Liberty Hill Grant Program is Biggest Ever

By Lookout Staff

August 10 -- The local group behind a pioneering living wage law defeated at the polls two years ago received a grant from the Liberty Hill Foundation’s Fund for a New Los Angeles, the philanthropic group announced last week.

Santa Monicans Allied for Responsible Tourism (SMART), a pro-union community group that has lobbied for a living wage for employees in the tourism industry, was given $30,000 for the second year.

The group was one of 23 organizations that address social issues to receive a total of $650,000 -- the largest amount in the organization’s 28-year history.

“That we were able to give away more money than ever to vital local organizations when budget cuts and money shortfalls are hurting so many groups speaks volumes about community support for Liberty Hill and the importance of the grassroots community groups we fund,” said Torie Osborn, Liberty Hill’s executive director.

“Liberty Hill is in partnership with our grant recipients to combat poverty and injustice and build a future for Los Angeles that promises safety, equality and opportunity for everyone who lives here,” Osborn said.

This year’s grant recipients include organizations addressing criminal justice reform, poverty wages, unsafe and sweatshop working conditions and lack of affordable housing.

Among the groups receiving grants was Parents Organized for Westside Renewal (POWER) serveing local needy families, which received $20,000.