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Alan Donald Leve And Annette Melva Leve Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.0M
Grant Range
$25K - $5.0M

Alan Donald Leve And Annette Melva Leve Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,660,000 - $2,320,500
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $25,000 - $1,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: National (United States)

Contact Details

Overview

The Alan Donald Leve And Annette Melva Leve Family Foundation, established in October 2021, is a private grant-making foundation with assets of approximately $48.6 million. Founded from the proceeds of the sale of Ohmega Technologies, the foundation honors the legacy of Alan Leve (1927-2024), who rose from humble beginnings in Boyle Heights to become a successful technology entrepreneur, and his wife Annette Melva Leve. The foundation is committed to providing resources through grants that support and foster innovative ideas across cultural areas including scholarship and education, the arts, music, health and welfare. With annual charitable disbursements ranging from $1.6 to $2.3 million, the foundation made 32 grants in 2023, demonstrating a significant commitment to philanthropic giving across the United States.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through invitation-only grants with the following known award ranges:

  • Major Naming Gifts: $500,000 - $5,000,000 (for capital campaigns and endowments)
  • Program Support Grants: $50,000 - $95,000 (for specific programs and initiatives)
  • General Support Grants: $25,000 - $75,000 (for operational and emergency needs)

Priority Areas

  • Education and Scholarship: Support for educational institutions and student programs, particularly at the university level
  • Jewish Community Organizations: Substantial support for Jewish education, community building, and cultural preservation
  • Arts and Music: Funding for cultural programs and artistic initiatives
  • Health and Welfare: Support for health-related causes and community welfare programs
  • Emergency Relief: Crisis response and emergency support for communities in need
  • Israel-Related Causes: Support for organizations promoting Israel education and advocacy

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on their giving pattern, the foundation appears less likely to fund:

  • Individual requests or scholarships
  • Religious organizations outside the Jewish community
  • International organizations (focus is on U.S.-based organizations)
  • Unsolicited proposals (invitation-only process)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Lawrence "Larry" Cohen - Director and CFO: Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Glyphix Advertising, President of Shalom Institute/Camp JCA Shalom, and Advisory board member of UCLA Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies

  • Laura Leve Cohen - Director: UCLA graduate with degrees in psychology and education, former teacher and financial recruiter, now full-time philanthropist serving on advisory boards for UCLA Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies, UCLA Hillel Dortort Center, Hillel 818, and David Labkovski Project

  • Elise Leve - Director: University of Michigan business administration graduate, mortgage banker in New York City, active supporter of AIPAC and FIDF, volunteers with UJA Federation of America

  • Alan Donald Leve (Founder, deceased July 2024): Founded Ohmega Technologies in 1983, which specialized in thin film electronic resistors for high-end technology applications before its sale to Arcline Investment Management in 2020

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, meaning they proactively identify and invite organizations whose work aligns with their funding priorities. Grants are made at the discretion of the board of directors based on their strategic priorities and existing relationships.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and board connections, potential strategies include:

  • UCLA Connections: The foundation has deep ties to UCLA, particularly through the Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies. Organizations with UCLA affiliations or partnerships may gain visibility through these existing relationships
  • Jewish Community Networks: Board members are active in organizations like Shalom Institute, Hillel chapters, AIPAC, and FIDF. Building relationships within these networks may lead to introductions
  • Advisory Board Participation: Laura Leve Cohen serves on multiple advisory boards. Organizations where board members are already involved have natural connection points
  • Los Angeles Philanthropic Community: With their base in Los Angeles and board members active in local philanthropy, participating in Los Angeles-area philanthropic events and initiatives may create opportunities for connection

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As an invitation-only foundation, timeline likely varies based on the nature of the grant and existing relationships.

Success Rates

Not applicable due to invitation-only process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations must be invited to apply.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates by invitation only, success factors focus on alignment and relationship building:

  • Mission Alignment: The foundation has shown consistent support for Jewish education and community organizations, with 7 out of their known recent grants going to Jewish-affiliated organizations
  • Geographic Presence: While national in scope, the foundation shows strong support for Los Angeles-area organizations, particularly those connected to UCLA
  • Crisis Response Capability: The foundation has demonstrated interest in emergency relief, as shown by their $95,000 grant to Oakland Natives Give Back Fund for emergency relief
  • Established Track Record: All known recipients are established organizations with strong reputations in their sectors
  • Multi-generational Impact: Projects that serve multiple generations or create lasting legacy (like the naming gifts to Shalom Institute) appear to resonate with the foundation's values
  • Educational Component: Many funded projects include educational elements, reflecting the foundation's commitment to scholarship and learning

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is an invitation-only foundation - do not submit unsolicited proposals
  • The foundation has strong ties to UCLA and the Los Angeles Jewish community - these connections may provide the best pathway to consideration
  • Grant sizes vary widely from $25,000 to $5 million, with most program grants in the $50,000-$95,000 range
  • The foundation responds to emergency needs and crisis situations, as demonstrated by their support for emergency relief efforts
  • Board members are actively involved in multiple nonprofits - building relationships with organizations where they serve may create opportunities
  • The foundation values projects that create lasting impact and honor the Leve family legacy
  • With the recent passing of founder Alan Leve in July 2024, the foundation may be in a period of transition regarding its strategic priorities

References

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