The Michael and Lori Milken Family
The Michael and Lori Milken Family is a private foundation based in Santa Monica, California. Its 2024 filing reports grants to organizations in areas including education, health care, research, and cultural programs.
The Michael and Lori Milken Family at a glance
In short: The Michael and Lori Milken Family gave $26.1M across 86 grants in 2024 (avg $303K), mostly in California. 30% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $26,074,166
- +14.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 86
- -2.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $303,188
- +16.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $401,741,080
- +8.9% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 30% first-time grantees (26 of 86, 2024)
- Primary geography
- California (93% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Michael and Lori Milken Family
- How to Apply
-
The foundation’s filing says giving is not restricted to preselected organizations. It requests a brief written statement, no longer than three pages, describing project goals, procedures and personnel; the applicant’s qualifications and organizational background, including years in operation, other activities, and previous and current funding sources; the request amount, total project cost, budget details, and plans to obtain full funding; and an IRS exemption letter. Applicants may include supporting printed materials. The filing lists no restrictions on awards.
- Contact
Application contact: Richard Sandler
Mailing address: 1250 Fourth St Suite 520, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 570-4800
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Michael and Lori Milken Family funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Jewish Community Foundation Charitable Fund ($20.0M). Together the top 10 received $24.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
486 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 393 grants of 486 (81%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 93% of grant dollars went to recipients in California. Other recipient-state shares were New York, 2%; Washington, DC, 2%; Massachusetts, 1%; and Virginia, 1%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 86 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Michael and Lori Milken Family open to new grantees?
30%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 26 of 86 grantees (30%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $837K; repeat grants $72K. How we count
Medians: $6K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 59% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+15%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 102% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $15.7M (2020) to $26.1M (2024). In 2024 it made 86 grants totaling $26.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Community Foundation Charitable Fund Los Angeles, CA | Community Centers & Programs | $20,000,000 |
| Milken Institute Santa Monica, CA | Milken Scholars Program | $1,289,016 |
| Milken Community School Los Angeles, CA | Preschool - 12TH Grade Programs | $925,000 |
| Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA Los Angeles, CA | Health Care | $617,000 |
| George Washington University Washington, DC | Higher Ed & Research Inst. & Progs | $400,000 |
| Prostate Cancer Foundation Santa Monica, CA | Prostate Cancer Research | $302,000 |
| American Exchange Project Sudbury, MA | Preschool - 12TH Grade Programs | $250,000 |
| Ownership Works New York, NY | Community Centers & Programs | $250,000 |
| Los Angeles Ballet Los Angeles, CA | Cultural, Libraries & Museums | $235,000 |
| Ellis Island Honors Society Floral Park, NY | Cultural, Libraries & Museums | $225,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Michael and Lori Milken Family?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $401,741,080 | $60,504,306 | $27,830,407 | $26,074,166 | 86 | $26,598,909 | $31,481,382 | $25,952,099 |
| 2023 | $369,013,261 | $27,471,325 | $24,477,826 | $22,836,303 | 88 | $23,399,474 | $11,256,938 | $23,422,340 |
| 2022 | $368,665,367 | $94,177,090 | $20,514,438 | $18,226,054 | 85 | $18,497,966 | $76,124,253 | $20,164,069 |
| 2021 | $309,010,426 | $49,138,598 | $24,613,757 | $22,664,800 | 97 | — | $47,972,649 | $22,069,537 |
| 2020 | $284,509,813 | $13,285,801 | $17,033,700 | $15,713,500 | 130 | — | $13,141,090 | $17,228,986 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Michael and Lori Milken Family reported a distributable amount of $26.0M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants include support for schools and educational programs, health care and prostate cancer research, higher education and research, and cultural organizations.
Grantees describe their own work in varied terms. Milken Community School says it operates a school teaching Jewish religious courses and standard subjects. The Prostate Cancer Foundation says it funds research on prostate cancer biology and treatment, with the aim of improving patients’ quality of life and survival. Los Angeles Ballet says it presents classical and modern ballet and provides dance education. Windward School describes itself as a college-preparatory school, while the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association describes offerings that include performances, media initiatives, and learning programs.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 86 grants totaling $26,074,166. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $20,000,000, with a median of $5,000.
The largest reported award was $20,000,000 to Jewish Community Foundation Charitable Fund for “community centers & programs.” Other notable grants included $1,289,016 to the Milken Institute for the Milken Scholars Program; $925,000 to Milken Community School for preschool–12th-grade programs; $617,000 to Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA for health care; and $400,000 to George Washington University for higher education and research. The foundation also reported grants of $302,000 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation for prostate cancer research and $235,000 to Los Angeles Ballet for cultural programs.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Michael Milken and Lori Milken as trustees, and Richard Sandler, Gregory Milken, Lance Milken, and Bari Milken as co-trustees.
The Michael and Lori Milken Family's 2024 filing lists 6 officers; 1 of 6 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Richard Sandler
Co-Trustee
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$288K (2021) → $150K (2024)
Bari Milken
Co-Trustee
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gregory Milken
Co-Trustee
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lance Milken
Co-Trustee
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lori Milken
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Milken
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $150K, to Richard Sandler (Co-Trustee).
Frequently asked questions about The Michael and Lori Milken Family
How much does The Michael and Lori Milken Family give each year?
The Michael and Lori Milken Family gave $26.1M across 86 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $22.8M across 88 grants.
What is The Michael and Lori Milken Family's typical grant size?
The Michael and Lori Milken Family's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $303,188, across 86 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Michael and Lori Milken Family that year got $837K on average.
Where does The Michael and Lori Milken Family give grants?
The Michael and Lori Milken Family gives mostly in California: 93% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Los Angeles, CA (42 grants), Washington, DC (6 grants), New York, NY (5 grants) and Santa Monica, CA (4 grants).
Does The Michael and Lori Milken Family give general operating support?
Yes: 12% of The Michael and Lori Milken Family's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (10 of 86) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Community Centers & Programs" (24 grants), "Cultural, Libraries & Museums" (12 grants) and "Human Service Programs" (11 grants).
Who are The Michael and Lori Milken Family's largest grantees?
The Michael and Lori Milken Family's largest 2024 grantees include Jewish Community Foundation Charitable Fund ($20,000,000), Milken Institute ($1,289,016) and Milken Community School ($925,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 85% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Michael and Lori Milken Family?
The Michael and Lori Milken Family reported $401.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $26.6M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $26.0M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Michael and Lori Milken Family fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants include support for schools and educational programs, health care and prostate cancer research, higher education and research, and cultural organizations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Michael and Lori Milken Family?
The foundation’s filing says giving is not restricted to preselected organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Michael and Lori Milken Family's EIN?
The Michael and Lori Milken Family's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 82-1927087. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work The Michael and Lori Milken Family funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Michael and Lori Milken Family's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in California
California Community Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
The California Community Foundation supports nonprofits through discretionary and donor-directed grants, with discretionary priorities including education, health, housing and immigration, alongside other areas such as arts, civic engagement and economic opportunity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, and its work is focused on Los Angeles County; prospective discretionary applicants are asked to contact the relevant program officer before submitting a letter of intent.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
2,174
Total Given
$326.6M
Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles supports human services, health, education, Jewish life, arts and culture, Israel-related work, and nonprofit capacity and capital projects, with a focus on Los Angeles and also giving in Israel and beyond. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. General Community grants are by invitation only and do not accept unsolicited applications; current procedures should be verified.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,063
Total Given
$142.2M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, democracy, gender equity, racial justice, and efforts to strengthen nonprofits and philanthropy, with work spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, and locations including East and West Africa and Mexico. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $150,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but sometimes invites proposals through open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds work in affordable housing and homelessness, community resilience and power, as well as social services, education, arts and conservation, with a focus on marginalized Marin County residents and some broader U.S. and international grantmaking. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
Direct Relief
Santa Barbara, CA
Direct Relief supports healthcare providers serving people affected by poverty or emergencies, including community health centers, clinics, and grassroots organizations, with medicines, supplies, and funding for health access and equity. In 2025, its grants had a median award of about $65,000, and its work spans all 50 U.S. states and countries around the world; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,367
Total Given
$337.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Michael and Lori Milken Family funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-michael-and-lori-milken-family-morg_636cbd2f4a0b479989592393ee11f205
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_821927087_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Michael and Lori Milken Family funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-michael-and-lori-milken-family-morg_636cbd2f4a0b479989592393ee11f205},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-23. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Michael and Lori Milken Family's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Michael and Lori Milken Family down — hundreds of funders to go?