The Sam Simon Charitable Giving Foundation is in its initial development phase. The focus areas below will continue to evolve as the Foundation completes its planning process. However, the Foundation will always prioritize the protection of animals and address issues associated with poverty.
The Foundation will prioritize support for animals in captivity worldwide who are mistreated and exploited. Support will be provided for wild animal rescue, rehabilitation, and other similar protection efforts.
The Foundation will prioritize programs that increase access to education, housing, health, and/or employment in underserved communities in the Los Angeles region.
I care deeply about animal rights and feel that the mistreatment of animals is an injustice.
— Sam Simon
The Foundation will prioritize support for animals in captivity worldwide who are mistreated and exploited. Support will be provided for wild animal rescue, rehabilitation, and other similar protection efforts. Sam considered himself an animal activist. He has founded and supported organizations that raise awareness of the mistreatment of animals and fight for systemic change that protects animals. He was confident that in the future, people will look back at the way we have treated animals and will be horrified. This giving area will focus on protecting and saving animals that suffer as a result of human neglect, carelessness, and greed. With a focus on animals in captivity, the Foundation will support forward-thinking organizations that can articulate a vision for a better world and are constantly striving to make progress toward that vision.
Alleviating human suffering is urgent, important, and challenging work.
— Sam Simon
The Foundation will prioritize programs that increase access to education, housing, health, and/or employment in underserved communities in the Los Angeles region. Sam considered the eradication of poverty, poor health, and malnutrition to be noble causes. He acknowledged that this work will be long-term and that needs will always exist. During his lifetime, Sam supported organizations that made a direct impact on people living in poverty. He was inspired by courageous leaders who were driven by a deep conviction for improving lives. This giving area will focus on providing the resources and opportunities that people need to begin or continue on a pathway out of poverty. The Foundation will support organizations that provide quality services and programs, and which make significant impact on the populations they serve.
Grants will support organizations that
Demonstrate a track record
of measurable impact
Have strong leadership and
management, and well-trained staff
Have a targeted approach and are
responsive to community needs
Maintain a funding model that can
support core programs and services
Grants will be awarded to 501(c)(3) public charities or international nonprofits in good standing. No unsolicited grant proposals are accepted.
Grants may be for general operating or program support. The Foundation will not support public awareness, policy advocacy, or organizational capacity building.
Grants may be one year or multiple years depending on programs supported.