The L B Research And Education Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,545,000 (2023)
• Total Assets: $32,036,011
• Decision Time: 5-7 months from initial inquiry
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $75,000
• Geographic Focus: National (U.S.-based nonprofits)
• Grant Activity: 27 awards in 2023, 26 awards in 2022

Contact Details

• Email: inquiries@thelbfoundation.org
• Location: Woodland Hills, CA (formerly); Asheville, NC (more recent)
• EIN: 95-4664361
• Type: Private Grantmaking Foundation
• Note: The foundation does not currently have a website

Overview

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation was founded in 1997 by Dr. Gerald D. Buckberg, M.D., a UCLA cardiothoracic surgeon, with the stated purpose of fostering creativity, innovation, research, and education for people of every discipline and culture. With total assets of approximately $32 million and annual giving of $1.5 million, the foundation makes approximately 26-27 grants per year to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations. The foundation is currently led by family members, including Nicole Buckberg (President), Gia Buckberg (Secretary), Constantine Athanasuleas (Director), and Mark Doherty (Treasurer), all of whom serve without compensation. The foundation has evolved from its original focus on physical and psychological health research to a broader mission supporting creative approaches in education and health programming for underserved populations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program with a rolling application process:

• First-time Applicants: $10,000 - $35,000 for one-year projects
• Established Grantees: Up to $75,000 for continuing partnerships
• Application Method: Rolling basis via email concept paper (no deadlines)

Priority Areas

Education: The foundation prioritizes innovative approaches that boost engagement and achievement for populations facing opportunity gaps. Focus areas include:

• Adolescent education programs
• Post-secondary education initiatives
• Adult vocational training
• Programs that foster independent and critical thinking
• Creative approaches that offer alternatives to traditional educational models

Health: The foundation funds programs and research aimed at:

• Addressing prevalent health issues in vulnerable populations
• Fostering innovation in low-cost medical research
• Evaluating health programming effectiveness
• Removing stigma associated with mental illness
• Supporting mental health initiatives

Recent Grant Recipients (2023)

Documented recipients include:

• Airport Marina Counseling Service (Los Angeles, CA) - $20,000
• Avalon Carver Community Center (Los Angeles, CA) - $35,000
• Bay Area Video Coalition (San Francisco, CA) - $15,000
• Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology (Boston, MA) - $35,000
• Blalock Foundation (Santa Monica, CA) - $60,000
• California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco, CA)

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, the foundation's focus is clearly on U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in education and health for underserved populations. Projects outside these areas are unlikely to be considered.

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership Team (all unpaid):

• Nicole Buckberg, President
• Gia Buckberg, Secretary
• Constantine Athanasuleas, Director (cardiothoracic surgeon affiliated with the foundation)
• Mark Doherty, Treasurer

The foundation was founded by Dr. Gerald D. Buckberg in 1997 and remains under family governance. According to the foundation's articles of incorporation, the original purpose was "to provide help to persons with physical and psychological problems, provide funding for research activities related to physical or psychological problems and to provide funding for scholarships."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications via a simple, streamlined process:

1. Concept Paper Submission: Email a concept paper of 400 words or less describing your funding idea to inquiries@thelbfoundation.org

   • Applications sent by regular mail or any other method will not be reviewed
   • Applications longer than 400 words will not be reviewed
   • The foundation uses a rolling process year-round with no fixed deadlines

2. Wait Period: After submitting a concept paper, organizations must wait at least six months before submitting another idea

3. Full Proposal: Selected organizations will be invited to submit a full proposal 2-5 months after the concept paper submission

4. Notification: All inquiring organizations will be notified of a funding decision

Decision Timeline

• Initial Review: 2-5 months for invitation to full proposal (if selected)
• Final Decision: Typically 5-7 months from initial concept paper submission
• Total Process: Approximately 5-7 months from inquiry to decision

Success Rates

While specific success rates are not publicly available, the foundation receives many more inquiries than they can fund. With approximately 27 grants made annually from total giving of $1.5 million, applicants should expect a competitive selection process.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations must wait at least six months after submitting a concept paper before submitting another idea to the foundation. There is no specific information about restrictions for previously unsuccessful applicants beyond this six-month waiting period.

Application Success Factors

Based on grantee feedback and foundation guidance, successful applications demonstrate:

Bold, Innovative Approaches: The foundation evaluates funding ideas based on "uses of bold approaches to solving problems." They value programs that foster independent thinking, activate creativity, or offer alternatives to traditional approaches.

Research or Dissemination Mechanisms: Applications should include "a specific research or dissemination mechanism that could lead to positive changes on a regional, national, or global scale."

Focus on Underserved Populations: The foundation prioritizes "equitable access for underserved populations" and programs addressing opportunity gaps influenced by socio-demographic factors.

Compelling Narratives with Data: Grantees recommend including "relevant statistics and a compelling story to help illustrate the mission and impact." Craft a narrative that "clearly defines your organization's work and its impact in the community."

Specificity and Differentiation: "Because the selection process is competitive, be specific about what sets your organization apart. Highlight your unique approach and articulate why your work is essential."

Alignment with Foundation Priorities: "It is important that your funding request is aligned with L.B Research and Education Foundation's priorities" in education (adolescent/adult learning, alternative approaches) or health (mental health, vulnerable populations, low-cost innovation).

Collaboration: The foundation values "supporting collaboration" in proposed projects.

Exceptional Foundation Partnership: Grantees consistently praise the foundation's approach: "They make time to meet with and support applicants in the application process and truly treat them as equal partners and colleagues." Reviewers describe the foundation as "responsive and accessible throughout the process." One reviewer noted: "In a world where funders often don't respond to emails or offer feedback on declined applications, L.B. Research stands out as an exceptional foundation."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Keep it concise: The 400-word concept paper limit is strictly enforced—applications exceeding this will not be reviewed
• Email only: Do not mail applications; only submissions to inquiries@thelbfoundation.org are accepted
• Demonstrate innovation: Emphasize bold, creative, alternative approaches rather than traditional programming
• Focus on underserved populations: Show how your program addresses opportunity gaps or serves vulnerable communities
• Scale potential matters: Articulate how your work could have regional, national, or global impact
• First-time applicants should be realistic: Target the $10,000-$35,000 range; larger grants are reserved for established grantees
• Be patient: The 5-7 month timeline requires planning ahead for funding needs
• Expect partnership: This foundation is known for treating grantees as partners and being highly responsive throughout the process

References

• The L B Research And Education Foundation, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Accessed January 2025. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/954664361
• L.B. Research and Education Foundation, GrantStation. Accessed January 2025. https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/lb-research-and-education-foundation
• The L B Research And Education Foundation 990 Report, Instrumentl. Accessed January 2025. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/the-l-b-research-and-education-foundation
• The LB Research and Education Foundation Profile, Grantable. Accessed January 2025. https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/the-lb-research-and-education-us-foundation-954664361
• The L B Research And Education Foundation, GrantAdvisor Reviews. Accessed January 2025. https://grantadvisor.org/profile/95-4664361/the-l-b-research-and-education-foundation
• The Lb Research and Education Foundation, Candid Foundation Directory. Accessed January 2025.
• The LB Research and Education Foundation, Cause IQ. Accessed January 2025. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-lb-research-and-education-foundation,954664361/