, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has distributed over $4 billion in philanthropic support across education, science, the arts, and Los Angeles community initiatives. With assets of approximately $1.82 billion and annual giving of $123.6 million (FY 2023, 128 awards), the foundation operates with a dual approach: maintaining long-term support for flagship institutions in biomedical research, K-12 education, and the arts, while expanding educational and workforce opportunities for historically marginalized Angelenos. Under President Gerun Riley's leadership since 2017, the foundation emphasizes "entrepreneurship for the public good" through strategic partnerships and relationship-based grantmaking. The foundation envisions a sustainable, equitable economy and prioritizes bold thinking, collective action, and deep respect for systems-impacted communities. Following Eli Broad's passing in 2021, the foundation continues stewarding his legacy under the established leadership structure.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through two primary funding streams:

Flagship Institutional Support (Multi-million dollar, multi-year commitments)

Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard: $600+ million total investment since 2004, including a $400 million endowment in 2008
Stem Cell Research Centers at UCLA, UCSF, and USC: $113 million commitment
The Broad Museum and BroadStage (arts institutions)
The Broad Center (education leadership)

Los Angeles Community Grantmaking ($100,000 - $5 million typical range) The foundation's current "overlapping" grantmaking areas for Los Angeles include:

Skills for the New Economy
Pathways to Good Jobs
Civic Partnership Grants

Recent examples include:

Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator: $2 million (2-year commitment, April 2024)
Howard University GRACE Grant Program: $2 million (supporting LA metro area students)
LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network: $1.1 million (February 2024)
LACCD BOOST Program: $3.175 million (Guaranteed Basic Income for health career students, December 2024)

Application Method: Invitation-only. The foundation proactively identifies organizations rather than accepting open applications.

Priority Areas

Education

K-12 public education transformation and access
Educational leadership development
Career and technical education
Apprenticeship programs
Media literacy and civic education
Student support programs (including guaranteed basic income initiatives)

Science and Biomedical Research

Genomic and biomedical research
Stem cell research and regenerative medicine
Disease mechanisms research
Epigenomics and precision medicine

The Arts

Contemporary art museums and exhibitions
Performing arts venues and programming
Accessibility to arts for broader audiences

Los Angeles Economic Opportunity

Green workforce development and clean energy transitions
Apprenticeships in emerging sectors (automotive, business services, IT/cyber, entertainment, social services)
Job pathways for historically marginalized communities
Organizations serving systems-impacted populations
Civic engagement and partnership building

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not publicly list specific exclusions. However, based on their operational approach:

Unsolicited proposals: The foundation does not accept applications from organizations they have not identified or invited
Geographic limitations: Community-focused grants appear limited to Los Angeles area; exceptions made for flagship institutional partnerships
Short-term projects: The foundation emphasizes long-term relationships and multi-year commitments
Individual grants: Focus is on institutional and organizational support, not individual scholarships or fellowships (except through grantee programs)

Governance and Leadership

President: Gerun Riley (appointed 2017, 21+ years with the foundation) Gerun Riley began working for the Broad family in 2003 in an entry-level administrative position and assumed roles of increasing responsibility. As President, Riley stated: "It's a humbling honor to assume the responsibility of leading the charge to continue The Broad Foundation's rigorous dedication to stronger public schools, cutting-edge scientific and medical research and accessibility to the arts."

Vice President and Chief of Staff: Suzy Jack

Co-Founder and Board Member: Edythe L. Broad

11-Member Board of Governors (advises on philanthropic initiatives):

Suzanne Nora Johnson (former Goldman Sachs Vice Chairman)
Jay S. Wintrob (Oaktree Capital Advisory Partner)
Andrew L. Stern (former SEIU President)
Lawrence H. Summers
Richard J. Riordan
Morton O. Schapiro
Paul N. Frimmer
Jana W. Greer
Cindy S. Quane

Founder's Vision (Eli Broad, 1933-2021): "For some time now we have looked for someone who we trust to work with me in overseeing our philanthropic activities, someone who shares our values and priorities."

Foundation Values:

Unyielding commitment to public good
Bold thinking and "unreasonable" approaches to systemic change
Collective action and strategic partnerships
Integrity and transparency
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
Continuous learning and humility
Openness and respect for expertise of systems-impacted communities

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Critical Information: The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. The foundation identifies organizations that align with its funding initiatives and invites them to participate in the grantmaking process.

Pathway to Consideration: According to philanthropy experts, the foundation is "a less-accessible funder with no formal grants application system in place." Potential approaches include:

Relationship Building: Network with past grantees or the foundation's staff and board members
Demonstrated Impact: Build a track record in one of the foundation's priority areas (education, science, arts, LA economic opportunity)
Alignment with Mission: Ensure your organization's work directly addresses challenges facing historically marginalized communities in Los Angeles or operates in the foundation's flagship areas
Strategic Positioning: Position your organization as a bold, innovative leader addressing systemic challenges

The foundation tends to maintain long-term relationships with organizations it supports, often providing multi-year, renewable commitments.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation does not publish typical timeframes from initial contact to funding decision. Given the invitation-only nature and relationship-based approach, timelines likely vary significantly based on:

Whether the organization is a new potential partner or an existing grantee
The size and complexity of the proposed grant
Strategic alignment with current funding priorities

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation made 128 awards in 2023, but does not publish data on:

Number of organizations invited to apply
Overall acceptance rates
Application-to-award ratios

As a major foundation giving over $100 million annually with an invitation-only process, access is highly competitive and selective.

Reapplication Policy

Not formally documented. However, the foundation's approach suggests:

Existing grantees appear to have strong potential for renewed or expanded funding, as the foundation emphasizes long-term relationships
New organizations would need to be identified and invited by foundation staff rather than submitting repeat unsolicited applications
The foundation has supported flagship institutions for decades with cumulative gifts exceeding $100 million, indicating multi-year funding relationships

Application Success Factors

Key Strategies for Getting Noticed

Since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, potential applicants should focus on:

1. Build Visibility in Priority Areas Establish your organization as a leader in K-12 education, biomedical research, contemporary arts, or LA workforce development. The foundation seeks organizations that "boldly address the challenges of our time."

2. Demonstrate Commitment to Equity The foundation explicitly prioritizes "expanding opportunity for Los Angeles' historically marginalized communities" and values "humility, openness and respect for the expertise of systems-impacted communities." Organizations should demonstrate:

Deep community roots and trust
Systems-impacted leadership or meaningful community engagement
Track record of reducing inequities

3. Strategic Networking

Connect with existing Broad Foundation grantees
Attend forums and events where foundation leadership or board members participate
Build relationships with organizations in the foundation's portfolio
Engage with flagship institutions (Broad Institute, stem cell research centers, arts venues)

4. Align with Foundation Language and Values The foundation uses specific terminology that reflects its priorities:

"Entrepreneurship for the public good"
"Bold thinking" and being "unreasonable" in pursuing systemic change
"Sustainable, equitable economy"
"Collective action"
"Skills for the New Economy" and "Pathways to Good Jobs"

5. Think Long-Term and Large-Scale Recent grants demonstrate the foundation's preference for:

Multi-year commitments (2-5 years typical)
Significant investment ($1-5 million for LA community grants)
Systemic approaches rather than programmatic band-aids
Partnerships and collaborative models

Examples of Recently Funded Projects

Green Workforce Development: Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator received $2 million to create pathways to upwardly mobile jobs for historically marginalized Angelenos while supporting clean energy goals and the 2028 Olympics.

Apprenticeship Expansion: LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network received $1.1 million to develop comprehensive strategies across LA community colleges, increasing awareness among high school students, engaging 100+ employers, and registering 200 new apprentices in sectors including automotive, business services, education, entertainment, IT/cyber, and social services.

Student Financial Support: LACCD BOOST Program received $3.175 million for the largest Guaranteed Basic Income program for community college students in the U.S., providing unrestricted monthly payments to students pursuing health careers.

Educational Equity: Howard University received $2 million for the GRACE Grant Program, specifically supporting students from the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Common Themes in Successful Grants

Direct benefit to Los Angeles' historically marginalized communities
Workforce development and pathways to quality employment
Innovative approaches to systemic challenges
Multi-sector partnerships and collaborations
Scalable models with potential for broader impact
Strong connection to emerging economic opportunities (green jobs, tech, healthcare)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

This is not an open application funder: Do not submit unsolicited proposals. Focus on relationship building and visibility in priority areas instead.
Los Angeles is the priority for community grants: While the foundation supports flagship institutions nationally, community-focused grantmaking centers on expanding opportunity for historically marginalized Angelenos. If you're not LA-based or LA-focused, your pathway is likely through science/biomedical research or arts institutions.
Size matters - think big and multi-year: Recent community grants range from $1-5 million over 2-3 years. The foundation prefers significant investments in proven or high-potential organizations rather than small grants to many organizations.
Equity and community voice are non-negotiable: The foundation explicitly values "humility, openness and respect for the expertise of systems-impacted communities." Superficial diversity commitments won't suffice; demonstrate authentic community leadership and systems-impacted voice in governance and strategy.
Workforce and economic opportunity are current priorities: The foundation's overlapping LA grantmaking areas (Skills for the New Economy, Pathways to Good Jobs, Civic Partnership Grants) signal where new community grants are flowing. Align your work with these themes.
Long-term relationships trump one-off projects: The foundation has supported flagship institutions for 15-20 years with cumulative gifts exceeding $100 million. Even community grants appear to be multi-year commitments. Position your organization for sustained partnership, not transactional funding.
Be bold and think systemically: The foundation explicitly values "bold thinking" and seeks organizations that address root causes rather than symptoms. Incremental improvements won't capture attention; transformative approaches will.

References

The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation official website. "About Us." https://broadfoundation.org/about-us/ (Accessed November 2024)
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation official website. "Investing in the Future of Los Angeles." https://broadfoundation.org/los-angeles/ (Accessed November 2024)
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation official website. Homepage. https://broadfoundation.org/ (Accessed November 2024)
Philanthropy News Digest. "Gerun Riley Named President of The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation." August 22, 2016. https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/broad-foundation-appoints-gerun-riley-as-president
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. "Gerun Riley Named President of The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation." August 22, 2016. https://broadfoundation.org/gerun-riley-named-president-eli-edythe-broad-foundation/
Inside Philanthropy. "Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation." https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/grants-b/broad-foundation (Accessed November 2024)
Instrumentl. "Broad Foundation | Los Angeles, CA | 990 Report." https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/eli-and-edythe-broad-foundation (Accessed November 2024)
InfluenceWatch. "Broad Foundation." https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/broad-foundation/ (Accessed November 2024)
Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator. "LACI Celebrates $2 Million Grant from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation." April 2024. https://laincubator.org/laci-celebrates-2million-grant/
Foundation for California Community Colleges. "LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network Receives $1.1 Million Grant from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation." February 2024. https://foundationccc.org/launch-and-the-los-angeles-regional-consortium-larc-apprenticeship-receives-1-1-million-grant-from-the-eli-and-edythe-broad-foundation/
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. "BOOST Program Launches to Support LACCD Health Students with $3 Million in Guaranteed Basic Income." December 2024. https://broadfoundation.org/boost-program-launches-to-support-laccd-health-students-with-3-million-in-guaranteed-basic-income/
Howard University. "Howard University Announces $2 Million Grant from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation to Support GRACE Grant Program." https://thedig.howard.edu/all-stories/howard-university-announces-2-million-grant-eli-and-edythe-broad-foundation-support-grace-grant (Accessed November 2024)
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. "The Broad Foundation Increase Commitment to $113 million to Support Stem Cell Research Centers at UCLA, UCSF and USC." https://broadfoundation.org/the-broad-foundation-increase-commitment-to-113-million/ (Accessed November 2024)
Philanthropy News Digest. "Broad Foundation Awards $100 Million to Broad Institute of MIT, Harvard." https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/broad-foundation-awards-100-million-to-broad-institute-of-mit-harvard (Accessed November 2024)
Wikipedia. "Eli Broad." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli_Broad (Accessed November 2024)
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. "A Statement from Gerun Riley, President." https://broadfoundation.org/a-statement-from-gerun-riley-president-the-eli-and-edythe-broad-foundation/ (Accessed November 2024)
Cause IQ. "The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation | Los Angeles, CA." https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-eli-and-edythe-broad-foundation,954686318/ (Accessed November 2024)
The Broad Foundations Report. "50 Years of Giving - Grants." https://www.broadfoundationreport.org/grants (Accessed November 2024)