Don & Lorraine Freeberg Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5,823,333
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 3 months (December deadline for March funding)
• Grant Range: $3,000 - $500,000
• Geographic Focus: CA (LA/San Diego), Denver CO, Orlando FL, Minneapolis MN

Contact Details

Phone: (818) 247-3681
Address: 801 N Brand Blvd Suite 1010, Glendale, CA 91203-1299
Contact Person: Daniel Freeberg (Chairman)

Overview

Established in 1990, the Don & Lorraine Freeberg Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the founders of Sierra Land Group, Inc. With total assets of approximately $69 million and annual giving exceeding $5.8 million, the foundation focuses its support on education, healthcare, children, and veterans through capital improvements and program funding. The foundation strategically concentrates its philanthropy in geographic locations where Sierra Land Group operates, ensuring deep community impact in select regions. Currently led by second and third generation family members including Chairman Daniel Freeberg and Executive Director Amanda Freeberg Donovan, the foundation maintains the founders' commitment to transformative giving.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Grants: $3,000 - $500,000 for capital improvements and programs
  • Application deadline: December 1st annually
  • Decisions made: March of the following year

Priority Areas

• Education (including scholarships and fellowships)
• Healthcare (particularly pediatric healthcare and technological innovation)
• Children's services and programs
• Veterans support and military families
• Capital improvements at qualifying organizations

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside their geographic focus areas
• General operating expenses (focus is on capital improvements and specific programs)
• Organizations not aligned with their four core focus areas

Governance and Leadership

Chairman: Daniel Freeberg (son of founders)
Directors: Lorraine Freeberg, Daniel Kaplan
Executive Director: Amanda Freeberg Donovan (granddaughter of founders)

Amanda Freeberg Donovan on their giving philosophy: "Supporting technological innovation speaks to our Foundation's emphasis on children and healthcare."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Organizations must submit applications by December 1st for consideration in the following year's grant cycle. While specific application procedures are not publicly detailed, interested organizations should contact the foundation directly at (818) 247-3681 for application guidelines and requirements.

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: December 1st annually
• Funding Decision: March of the following year
• Total Timeline: Approximately 3 months from submission to decision

Success Rates

The foundation made 40 awards in 2023 from its total giving of approximately $5.8 million. Specific success rate percentages are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified. Organizations should contact the foundation directly for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and recent grants:

• Demonstrate clear capital needs or program development - The foundation specifically funds capital improvements and programs rather than general operations
• Show impact in multiple foundation priority areas - Projects that benefit both children and healthcare, or veterans and education, align well with foundation interests
• Propose technological or innovative solutions - Recent grants show preference for projects involving technological advancement (e.g., robotic surgical systems)
• Present multi-year impact potential - The foundation has shown willingness to make substantial multi-year commitments
• Geographic alignment is critical - Must operate in CA (LA/San Diego), Greater Denver, Greater Orlando, or Greater Minneapolis areas

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Submit applications well before the December 1st deadline to ensure complete submission
• Focus proposals on capital improvements or specific programs rather than operational support
• Emphasize innovation and technology where applicable, particularly in healthcare settings
• Highlight connections between your project and multiple foundation priority areas
• Be specific about geographic service areas within their funded regions
• Consider proposing naming opportunities for major capital projects
• The foundation makes substantial grants (up to $500,000) for transformative projects

References

• Don & Lorraine Freeberg Foundation 990 Report, Instrumentl (Accessed February 2025)
• Foundation Directory, Candid Foundation Center (Accessed February 2025)
• Nemours Children's Health Press Release on $2.2 Million Grant (Accessed February 2025)
• Carlson School of Management Article: "Investing in Exceptional Outcomes" (Accessed February 2025)
• Give Kids The World Village Partner Profile (Accessed February 2025)
• Homes 4 Families Military Children's Enrichment Program Announcement (Accessed February 2025)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Don & Lorraine Freeberg Foundation (Accessed February 2025)