How TV Writer and Producer Chuck Lorre Pursues Philanthropy in Los Angeles

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Best known for television sitcoms including “The Big Bang Theory,” “The Kominsky Method” and “Mike & Molly,” Chuck Lorre has been emerging as a significant Los Angeles philanthropist lately. The screenwriter and producer started getting involved with philanthropy in the 1990s when he created the Dharma Grace Foundation. Then he established the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation in 2013 to support programs and organizations primarily in the Los Angeles area.

Here’s a look at how he gives through his family foundation and what local groups should know about seeking funding.

A big commitment to STEM

STEM education is a major interest for Lorre, and a theme that relates to his work on “The Big Bang Theory.” He created the Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment at UCLA in 2015, which supports undergraduate students who need financial aid to pursue STEM fields. The scholarship supports 10 students per year. Additionally, Lorre created a graduate fellowship in 2019 to support continuing STEM education for recipients pursuing graduate studies.

Another STEM-related program is the Young Sheldon STEM Initiative, which Lorre established in 2018. This program provides two-year grants to elementary, middle and high schools in Southern California as well as in east Texas. The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation also backs the Latino & African American High School Internship Program, which features a seven-week, hands-on paid research program and research projects at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Children’s health

With that particular hospital in mind, another priority for the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation is children’s health. For instance, the foundation’s a long-time supporter of the Venice Family Clinic. The Robert Levine Family Health Center, where the clinic is located, is named after Chuck Lorre’s late father. Major contributions from the foundation have funded building renovations and health education activities there.

Music in public high schools

Given Chuck Lorre’s involvement in the entertainment industry, some grantmaking for arts and culture makes sense. Grammy Signature Schools is the foundation’s main arts and culture program, which awards grants to public high school music departments in Los Angeles. The program offers grants to 10 schools, based on teacher submissions presenting plans to advance arts and music education.

Getting connected

Los Angeles grantseekers should know that the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals, so this can be a challenging funder to seek funding from. It typically partners with organizations it already knows or offers new funding opportunities within very specific interest areas.

General inquiries to the foundation should be sent to Mann Gelon Glodney Gumerove Yee LLP (on behalf of the foundation) by mail or to the foundation’s president or program/operations manager by email. Learn more about Chuck Lorre in IP’s Glitzy Giving Donors Guide.