The Foundation aims to help individuals become successful, self-sustaining, and contributing citizens. It focuses on removing barriers to personal growth and learning. The mission emphasizes the importance of quality public education for addressing equity and opportunity, supporting educational programs and reforms that seek to efficiently educate K-12 students in Los Angeles. While education is a primary focus, the Foundation also invests in community, health, and social services to enhance quality of life and promote social mobility, alongside selective support for arts, humanities, and special projects that align with its mission.
The grant program is designed to support organizations working towards improving educational outcomes, enhancing community health and social services, and supporting arts and humanities education. Specifically, it provides funding to programs in areas including but not limited to public school education reforms, charter schools, professional development for teachers, college access, family support services, health services, leadership and character development, poverty alleviation, and the economically disadvantaged. While education in the Los Angeles area is its primary focus, the Foundation also supports various community initiatives aimed at helping individuals realize their full potential and maintain a healthy, educated involvement in their communities. It occasionally funds special projects of interest that fall outside its established focus areas or geographic limits, maintaining flexibility to address emerging needs and opportunities. Grants are offered for up to four years with a mandatory two-year hiatus before re-application.