SAM Stories
Grant update from Harmony Project
When the Eaton Fire displaced families and disrupted schools in Pasadena, students faced uncertainty, loss, and upheaval. In 2025, SAM’s $40,000 grant to Harmony Project ensured that 227 K–12 students continued to receive tuition-free music education and essential emotional support.
Grant update from Tzedek America
Through a $70,000 grant, SAM helped expand impactful, engaging programming to more than 17,000 students—and counting. Major milestones include the hiring of a Director of In-School Programs and becoming an official vendor with the Los Angeles Unified School District, dramatically increasing access to public schools.
Grant update from Lost Angels
SAM’s $80,000 grant enabled Lost Angels to enroll and support at least 19 students from the waiting list, providing these students with wages and essential services from day one.
Grant update from Partners for Children South LA
With SAM's $60,000 grant in 2025, Partners for Children South LA provided critical emergency assistance and wraparound services to 78 families—exceeding their original goal and stabilizing households during a year of heightened economic uncertainty.
Grant update from Tzedek America
Tzedek America sessions’ guide participating teens from diverse communities toward understanding that anti-semetism, bigotry, and hate harm everyone.
Grant update from Partners for Children South L.A.
Partners for Children South L.A. puts its SAM grant to work as it successfully continues its journey to improve access to high-quality healthcare, early education and family support for the youngest and most vulnerable children in South Los Angeles.
Grant update from Harmony Project
The Harmony Project, L.A.’s largest music education nonprofit serving youth from under-resourced communities, demonstrated remarkable resilience after the Eaton fire in January. Despite major disruptions, they quickly adapted—revamping programs, conducting wellness checks, and continuing critical support for families in need.
Grant update from Lost Angels
SAM granted $80,000 to Lost Angels Career Center this past winter allowing them to enroll additional high-risk, high-barrier, low-income students into their work program. These students are paid from day 1 during Lost Angel’s 12-week innovative vocational training, and graduate from the program with high-income, career jobs already in hand.
Grant update from LA Food Policy
SAM's grant of $80,000 allowed LA Food Policy Council to hire a Development and Grants Manager. This new role has been instrumental in managing grants and spearheading fundraising efforts to continue their commitment to addressing food insecurity in LA County.
Grant update from Alzheimer’s LA
SAM’s funding enabled Alzheimer's Los Angeles to recruit and hire a highly skilled Care Navigator who has a Masters in Gerontology and has a background in geriatric case management. This new staff member developed a welcome packet for program participants which provides tools, templates, and materials that are integral to ensuring not only the program's success but will continue to further provide free dementia care and support to patients and their families.