Fact check: Which progressive causes receive the most funding from LA-based donors?

1. Summary of the results

In Los Angeles, several major foundations and donors contribute significantly to progressive causes. The Disney Family Foundation focuses on criminal justice reform, environmental justice, and affordable housing, while Liberty Hill Foundation supports a broader range of causes including racial equity, immigrants' rights, and LGBTQ rights ^[1]. Notable progressive media investments include George Soros's $60 million acquisition of 17 Hispanic radio stations across multiple cities, including Los Angeles, in 2022 ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

• The landscape of progressive philanthropy is more complex than it appears. While many foundations use progressive language, relatively few are truly committed to substantive social justice funding ^[3].
• The Rosenberg Foundation, though not exclusively LA-based, plays a crucial role in California's progressive funding landscape by being an early supporter of emerging organizations and social justice causes ^[4].
• Media funding represents a significant portion of progressive investment, with organizations like Open Society Foundations (OSF) supporting various small publications and diverse media outlets ^[5].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question oversimplifies several important aspects:

• It assumes a clear definition of "progressive causes" when in reality, the funding landscape is nuanced and complex
• It doesn't acknowledge that some donors, like the Rosenberg Foundation, operate across multiple regions rather than being strictly LA-based ^[4]
• The question might lead to overlooking the fact that many self-proclaimed progressive foundations may not be making substantial contributions to social justice causes ^[3]

Who benefits from different narratives:

• Large foundations benefit from being perceived as progressive while potentially maintaining more conservative funding practices ^[3]
• Media organizations benefit from progressive funding, as demonstrated by Soros's significant investment in Hispanic radio stations ^[2]
• Emerging social justice organizations benefit from early-stage funding from foundations like Rosenberg, which helps establish their presence in the progressive landscape ^[4]