On Sept. 2, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation announced that it is awarding over $1 million to support organizations addressing communities impacted by the pandemic and social injustice.

Despite unprecedented times, LADF Gives, its annual grantmaking program, continues to offer nonprofits support to address root causes of the city’s most pressing problems. Earlier this year, LADF released a COVID-19 Grantee Needs Assessment revealing nonprofits require increased flexibility during the current pandemic and highlighting support for dire issues impacting the most vulnerable populations. To date, 61% of LADF grants have gone to causes related to homelessness, foster care and food insecurity, and 28% to education including providing access to technology.

“Our nonprofit partners are on the ground doing significant work to uplift neglected communities,” said Chaitali Gala Mehta, LADF chief operating officer. “The impact of the pandemic and ongoing racial injustice has redirected our charitable dollars in 2020 to organizations that are supporting Angelenos in dire need. Our commitment to investing in local nonprofits continues during a time when every dollar counts.”

Grants to new nonprofit partners will help provide wrap-around services for transition-age youth, foster youth and families experiencing homelessness. Renewed grants include support for teachers and low-income students as they navigate distance learning. Additional awards prioritize basic essentials, civic engagement and social justice.

Grant highlights include $20,000 to Minds Matter LA to support college access and success programming for 140 high-achieving, dedicated students who face significant barriers to their educational success; $20,000 to Teach for America LA to support over 190 corps member teachers, impacting over 40,000 youth through distance learning; and $10,000 to Friends of the Children Los Angeles to support mentorship and basic essentials for 108 youth affected by the foster care system.

An additional $98,000 in immediate COVID-19 relief funds were awarded to organizations like the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Brotherhood Crusade, My Friend’s Place, Baby2Baby and Library Foundation of Los Angeles. LADF continues to use its platform to showcase nonprofit partners/grantees, support community leaders, share nonprofit information, educational programs and community resources. 

For information, visit dodgers.com/ladf.