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LL Foundation for Youth

Annual Giving
$3.2M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.5M
Decision Time
4mo

LL Foundation for Youth

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3.2 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 3-6 months
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $500,000
  • Geographic Focus: Southern California (others by invitation only)

Contact Details

  • Website: https://llfound.org
  • Email: Available through website contact form
  • Phone: Not publicly listed
  • Location: Sherman Oaks, CA

Overview

Founded in April 2018 by Leonard "Lenny" G. Leff, the LL Foundation for Youth is a private non-operating foundation with approximately $53 million in assets that distributes over $3 million annually in grants. The foundation focuses on supporting disadvantaged and disabled youth ages 13-26 in Southern California as they navigate the challenging transition into adulthood. Following the founder's passing in June 2018, the foundation has been led by Renate Kreger-Hochleitner as President/CEO. The foundation has established strategic partnerships with major medical institutions including Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and City of Hope to advance underfunded research and medical treatment for adolescents and emerging adults.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation awards grants ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 to tax-exempt organizations, with a median grant of approximately $50,000. While specific named programs are not detailed, grants support comprehensive youth development initiatives.

Priority Areas

  • Medical treatment and health services for youth
  • Mental health assistance and counseling
  • Educational support for disadvantaged youth
  • Life skills and experiential learning programs
  • Arts programs for creative expression and trauma processing
  • Fertility protection for young cancer patients
  • Camp experiences for at-risk youth

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations outside Southern California (except by invitation)
  • Direct individual assistance
  • Non-501(c)(3) organizations

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Renate Kreger-Hochleitner - President/CEO (Compensation: $82,500)
  • Sarina Kaye - Chief Financial Officer (Volunteer)
  • Tamar Ekizian - Director
  • Charanjiv K. Sidhu - Secretary (Volunteer)
  • Meredith Flanaghan - Director
  • Dianne Satterlee - Director

The foundation maintains 100% board independence with 8 total board members. Leadership quote from CEO Renate Kreger-Hochleitner: "No matter what life throws at you... in every struggle you encounter you learn a lesson that makes you move forward."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Current Status: The foundation is unable to accept unsolicited applications at this time and is focusing on commitments to existing grantees.

When applications are open, the process includes:

  1. Pre-Application Questionnaire
  2. Registration
  3. Complete Online or PDF Application
  4. Upload Supporting Documents
  5. Site Visit or Meeting
  6. Award, Decline, or Defer Decision

Decision Timeline

Application Windows (when open):

  • January 1 – March 15: Decisions before June 30
  • July 1 – September 15: Decisions before December 31

Processing Time: Approximately 3-6 months from submission to decision

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation awarded 43 grants in 2024, 21 grants in 2023, and 46 grants in 2022, showing significant year-to-year variation.

Reapplication Policy

Additional grant applications will not be considered without completing both required reports:

  • 6-month progress report (halfway point)
  • Final report upon project completion

Application Success Factors

  • Geographic Alignment: Priority given to Southern California organizations; out-of-region organizations require invitation
  • Age Focus: Programs must specifically serve youth ages 13-26, particularly during the "emerging adulthood" transition
  • Disadvantaged Population: Strong preference for organizations serving youth with fewer advantages and limited resources
  • Medical Partnerships: The foundation values collaboration with major medical institutions for research and treatment programs
  • Comprehensive Support: Programs addressing multiple needs (medical, mental health, education) appear favored
  • Reporting Compliance: Strict reporting requirements suggest importance of accountability and measurable outcomes

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The foundation is currently closed to unsolicited applications - monitor their website for reopening announcements
  • Strong preference for Southern California organizations serving disadvantaged youth ages 13-26
  • Medical and mental health programs receive significant funding, with major grants to hospitals ($250,000-$500,000 range)
  • Foundation values partnerships with established medical institutions for research initiatives
  • Median grant is around $50,000, though grants range from $10,000 to $500,000
  • Rigorous reporting requirements with 6-month and final reports mandatory for consideration of future grants
  • Consider building relationships with current grantees or board members for potential invitation-only opportunities

References

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