FAQs

Our Focus

What kinds of programs do you fund?

We fund programs that provide access and opportunity for low-income children and older adults in Los Angeles County. The tool we utilize, to achieve those means, is to identify, cultivate, celebrate, and replicate programs and organizations that believe, as we do, that impactful, cost-effective, and underutilized methods to combat those issues of inequality and injustice are intergenerational in spirit, philosophy, and action. A program must be intergenerational to be funded, but more importantly, it must be effective, innovative, and impactful.

Why did The Eisner Foundation decide to focus its funding exclusively on programs that unite multiple generations?

The Eisner Foundation believes that society’s most daunting challenges require complex solutions involving the participation of all of our society’s citizens, and not just singular groups working singularly. We need to begin to unite, not divide, our communities and see vulnerable populations as pathways to success, not impediments. We want to identify and reward those individuals and organizations in our community that have utilized children and seniors as assets, side-by-side, in an effort to generate positive results in the communities in which they reside. We seek to spur innovation in this field and to reward those who have committed already to excellence in uniting multiple generations for the betterment of our country.

What impact does The Eisner Foundation anticipate on having by shifting its focus to intergenerational solutions?

Becoming an intergenerational funder allows us to be a national leader in this growing field, to create a unique identity that allows us to focus our interests and knowledge-acquisition in a specific arena worthy of study, and to generate some truly transformative results from our investments.

How do I determine if my organization/program meets the Foundation’s intergenerational criteria?

A detailed explanation of our grantmaking guidelines and criteria are available here.

Will you continue fund long-term partners and special initiatives without intergenerational solutions, such as Eisner Pediatric and Project GRAD?

We will continue to fund some programs that we have partnered with for many years, in an effort to maintain their sustainability and impact. We will provide them with technical assistance and expertise allowing them to better implement intergenerational strategies into their already-proven models of success.

Competitive Grants in Los Angeles

What type of support can we request?

The Eisner Foundation considers requests for general operating support, project support, capacity building, and capital support.

How much is the average grant?

Our grants typically range in size from $100,000 to $300,000. These grants are made to established, efficient and effective organizations in Los Angeles County. We also offer Opportunity Grants of up to $25,000 for smaller organizations or larger organizations launching new intergenerational initiatives.

What is The Eisner Foundation’s application process?

The Eisner Foundation follows a two-step application process.

1. The first step is to complete The Eisner Foundation’s online Letter of Inquiry (LOI) which includes a brief history of the organization, the population it serves, the programs it provides, and an explanation of why the organization believes it would be a good partner for The Eisner Foundation. After the LOI is sent into the Foundation offices and reviewed by the staff, either an invitation to submit a full grant application is extended or a decline is sent to the applicant.

2. The second stage is the full grant application, which is sent to the applicant if the LOI is a good fit with the Foundation’s philosophy, funding priorities and expectations. The applicant will be notified of the Foundation’s timetable and review process at that time.

What is the difference between general operating support, project support, capacity building support and capital support?

  • General Operating Support: Unrestricted funds that support the general operations of an organization.
  • Project Support: Funds that are designated to a specific project carried out by the organization.
  • Capacity Building Support: Funds that are for board and staff development, technological assistance and upgrades, and strategic planning.
  • Capital Support: Funds specifically for the purpose of purchasing, renovating, or construction of facilities.

What criteria does The Eisner Foundation use to evaluate the LOIs and grant applications?

The Eisner Foundation is mainly interested in five main criteria when evaluating organizations for their worthiness as potential philanthropic partners. This criteria help to inform our work as we evaluate proposals and grant applications.

What is the deadline for applying for a grant to The Eisner Foundation?

The Eisner Foundation accepts Letters of Inquiry (LOI) on a rolling, year-round basis. There is no deadline for the LOI. If your LOI is a good fit with the Foundation’s mission and funding priorities, then you will be sent a full grant application. At that time, you will be notified of the Foundation’s timetable and review process.

Do you fund any organizations outside of Los Angeles County?

Not really. The exception being those that we have had a longtime relationship with, and those applying for The Eisner Prize. All new competitive grantees should do their work in Los Angeles County.

My organization does not have tax-exempt status. May I still apply for a grant?

The Foundation only considers LOIs and grant applications from tax-exempt organizations.

I sent in a Letter of Inquiry to the Foundation and have not heard back. How can I check the status of my request?

Keep in mind that due to the high volume of LOIs that the Foundation receives, it may take a few weeks to get back to each applicant with its acknowledgement and decision.

My LOI was declined. Can I apply again for funding?

Yes, you may apply again for funding but you must wait one full year from the date of your decline letter before reapplying.

My organization has received a past grant from The Eisner Foundation. Are we still eligible to apply for a grant?

Yes. You must wait until the period for which you received funding has passed.

My organization was declined at the proposal stage. How long do I have to wait before reapplying?

Again, you must wait one full year from the date of your declination letter before reapplying to the Foundation.

The Eisner Prize

What is The Eisner Prize?

The Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence is a cash award designed to recognize excellence by an individual or a nonprofit organization in uniting multiple generations, especially seniors and youth, to bring about positive and lasting changes in their community.

When and why did the Foundation establish The Eisner Prize?

We created The Eisner Prize in 2011 because we believe that society’s most daunting challenges require complex solutions involving the participation of all of our society’s citizens, and not just singular groups working singularly. We need to begin to unite, not divide, our communities and see vulnerable populations as pathways to success, not impediments. The Eisner Prize is our attempt to identify and reward those individuals and organizations in this nation that have utilized children and seniors as assets, side-by-side, in an effort to generate positive results in the communities in which they reside.

Who is considered for The Eisner Prize?

The Eisner Prize is a national award, open to anyone or any group working in the United States. The cash award comes with no strings attached. It is our attempt to spur innovation in this field and to reward those who have committed already to excellence in uniting multiple generations for the enrichment of our country.

How often is The Eisner Prize awarded?

The Eisner Prize is awarded annually. You can learn more about each year’s Prize here.

About Us

When and why was The Eisner Foundation established?

The Eisner Foundation was started in 1996 by Michael D. Eisner, then-Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and his wife Jane in order to focus their family’s philanthropic activities. The Eisner Foundation continues a long tradition of family philanthropy that dates back to Sigmund Eisner, Michael’s great-grandfather, and Milton Dammann, his maternal grandfather. The Sigmund Eisner Company in Red Bank, New Jersey, — at the time, the largest uniform manufacturer in the United States — provided all of the official uniforms for the Boy Scouts of America for decades. It was this line of work that helped inform and solidify Sigmund’s interests in the needs of children. Milton Dammann was the president of American Safety Razor and founded the Dammann Foundation. Almost a century later, Michael has continued to utilize his professional success to fulfill his family’s desire to help those in society who are at-risk.

Who makes up The Eisner Foundation Board and staff?

The Eisner Foundation is professionally staffed by experienced practitioners with extensive experience in the nonprofit world and an exhaustive knowledge of Los Angeles and its challenges. The Foundation is led by our CEO, Trent Stamp.

How many board meetings does The Eisner Foundation have?

The Eisner Foundation Board meets four times a year–March, June, September, and December.

How do I contact The Eisner Foundation?

Mailing address:
The Eisner Foundation
9401 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 735
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Telephone: (310) 228-6808

Email: info@eisnerfoundation.org