Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles Announces Distribution of Capital Grants; $250,000 Awarded to 10 Organizations.

LOS ANGELES -- The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles (The Foundation) today announced it has awarded 10 new Capital Grants, totaling $250,000, to local Jewish organizations to support a wide range of construction and renovation projects.

"Distributed in even-numbered years, Capital Grants are designed to strengthen and expand key institutions that predominately serve members of the Los Angeles Jewish community, from youth through their senior years," said Marvin I. Schotland, president and CEO of The Foundation.

As one of the recipients, the Shalom Institute will apply its $35,000 grant to renovating its dining hall and constructing a new outdoor patio for the building, in memory of Jerry Ringerman, a former member of the Institute's Board of Directors and director of Camp JCA. Located in the Malibu Mountains, the Institute aims to provide positive Jewish living experiences for individuals of all ages.

"The grant from The Foundation is a tremendous boost for the Shalom Institute and comes at a critical time for us as a new nonprofit," said Bill Kaplan, executive director. "As we build for the future and create a center for camp life, it is very encouraging to know that we have the support of The Foundation and the support of the Jewish community."

The Menorah Housing Foundation (MHF) received a grant of $25,000, which will aid in construction of a 77-unit apartment building for approximately 100 low-income seniors ages 62 years and above. MHF currently manages more than 950 apartments in 14 buildings throughout Los Angeles County, housing over 1,500 seniors.

"We are grateful that the Jewish Community Foundation recognizes the tremendous need for low-income senior housing," said Anne Friedrich, executive director of Menorah Housing Foundation. "This grant helps us further our mission to provide affordable housing for a growing segment of the population."

Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center also received a grant of $25,000 to convert two existing offices into an Early Childhood Learning Center. The Learning Center will provide infant and parent education programs, including "Mommy and Me" classes and a Jewish family literacy and parenting library.

"We appreciate The Foundation's assistance with the renovation as it will allow us to expand the Center's programs and help us to better serve the community," said Ruth Shavits, executive director.

The Foundation has awarded Capital Grants for nearly 40 years to strengthen Jewish institutions throughout Greater Los Angeles. Proposals are evaluated on their ability to demonstrate community need, meet a two-year completion schedule and cover the associated operational and program costs. The Capital Grants program is part of The Foundation's Legacy Grants which provides funding to both the Jewish community and the community at large.

Additional 2006 Capital Grants Awards

--The Brandeis-Bardin Institute, $35,000 - To upgrade Camp Alonin, including construction of a dining hall, dance pavilion and central plaza.

--J.E.T.S. Synagogue, $25,000 - For renovation to create a trade school and the first Kosher culinary school in the United States.

--Kadima Hebrew Academy, $30,000 - For renovation of two floors of a three-story building to accommodate science and computer laboratories, classrooms, offices, a Beit Knesset (worship area) and physical fitness area.

--Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging, $15,000 - To convert and upgrade 60 residential units from double to single occupancy as part of a project to determine the cost effectiveness of Medi-Cal provided assisted living services.

--Mesivta of Greater Los Angeles, $20,000 - To upgrade the school's campus, including construction of a dining hall, multi-purpose study hall and outside recreational area.

--The Rabbi Jacob Pressman Academy of Temple Beth Am, $20,000 - For renovation of a single family home for use as a preschool, reconfiguration of a section of the main building to enlarge a classroom and installation of a connecting ramp.

--Yeshiva Gedolah of Los Angeles, $20,000 - Construction of a school building to include classrooms, a computer laboratory, kitchen, dining room and parking structure.

About The Foundation

Established in 1954, the Jewish Community Foundation is the largest manager of charitable assets and the leader in planned giving solutions for Jewish philanthropists in Greater Los Angeles. The Foundation currently manages assets of more than $600 million and, according to the National Foundation Center, ranks among the ten largest Los Angeles foundations (based on assets). In 2005, The Foundation and its 1,000-plus donors distributed $57 million in grants to more than 1,300 organizations with programs that span the range of philanthropic giving.