Liberty Hill Foundation.

History

The Liberty Hill Foundation was established in 1976 to to further the goals of economic justice, democratic participation, and social equality through grants to grassroots groups in Los Angeles. It was founded by Sarah Pillsbury, who has remained on its board of trustees throughout its existence. Born into the Pillsbury family (Pillsbury Baking Co.), she and her brother George are among the children from wealthy American families who in the 1970s set up community foundations in several U.S.cities to fund grassroots organizing for social change. They are part of a network of community foundations known as the Funding Exchange.

Conceived of as alternative funding source to mainstream foundations, Liberty Hill has provided support to almost 1,000 groups, to meet critical needs not addressed by government or traditional charities. Emerging organizations representing women, people of color, gays and lesbians, immigrants, the poor, and the disabled have often been able to get off the ground because of Liberty Hill's support. Rather than fund organizations who provide direct social services, Liberty Hill has traditionally funded groups who organize their constituencies to confront existing inequalities and create strategies for self-empowerment.

Liberty Hill has provided funding primarily to organizations in the greater Los Angeles area, but it also developed a program to support grassroots groups in San Diego. Its Board of Trustees has over-all policy and fundraising responsibility. A Community Funding Board composed of local activists with a wide range of organizing experience interviews all grant applicants and recommends which organizations should be funded. Mary Jo Von Mach was the executive director of Liberty Hill from its inception until the late 1980s. Since then, Michele Prichard has been executive director.