Our Impact

From supporting students experiencing homelessness to investing in the nation’s largest music instrument repair shop, every program is designed to meet students where they are and move them toward opportunity.

This holiday season, hundreds of donors came together to more than double past giving—providing gift cards and essentials to families experiencing homelessness across the district. The campaign supported 763 families, 1,668 children, and 922 adults—with 86.5% of the children enrolled as LAUSD students. Donors raised over $200,000 in a single season, providing both immediate financial relief and a powerful message: these families are not alone.

The Foundation drives equity-focused investments across LAUSD’s 121 highest-need campuses, accelerating the success of Priority Schools where academic gains—especially among English Learners and Black students—are outpacing state and peer district trends. This strategy drives impact through four research-backed pillars: placing the strongest principals where they are needed most, providing best-in-class teacher coaching, ensuring high-quality curriculum, and delivering high-dosage tutoring in literacy and math for students furthest from opportunity.

Inspired by the Oscar-winning short documentary co-directed by Ben Proudfoot and LAUSD alum Kris Bowers, the Foundation has raised over $4.8 million to expand LAUSD’s legendary Central Musical Instrument Shop. Since 1959, the Shop has provided and repaired over 130,000 instruments annually—free of charge—so every student can access the power of music. The Foundation is now launching an apprenticeship program, upgrading tools and facilities, and getting more instruments into students’ hands faster.

Each year, over 200 graduating seniors experiencing homelessness or in foster care are honored with special culmination ceremonies. Through the generosity of our donors, these students receive gift cards, laptops, and essentials—helping them take their next steps with dignity and support as they transition beyond high school.

When the January 2025 wildfires devastated communities across Los Angeles, the Foundation mobilized swiftly—delivering millions in direct cash assistance, restoring classrooms, addressing food insecurity, and investing in long-term mental health services. Our standing Wildfire Relief Fund ensures we remain ready to respond whenever crisis strikes.

In partnership with the SoCal Fire Fund and neighboring education foundations, the Foundation delivered direct cash assistance to hundreds of displaced families and impacted employees—along with Uber vouchers for food and transportation.

When schools were damaged or destroyed, donors stepped in to fund replacement materials, social-emotional learning tools, and supplies so that student learning and routine could continue without interruption.

Through partnerships with Cedars Sinai’s Share & Care program, the Foundation continues to fund trauma-informed group counselling for impacted families and invest in psychiatric social workers throughout the school year.