The David Bohnett Foundation has a few very specific focus areas. The overarching purpose of the foundation is to support causes that benefit society through social activism. The foundation provides grants and donations to projects and organizations that work in the following areas:
While one of the foundation’s focus areas is specific to Los Angeles and to providing grants to non-profit organizations that work in the city and for the benefit of the citizens of Los Angeles, the foundation also provides grants within the key focus areas to non-profits across the United States.
One of the key causes for the David Bohnett Foundation was the establishment of CyberCenters across the United States. These Internet cafes provide education, research and recreational opportunities for local LGBTQ communities using the Internet. The first CyberCenter was established at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, and there are currently 60 CyberCenters across the United States.
The main criteria for funding from the David Bohnett Foundation is that a non-profit provide substantial evidence-based data to show success and be in one of five main funding areas supported by the foundation. Unsolicited project requests are not accepted for the Fund for Los Angeles. LGBT organizations and other socially active organizations may apply using the stated grant guidelines available on the David Bohnett Foundation website.
Foundation provides funding in the following areas:
Grants have been awarded to the following non-profit organizations in the following areas. Current and past grantees include:
The David Bohnett Foundation was established by David Bohnett in 2000. The initial endowment to establish the foundation was $32 million. In its first year, the foundation donated $2 million to LGBTQ organizations, gun control programs, voter registration initiatives and AIDS services.