The Streisand Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Streisand Foundation supports efforts to preserve and improve democratic institutions in the United States, funding work in campaign finance reform, voting rights, voter registration, and economic opportunity.

IP TAKE: This is a modest, often progressive funder with a high amount of interest from grantseekers, so it may not be easy to catch Streisand’s attention. Due to a high degree of interest from grantseekers and a very modest staff, the Streisand Foundation cannot accept unsolicited requests for funding. Given this limitation, the foundation is neither responsive or approachable. Many grants focus on SoCal, where the founder lives, but are also made nationally. Your best bet is to network at charity galas or events, but note that Streisand is highly private.

PROFILE: The Streisand Foundation, established in 1986, is the personal philanthropic vehicle of Oscar- and Tony-winning singer and actress Barbara “Barbra” Streisand. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Streisand grew up the daughter of a teacher and a secretary. Streisand’s Broadway debut came in 1962, at age 19, when she was cast in the musical comedy “I Can Get it For You Wholesale.” The performer went on to star in uber-popular films including “Hello, Dolly!,” “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever,” “Yentl” and “A Star is Born.” In addition to wealth acquired from show business, Streisand has accumulated funds for philanthropy from real estate. Today the foundation is headquartered in Santa Monica, California. While the foundation does not have a stated mission, Streisand has long been an outspoken advocate of progressive causes. The foundation currently supports organizations that address climate change, democracy, reproductive rights, free speech, and economic opportunity.

Unfortunately, beyond tax filings, little information exists about Streisand’s funding except for a sparse list of grantees on her personal website. Read below for more in-depth insights into giving.

Grants for Civic and Democracy

The Streisand Foundation’s grantmaking for democracy and civic engagement currently includes support for Brennan Center for Justice, whose work includes voting rights, campaign finance reform, racial justice in criminal law, and “Constitutional protection in the fight against terrorism,” and Mother Jones, a news organization specializing in “investigative, political, and social justice reporting.” The foundation exists as a single-page on Streisand’s personal page, which does not state specific grantmaking strategies or details about the application process. Past grantees include Rock the Vote, the Voter Participation Center, Center for Community Change, California Calls, and People for the American Way. In 2022, the Streisand Foundation gave to Cold Case Coalition to assist in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Identification Project.

Grants for Climate Change

The Streisand Foundation’s grantmaking for climate change includes support for the Union of Concerned Scientists, which works by “mobilizing scientists and combining their voices with those of advocates, educators, business people, and other concerned citizens.” Other grantees include Alliance for Climate Protection, Friends of the Earth, 350.org, and Weizmann Institute of Science.

Grants for Women and Girls

The Streisand Foundation’s grantmaking for women and girls primarily supports efforts in the field of reproductive health and rights. It is a major supporter of Planned Parenthood, which promotes “a commonsense approach to women’s health and well-being, based on respect for each individual’s right to make informed, independent decisions about health, sex, and family planning.” Other grantees include Ultraviolet Education Fund and Women’s Media Center. In 2021, she created the Barbra Streisand Institute at the UCLA Center for the Study of Women (CSW), which aims to fund faculty and students and support research and programming to address critical issues facing people of all genders.

Grants for Veterans

The Streisand Foundation’s broad grantmaking for veterans includes support for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, which “strives to build an empowered generation of veterans who provide sustainable leadership for our country and their local communities.” Other grantees include Disabled American Veterans, Vet Voice Foundation, and Navy Seals Foundation.

Important Grant Details:

The Streisand Foundation’s grants generally range from $5,000 to $25,000, but most grants average around $10,000. Note that the foundation prioritizes organizations operating in California, but not exclusively. It still conducts work nationally, but on a smaller scale. National organizations tend to be large and established.

PEOPLE:

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  • 8952 Ellis Ave
    LA, CA 90034