The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation's mission revolves around investing in long-term strategies for contributing to lasting change across a small group of defined program areas. They aim to identify and partner with organizations that align with the Foundation's objectives and demonstrate a clear, effective path to achieving excellent results. This partnership is not merely financial but also includes other forms of support, emphasizing building meaningful relationships with an organization’s board and staff. Through these partnerships, the Foundation engages deeply with their grantees and the communities they serve, incorporating feedback to enhance their impact.
The Gilbert Foundation's grant program is designed to support organizations within specific focus areas that contribute to societal improvement and lasting change. These areas include:
College Access and Success: Supporting low-income students’ access to and success in higher education through preparation, retention programs, and the removal of systemic barriers.
Health: Focused on enhancing community health through smart land use and park development, combating type 2 diabetes and obesity, and supporting Alzheimer’s disease research and caregiver support.
Israel: Aiming at education, college access, and economic/workforce development to assist disadvantaged communities, encompassing support for a wide range of populations including secular and Orthodox Jews, Ethiopian-Israelis, Christians, Arabs, and Bedouins.
Arts Education: Extending support to education and outreach programs in the arts for under-served students, promoting equal access to the arts and aiding in academic and life skill development.
Jewish Life: Building upon the founders’ interests, this area supports core Los Angeles Jewish community organizations that foster tolerance, culture, and education. It also includes innovative efforts catering to the needs of young adults exploring Jewish life and identity.
UC Berkeley and UCLA: The Foundation supports academic programs, endowed chairs, and research projects at these institutions that align with the Foundation's goals and strategy.
Special Projects: Addressing projects that fit the Foundation’s priorities but fall outside the primary focus areas, signifying flexibility in addressing emerging needs and opportunities.