We Can Do Far More Together Than We Can Do Alone

Who We Are

The SAM Initiative serves as a catalyst to improve the lives of women, children, and families in Los Angeles through engaged philanthropy. SAM members are a strong, supportive, and responsive community, committed to learning and working together to create positive change. Our fundamental belief is that through collaborative giving, we can do far more together than we could do alone.

About Us

How We Give

As a giving circle, we pool our financial resources and expertise to fund and support exceptional and innovative programs in Los Angeles that promote social change. We invest in organizations that reflect our members’ interests and address the most critical needs within our community.

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59 Grants

We’ve awarded 59 grants to organizations that reflect our members’ philanthropic passions — from established nonprofits to smaller grassroots organizations that have a significant impact on those they serve.
$3.5 Million

We’ve given over $3.5 million to the community, and our reach goes far beyond the grants. Our model enables us to be responsive to community needs and helps organizations expand at critical points in their growth.
Los Angeles

We are born and based in Los Angeles. Our collaborative giving efforts have impacted the lives of thousands of women, children & families across the greater Los Angeles region.

Our Impact

Recent Grant Recipients

Alzheimer's LA

GRANT OF $80,000
Alzheimer’s LA improves the lives of families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia by increasing awareness, delivering effective programs and services, providing compassionate support, and advocating for quality care and a cure.
Open Paths Counseling Center

GRANT OF $80,000
Open Paths Counseling Center’s mission is to meet the evolving mental health needs of the community through quality counseling for individuals and families at affordable fees; free therapy programs for at-risk children and youth in local schools; and a highly-respected therapist training program.
LA Food Policy Council

GRANT OF $80,000
The Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC) works to ensure food is healthy, affordable, fair and sustainable for all. They serve as the backbone organization for a network of over 400 organizations and agencies working for healthy, sustainable and fair food.
Teen Talk App

GRANT OF $80,000
Teen Talk App’s mission is to reduce mental health crises and suicide among teens through accessible and low-barrier peer support, education, and data-driven solutions.
Inclusive Action for the City

GRANT OF $100,000
Inclusive Action’s mission is to serve underinvested communities and build thriving local economies by improving access to transformative capital, and advancing policy through collaborative research and community-driven advocacy.
TMC Community Capital

GRANT OF $80,000
TMC Community Capital is a non-profit microlender committed to providing fast and affordable online financing, to fostering financial stability, and to encouraging entrepreneurship among women-owned, low-income and under-resourced small businesses in California.
Accessity

GRANT OF $20,000
Accessity opens doors of financial opportunity, especially for entrepreneurs of color, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs, to build prosperous businesses and livelihoods while strengthening communities.