Our Current Programmatic Priorities

The Crail-Johnson Foundation’s (the Foundation) funding supports organizations providing services and programs primarily in Los Angeles and gives priority to the following target communities: San Pedro, Carson, Harbor City, Wilmington, Long Beach, Compton, Watts, and South Los Angeles. (There are some exceptions made, primarily based on program area; for example, the Foundation will consider other communities in Los Angeles for programs and services provided to homeless youth.)The Foundation supports programs as a means to address the long-term well-being of children, youth and community. It is through the support of Education, Human Services and Health that the Foundation hopes to assist in providing children, youth and their families with the tools necessary to build a life of quality. Support is exclusively focused on programs that address the needs of economically, socially and physically disadvantaged children. The Foundation supports both proven approaches and innovative programs aimed at systemic change and provides support for new, continuing, or expanding programs. Programs and services may be school-based, school-linked, or other community-based places. Funding priority is currently given to initiating, continuing or expanding programs in the following areas:

Early Care & Education (Early Childhood): Programs that address the health, academic and social/emotional needs of children preparing to enter kindergarten.

Literacy Programs: Programs that focus on bringing children to grade level in reading and literature.

Arts Education: Programs that provide high quality arts education that engage children and youth in a variety of art forms that may include, but are not limited to, music, theater, dance, and film.

Parent Engagement/Education: Programs that provide education to parents on how to create a positive environment for their children both at home and at school, increase participation, communication, and collaboration between parents, schools, and communities with the goal of educating the whole child to ensure student achievement and success.

STEM Curriculum: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math programs which serve to build skills in math and science at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in addition to programs which increase awareness of science concepts and applications.

Youth Development Programs: Tutoring, mentoring, computer and other educational enrichment programs, which enhance self-esteem, promote the value of education and improve educational outcomes. The Foundation also supports collaborative community efforts to improve the quality of life for children, youth and families in inner-city neighborhoods. Programs most likely to be funded are parent empowerment and involvement programs: Integrative programs which focus on parent education, community involvement and leadership training.

Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment: Comprehensive efforts directed toward the prevention and treatment of family violence including community and educational outreach, counseling and shelter services.

Food Banks, Food Pantries and Food Distribution: Efforts directed toward the collection and distribution of food to relieve hunger in our communities.

Homeless Services: Organizations providing assistance to homeless children, youth and/or their families which may include temporary, short-term and/or long-term housing, and may include programs to assist families with job skills, nutritional education, housing security, parenting skills, among others.

Youth Development/Enrichment: Programs which serve to continue and improve foster care services, juvenile crime prevention and diversion, mentoring, and specific populations, in particular children and youth with special needs.

Community Health: With a focus on whole person/whole family health, and overall goals to improve access to care, provide education, screening, and treatment, and improve health outcomes, the Foundation funds programs and services focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing, especially for students, the homeless and unhoused, and special needs individuals and their caregivers/families; Direct Medical Services (especially Pediatric Care) provided at Community Clinics/Federally Qualified Health Centers) and School-Based Health Centers; and Dental Care.