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Karsh Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$28.7M
Grant Range
$8K - $5.3M

Karsh Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $28,706,900 (2023)
  • Total Assets: Approximately $336 million
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: Not disclosed
  • Grant Range: $7,500 - $5,300,000
  • Number of Grants: 66 awards (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: National (United States)

Contact Details

Address: 9595 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1010, Beverly Hills, CA 90212-2510

EIN: 137147287

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website and does not accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The Karsh Family Foundation was established in 1998 by Martha and Bruce Karsh, co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management. With approximately $336 million in assets, the foundation distributed $28.7 million in grants in 2023 across 66 awards. The Karshes have committed over $450 million to support their three philanthropic priorities: access to quality education, community health and social welfare, and the promotion and strengthening of American democracy. Bruce Karsh earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and co-founded Oaktree Capital Management, while Martha Karsh has devoted over 25 years to philanthropy and serves on the KIPP Foundation Board. In May 2023, both Bruce and Martha were awarded Honorary Doctorates at Howard University's 155th commencement ceremony to recognize "25 years of philanthropic support for education in America."

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

1. Education

The foundation's largest area of focus, with particular emphasis on:

  • Higher Education: Major support for scholarship programs and institutional development, especially at Duke University (over $100 million), University of Virginia (approximately $100 million for both the Law School and University-wide programs), University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Howard University, Spelman College, and other institutions

  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): $20.1 million to Howard University, $10 million to United Negro College Fund, $7.1 million to Spelman College

  • K-12 Charter Schools: KIPP Foundation has received more than $76 million over the years. Martha Karsh has served on the KIPP national board since 2012 and successfully led a $70 million growth campaign for KIPP in Los Angeles

  • Education Access Organizations: Teach for America ($24.5 million total, including $1.5 million in 2023), Charter School Growth Fund ($10 million)

2. Democracy

The Karshes have made this a signature priority, stating: "For a healthy democracy to thrive, its core principles, institutions and processes must not only be studied and understood, but also vigilantly protected and strengthened." Major initiatives include:

  • The Karsh Center for Law and Democracy at University of Virginia Law School (2018, $25 million initial gift, $76 million total)
  • The Karsh Institute of Democracy at University of Virginia (2021, $50 million gift as part of $100 million total investment)
  • Research and educational programs addressing threats to American democracy

3. Community Health and Social Welfare

  • The Karsh Social Service Center at Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles (founded 2016), providing essential services and a food pantry
  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center ($25 million in 2020 to create the Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
  • Arts and cultural institutions in Los Angeles including Skirball Cultural Center ($2 million in 2023 for Black-Jewish connection projects), KCRW, LA County Museum of Art, and Los Angeles Parks Foundation

Recent Major Grants (2023)

  1. University of Virginia - $5.3 million
  2. KIPP Foundation - $5.0 million
  3. University of Virginia Law School Foundation - $3.4 million
  4. Howard University - $3.3 million
  5. United Negro College Fund Inc - $2.0 million
  6. Teach for America Inc - $1.5 million
  7. Skirball Cultural Center - $2.0 million

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's approach suggests they do not fund:

  • Organizations outside their three core priority areas (education, democracy, community)
  • Projects unrelated to their strategic giving areas
  • Organizations without established track records
  • Unsolicited proposals from any organization

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

  • Bruce A. Karsh - Co-founder and Co-Chairman, Oaktree Capital Management; J.D., University of Virginia School of Law; graduate of Duke University
  • Martha L. Karsh - National Board Member, KIPP Foundation (since 2012); devoted over 25 years to philanthropy

Leadership Quotes

On their shared vision for education equity: "We are inspired by Dr. Lomax's passion to remove all obstacles for underserved students, and his relentless passion to advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We share his vision of creating a more equitable and affordable education system from preschool to graduate school."

On democracy: "For a healthy democracy to thrive, its core principles, institutions and processes must not only be studied and understood, but also vigilantly protected and strengthened."

The Karshes are particularly interested in how higher education can help address growing threats to democracy, which has shaped their strategic giving approach.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process.

The Karsh Family Foundation has indicated it only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. The foundation takes a proactive approach to grantmaking, identifying and selecting organizations that align with their strategic priorities rather than responding to incoming proposals.

All grants are made by trustee discretion to organizations the Karshes have identified through their philanthropic networks and personal involvement.

Getting on Their Radar

The Karsh Family Foundation's grantmaking is driven by the trustees' direct involvement and personal connections to causes. Based on their documented approach:

  • Board service and leadership engagement: Martha Karsh's service on the KIPP Foundation Board since 2012 demonstrates how board involvement has led to substantial ongoing funding (over $76 million to KIPP). Organizations where the trustees have direct governance or advisory roles receive consistent support.

  • Alumni and institutional connections: Bruce Karsh's connections to Duke University and University of Virginia Law School have resulted in over $200 million in combined giving to these institutions. Strong alumni networks at institutions where the trustees have ties may create pathways for organizational awareness.

  • Sector leadership in education reform, democracy, and social services: The foundation funds established national organizations with proven track records in their priority areas (Teach for America, Charter School Growth Fund, United Negro College Fund). Organizations recognized as sector leaders in education access, democracy strengthening, or community services may come to the trustees' attention through sector networks.

  • Los Angeles community connections: The foundation has shown particular interest in Los Angeles-based organizations (Skirball Cultural Center, KCRW, LA County Museum of Art, Wilshire Boulevard Temple), suggesting that community leadership and visibility in the Los Angeles philanthropic ecosystem may create awareness opportunities.

Organizations cannot apply directly, but building recognition as a sector leader in the foundation's priority areas, particularly in education access and democracy strengthening, may position organizations for potential consideration if the trustees are seeking new partnerships in those spaces.

Decision Timeline

Not disclosed. Given the invitation-only model, timelines are determined by the trustees' strategic planning cycles rather than published application deadlines.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation selects organizations proactively rather than reviewing applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - there is no application process.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept applications, traditional "success factors" do not apply. However, analyzing their grantmaking patterns reveals what attracts the Karshes' philanthropic support:

1. Long-term institutional relationships: The foundation demonstrates extraordinary loyalty to institutions with which the trustees have personal connections. Duke University (over $100 million), University of Virginia (approximately $100 million), and KIPP Foundation (over $76 million) have received sustained, multi-year support at the highest levels. This suggests that once the foundation commits to an organization, they become long-term partners rather than one-time donors.

2. Alignment with stated priorities: Every documented grant aligns precisely with their three stated priorities: education access, democracy, or community health. The foundation quoted: "We share his vision of creating a more equitable and affordable education system from preschool to graduate school," demonstrating their focus on systemic educational equity from early childhood through graduate education.

3. Focus on educational equity and access: The foundation's support for HBCUs ($37+ million combined), charter school networks serving underserved communities (KIPP, Teach for America), and scholarship programs demonstrates a clear commitment to removing barriers for underserved students. Organizations working on educational access for disadvantaged populations align with their documented values.

4. Democracy as a strategic priority: The Karshes have made democracy strengthening a signature focus, investing $100+ million in democracy-focused initiatives at UVA. Their statement that democracy's "core principles, institutions and processes must not only be studied and understood, but also vigilantly protected and strengthened" indicates this is a deeply held priority.

5. Established, proven organizations: Grant recipients include nationally recognized organizations with strong track records (KIPP, Teach for America, Charter School Growth Fund, United Negro College Fund, major universities). The foundation does not appear to fund startup organizations or unproven initiatives.

6. Geographic focus on Los Angeles community: While the foundation funds nationally, there is notable support for Los Angeles-based institutions (Skirball Cultural Center, Cedars-Sinai, KCRW, LA County Museum of Art, Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Los Angeles Parks Foundation), reflecting the Karshes' commitment to their local community.

7. Multi-million dollar transformational gifts: The foundation makes significant investments designed to create transformational change - $50 million to establish the Karsh Institute of Democracy, $25 million for the Karsh Center for Law and Democracy, $25 million for the Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. This suggests they seek opportunities for major institutional impact rather than smaller programmatic grants.

8. Opportunities for naming and legacy: Multiple grants have resulted in named centers, institutes, and programs (Karsh Institute of Democracy, Karsh Center for Law and Democracy, Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Karsh Social Service Center), suggesting the foundation values recognition and institutional legacy.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No application process exists: This foundation cannot be approached through traditional grant proposals. They exclusively fund preselected organizations identified by the trustees.

  • Relationship-driven philanthropy: The Karshes give to organizations where they have personal connections, board service, alumni ties, or deep institutional relationships. Martha's KIPP board service since 2012 has resulted in $76+ million in funding; Bruce's UVA Law School connection has generated $100+ million in support.

  • Three clear priority areas only: Education access (preschool through graduate school), democracy strengthening, and community health/social welfare. Organizations outside these areas will not be considered.

  • Preference for transformational, multi-million dollar investments: The foundation makes major institutional gifts ($25-50 million) rather than numerous small grants. They seek opportunities to create lasting institutional change through significant investments.

  • Focus on educational equity: Both K-12 (charter schools serving underserved communities) and higher education (HBCUs, scholarship programs) grants demonstrate commitment to removing barriers for disadvantaged students. The foundation explicitly supports "a more equitable and affordable education system."

  • Democracy as signature priority: Unique among many family foundations, the Karshes have made democracy strengthening a central focus, investing over $100 million in democracy research and education through UVA initiatives.

  • Los Angeles community commitment: Despite national giving, the foundation maintains strong ties to Los Angeles institutions across arts, culture, healthcare, and social services, suggesting geographic proximity may create visibility advantages.

  • Extreme loyalty to grantees: Organizations that establish relationships receive sustained, long-term support across multiple years and multiple grants, rather than one-time funding.

References

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