Michelson Philanthropies

02/12/2026

Michelson Philanthropies is proud to announce the appointment of Phillip J. Kim as Executive Director.

A leader within the Michelson ecosystem since 2009, Phillip brings deep institutional knowledge and a track record of turning bold ideas into measurable impact. Alongside an executive team with more than 50 years of combined service, he will guide our work across education, public policy, medical research, and animal welfare.

We look forward to this next chapter grounded in experience, driven by mission, and focused on lasting systemic change.

Pictured left to right: Phillip J. Kim (Executive Director); Miguel León (Managing Director, Michelson 20MM Foundation); Mayra Lombera (Chief Policy Officer); Jennifer Naitaki (Managing Director, Michelson Found Animals Foundation); Darice Bailey (Chief Financial & Operations Officer).

Read more: https://www.michelsonphilanthropies.org/michelson-philanthropies/executive-director-announcement/

09/23/2025

Featuring Nia Bratton, Policy Manager at Michelson Philanthropies, Ross Barker, Program Director, Pet-Inclusive Housing at Michelson Found Animals, and Jen Naitaki, Managing Director, also with Michelson Found Animals, this session will share their work to increase the availability of pet-inclusive....

09/12/2025

Please join us next Thursday, September 18th at 2pm ET for a conversation with Michelson Found Animals Foundation about how we can ensure inclusive housing for people and pets living together.

Featuring Nia Bratton, Policy Manager at Michelson Philanthropies, Ross Barker, Program Director, Pet-Inclusive Housing at Michelson Found Animals, and Jen Naitaki, Managing Director, also with Michelson Found Animals, this session will share their work to increase the availability of pet-inclusive housing.

Nia, Ross and Jen will discuss the research, resources, data and advocacy efforts that aim to keep people and pets together in rental housing across the country.

You can RSVP for Pet Week on Facebook and watch sessions as they stream on FB Live at https://www.facebook.com/events/1508988523426694

Sessions will also stream live on the Pet Night website. Visit www.petnight.com to learn more about Pet Week and its sponsors, and add sessions to your calendar.

08/27/2025

Big news for innovation and creativity in California!

We’re thrilled to announce that the California State Assembly has officially passed a resolution declaring October 2025 as IP Awareness Month.

This milestone was made possible through the collaboration of the Michelson Intellectual Property Institute, Michelson Center for Public Policy, California IP Alliance, US IP Alliance, and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan.

Together, we’re raising awareness about the power of intellectual property to drive progress, protect creators, and fuel our economy. Here’s to celebrating innovation all October long!

08/07/2025

Now open for applications! 🥳

The most effective programs don’t just focus on the parent, they support the whole family. The California Pooled Fund centers a multi-generational approach by investing in programs that create long-term opportunity for both parents and children.

We’re awarding grants of up to $50,000 to CA orgs! Apply by August 24: https://20mm.org/focus-areas/student-basic-needs/student-parent-pooled-fund/

Thank you to generous partners: Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, ECMC Foundation, R&S Kayne Foundation, Stupski Foundation, and The Ichigo Foundation.

08/07/2025

City Council’s silent vote strips funding from key spay and neuter providers—putting overcrowded shelters and at-risk animals in deeper crisis.

06/16/2025

Applications close for the 2025 Next Generation Grants on June 22.

If you're an early-career scientist working at the intersection of human immunology, vaccine development, and AI, apply now via Michelson Medical Research Foundation:

The Michelson Prizes: Next Gen grants reward early-career investigators using disruptive concepts and inventive processes for human immunology research.

06/11/2025

If your pet hasn't been microchipped yet, LA Animal Services will be offering free microchips starting tomorrow, June 10, at all six LA Animal Services Centers, courtesy of Michelson Found Animals Foundation If your pets already have a microchip, it's a great time to make sure the information on file is up to date.

05/28/2025

Zero-Textbook Cost or “ZTC Degrees” are degree programs that only use high-quality, no-cost content and other open educational resources ( ). California is leading efforts to eliminate textbook costs and implement Degrees.

Earlier this month, the Michelson 20MM Foundation joined 100+ leaders at the ZTC Degree summit to share tools, strategies, and success stories to increase across California Community Colleges.

Learn more:

California leaders gathered to advance Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Degrees, boosting affordability and equity across community colleges.

05/22/2025

If you're hungry, you can't study effectively.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month and CalFresh Awareness Month, Michelson 20MM Foundation wants to remind students who may be struggling that there is no shame in seeking out support.

Learn more about the resources that are helping students fight food insecurity.

Food insecurity and mental health are deeply connected. This Mental Health and CalFresh Awareness Month, learn how hunger harms college student well-being.

05/16/2025

The Leap Venture Studio & Academy is the first startup-centric program built to springboard innovation in the growing pet ecosystem. In addition to the six c...

05/16/2025

Michelson 20MM Foundation's Open Educational Resources Spark Grant will help California State University, Dominguez Hills fellows promote and Zero-Cost Course Materials through events, peer engagement, and collaboration with faculty and staff.

Learn more about the project, which aims to become a model for student-driven OER advocacy throughout California and nationwide:

CSU Dominguez Hills leads a student OER fellowship across 5 CSU campuses to cut textbook costs and promote affordable learning.