About The Award

OUR MISSION

The Anne & Kirk Douglas Playground Award supports and encourages Los Angeles public school communities in creating playgrounds that will be the keystones of campus revitalization and give the city's children the fulfilling experiences and opportunities they deserve.

HISTORY

In 1997, learning of the deplorable condition of Los Angeles' public school playgrounds, Anne Douglas saw an opportunity. She discussed her desire to fix the problem with her husband, legendary actor Kirk Douglas.  The Douglases soon enlisted the help of Anita May Rosenstein, a fellow philanthropist and lifelong friend, then-Mayor Richard Riordan, and their foundations.  Together, they established the Anne & Kirk Douglas Playground Award to provide assistance to the Los Angeles Unified School District to enhance their schools' outdoor and recreational spaces.

SUCCESSES TO DATE

Over 390 grants have been awarded to Los Angeles Unified School District schools since the inception of the Anne & Kirk Douglas Playground Award.  The Award has provided over $8 million in funds to participating schools and created safe and inspiring playground environments for more than half a million children throughout the region.

LOOKING AHEAD

The goal of the Anne & Kirk Douglas Playground Award is to fund a total of 400 projects by the end of 2007. The program will close once 400 awards have been made.

WHO CAN APPLY

All Los Angeles Unified School District schools—elementary, junior high, senior high, special education, charter schools, magnet schools, early education and infant care centers—are eligible to apply for a matching grant of up to $25,000 to be used for projects to enhance outdoor recreational space including playground or greening projects. Schools are invited to apply for up to the entire amount, and must demonstrate that at least half the project's total budget has been secured in matching funds.  These matching funds may include:  school budget funds; school district funds (including LAUSD Maintenance & Operations or bond measure funds); in-kind donations of materials, professional labor and expertise; and/or funds contributed by individuals, businesses, government organizations, or foundations. 

GRANTMAKING PROCESS

Grant proposals undergo preliminary review by The Douglas Foundation Staff. Once a grant has been awarded the funds are disbursed in two payments: the first at the verified commencement of work and the second after the project is at least 50% complete.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Community Partners serves as the managing organization of the Anne & Kirk Douglas Playground Award to successfully achieve the goals established by the Douglas family and their supporters. Community Partners is a 501(c)(3) organization that assists individuals, organizations and institutions in effectively addressing complex neighborhood, social, economic and policy issues in the Southern California region.