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Rodan Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$11.4M
Grant Range
$0K - $4.8M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $11.4 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available (invitation-only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: $300 - $4.8 million
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily California, New York, and District of Columbia

Contact Details

Overview

Established in 2018 by Katie and Amnon Rodan (founders of Rodan + Fields and Proactiv), the Rodan Family Foundation is a spend-down foundation with assets of $85.5 million designed to drive strategic change within the founders' lifetimes by 2035. The foundation awarded $11.4 million through 57 grants in 2023, focusing on two primary areas: strengthening Jewish communities for the 21st century and empowering people with OCD to live beyond the limits of their disease. The foundation takes a family-centered approach, with both children Elana Rodan Schuldt (President & CEO) and Daniela Rodan actively involved in leadership roles.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates primarily through invitation-only grants with the following focus areas:

  • Jewish Early Childhood Education: Supporting access and quality improvements
  • Jewish Leadership Development: Diversifying and strengthening community leadership
  • OCD Research (via FFOR): $200,000/year for up to 3 years for innovative research projects
  • Community Building: Peer-driven initiatives for young adults and families

Priority Areas

  • Jewish early childhood education access and quality
  • Jewish community building in SF East Bay and Los Angeles
  • National investments in Jewish peoplehood and policy leadership
  • OCD research focusing on genetics, neuroscience, and therapeutics
  • White space opportunities lacking coordinated investment

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications and only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations.

Governance and Leadership

Dr. Katie Rodan - Director/Co-Founder: Co-founder of Rodan + Fields and Proactiv, board member of Hammer Museum and Milken Community School

Amnon Rodan - Director/Co-Founder: Chairman Emeritus of Rodan + Fields, Co-President of Aspen Art Museum

Elana Rodan Schuldt - President & CEO ($225,000 compensation): Leads strategic, evidence-based giving; Board member of EarlyJ, Jewish Community Foundation, Visionary Women, and Brentwood School. "As a recent transplant to LA, I am inspired by the strong leadership of the Jewish Community Foundation. I'm excited to help support the organization's continued impact across LA."

Daniela Rodan: Oversees grants honoring Judge Harry Pregerson, advocates for individuals with OCD

Kara Dille - Secretary

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states that grants are "by invitation only" and only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations. They do not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

For OCD research specifically, researchers may contact FFOR at grants@FFOR.org for information about the seed grant program, which provides $200,000/year for up to 3 years for innovative OCD research projects.

Getting on Their Radar

While the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations working in their priority areas may benefit from:

  • Building relationships with current grantees like Jewish Community Federation, EarlyJ, and Urban Adamah
  • Participating in Bay Area or Los Angeles Jewish community initiatives focused on early childhood education
  • For OCD research: Connecting with FFOR (Foundation for OCD Research) and their network of investigators
  • Engaging with organizations where board members serve: EarlyJ, Jewish Community Foundation, Visionary Women, Brentwood School, Hammer Museum, Milken Community School

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available for invitation-only grants

Success Rates

Not publicly available due to invitation-only process

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - grants are by invitation only

Application Success Factors

Since this is an invitation-only funder, success factors focus on alignment with their strategic priorities:

  • Projects that address "overlooked white space opportunities" lacking coordinated investment
  • Initiatives with measurable impact and long-term sustainability potential
  • Collaborative approaches with national partners to extend initiative success
  • For Jewish community work: Focus on young adults and families with young children seeking community
  • For OCD research: Innovative approaches in genetics, neuroscience, or therapeutics with potential for breakthrough impact
  • Evidence-based approaches with clear metrics for success
  • Programs that can be scaled beyond initial investment

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is an invitation-only funder - do not submit unsolicited proposals
  • Focus on building relationships with their current grantees and partner organizations
  • The foundation is a spend-down with a 2035 sunset date, suggesting urgency in their giving
  • They prioritize strategic, radical change over incremental improvements
  • Strong preference for Bay Area (77% of 2022 grants) and Los Angeles Jewish communities
  • OCD researchers should connect directly with FFOR for seed grant opportunities
  • Family involvement is central to their approach - both children hold leadership positions

References

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