Social Justice Partners Los Angeles

What Social Justice Partners Los Angeles does

Social Justice Partners Los Angeles (SJPLA) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 51-0563566), headquartered at 360 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, that builds and connects LA's racial and social-justice infrastructure through a portfolio of four interconnected programs: the Systems Change Fellowship (cohort-based capacity building for LA nonprofit leaders), the Racial Equity in Homelessness Initiative (targeting LA's ~8,000-position, 33%-vacant homeless response workforce), Healing Justice (Wellbeing Fund, monthly Wellbeing Series, Community Care workshops), and Liberatory Learning (Liberatory Workplaces, Liberatory Leadership, Charity to Justice, and Anti-Racism cohorts and customized trainings). The organization is supported by an 86-Partner donor community contributing ~$1,800/year each plus 603 pro bono hours in 2024, and operates in close coordination with major LA philanthropic institutions — Cedars-Sinai ($3M two-year commitment), the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation ($2.3M grant), Annenberg, California Community Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Weingart, and Parsons — as well as the LA2050 coalition where SJPLA serves as evaluation partner for the fifth consecutive year.

The business model is multi-stream and nonprofit-native: (i) restricted and unrestricted foundation grants form the primary funding base (FY2024 revenue $1,118,847 against expenses of $3,743,752, implying deliberate reserve draw-down under a 2024 board policy capping reserves at six months of operating expenses); (ii) individual SJPLA Partner contributions (~$85,020 in 2024, averaging ~$1,800 per Partner annually); (iii) fee-for-service customized training and consulting (e.g., $8,000 for 4x90-minute Anti-Racism for the Workplace engagements, $6,000 for white-employee cohorts, $495 for facilitated cohorts, $295 for self-paced courses); and (iv) event-based fundraising via the annual Fast Pitch / Story of Us LA gathering, Healing Justice Summit, and monthly Wellbeing Series.

Technology is a lightweight, non-proprietary stack — Squarespace-hosted website, Neon CRM for donor/partner/event management, Zoom Webinar, Discord for alumni, Ecamm Live/OBS Studio for livestream, Pledgeling for donations, and Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Airtable, and Stripo for internal operations. The 'technology' SJPLA competes on is its integrated operating model: a 75-person evaluator committee reviewing 577 LA2050 proposals, a participatory-grantmaking infrastructure, distinctive workplace practices (32-hour workweek adopted January 2023, eight weeks of quiet time annually), and a lean ~9-person staff that has already redistributed $7M+ to LA changemakers and trained 2,500+ people. The organization shows no proprietary software, no public API, and no AI/ML component in its core stack.

Name

Social Justice Partners Los Angeles

Legal name

Social Justice Partners Los Angeles

Website

https://sjpla.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Social Justice Partners Los Angeles is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs fellowships, direct-stipend wellbeing programs, and customized anti-racism training for LA's racial-justice and homeless-response leaders, supported by an 86-Partner donor network and major foundation funders including Cedars-Sinai and Hilton.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Justice Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Social Justice & Human Rights Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Health Equity, Access & Social Determinants Programs (BPAIAJAO), Reentry & Justice-Involved Support Services (BPAGAEAN)

Keywords

• Racial equity fellowships
• Anti-racism training
• Healing justice programs
• Participatory grantmaking services
• Nonprofit capacity building

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Foundation Grants: Primary revenue source: restricted and unrestricted grants from philanthropic foundations (Angell, Annenberg, California Community Foundation, Hilton, Kaiser Permanente, Parsons, Weingart, First 5 LA, UWGLA, Sheikh Impact, John and Marilyn Wells Family Foundation, Arlene Michael Rosen Foundation, Ocean & Mountain, Encompass, plus Cedars-Sinai $3M multi-year commitment). 2024 revenue: $1,118,847 against expenses of $3,743,752, indicating significant draw-down or prior reserves.
2. Individual Partner Contributions: Recurring donations from 86 SJPLA Partners (average $1,800/year, ~$150/month). Partners pay personally-significant amounts monthly or annually and contribute skilled pro bono time (603 hours in 2024) plus $85,020 in unrestricted funding.
3. Fee-for-Service Training & Consulting: Paid learning offerings and customized consulting. Anti-Racism for the Workplace customized: $8,000 (4x90 min, multiple facilitators); Anti-Racism for White People in the Workplace: $6,000; Anti-Racism for White People Cohort: $495; Self-paced: $295. Philanthropic consulting includes participatory grantmaking design and facilitation for foundations.
4. Event Fundraising & Sponsorships: Ticketed events (Fast Pitch, Story of Us LA, Healing Justice Summit) and event sponsors from foundations (e.g., Annenberg, Hilton, WHH, Leonetti/O'Connell, California Community Foundation, SAM Initiative, Parsons, Cross Campus, Pledgeling, Brightmind for 2020 Virtual Fast Pitch). Donations processed via Pledgeling.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Social Justice Partners Los Angeles (SJPLA) operates four interconnected program areas for the Los Angeles racial-justice ecosystem: (1) the Systems Change Fellowship (formerly Systems Change Accelerator) that develops ~7 LA nonprofit leaders annually through coaching and peer learning; (2) the Racial Equity in Homelessness Initiative that runs cohort fellowships and the Cedars-Sinai-funded Wellbeing Fund distributing direct cash stipends to frontline homeless-response workers; (3) Healing Justice programming including monthly Wellbeing Series sessions and Community Care workshops; and (4) Liberatory Learning cohorts (Liberatory Workplaces, Liberatory Leadership, Charity to Justice, Anti-Racism for White People/Workplace) offered as customized B2B engagements to foundations and nonprofits and as paid self-paced/cohort courses to individuals. SJPLA also serves as the five-year evaluation partner for the LA2050 Grants Challenge, convening a 75-member evaluator committee that directs $3M+ annually to 68 LA nonprofits.

Product overview

Social Justice Partners Los Angeles (SJPLA) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates a portfolio of interconnected programs rather than a unified software product. Its offerings are organized around four core program areas: the Systems Change Fellowship (formerly Systems Change Accelerator), the Racial Equity in Homelessness Initiative, Healing Justice, and Liberatory Learning. The Systems Change Fellowship supports LA's nonprofit leaders through peer learning, coaching, and community engagement. The Racial Equity in Homelessness Initiative shifts culture and workforce in the homeless response sector through fellowship programs. Healing Justice includes the Wellbeing Fund, Community Care and the Workplace workshops, and the monthly Wellbeing Series. Liberatory Learning encompasses educational cohorts like Liberatory Workplaces, Liberatory Leadership, Charity to Justice, and Anti-Racism programs. These programs are connected through signature events such as Fast Pitch (now Story of Us LA) and the SJPLA Partner Program, which channels resources, time, and relationships toward redistributing wealth and power in Los Angeles.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Systems Change Fellowship A cohort-based fellowship (formerly Systems Change Accelerator) supporting ~7 LA nonprofit executive directors and emerging leaders annually through peer learning, coaching, Fast Pitch storytelling training, networking with funders and peer leaders, and connection to grant capital. Includes Systems Change Fellowship presentation coaching that has produced outcomes such as LA Forward Institute raising $100,000 and The Social Impact Center raising $125,000 through Fast Pitch 2024 connections.
• Racial Equity in Homelessness Initiative A multi-pronged initiative to shift the culture and workforce of LA's homeless response sector, including a Racial Equity Fellowship for BIPOC managers and directors. Backed by a $3M two-year Cedars-Sinai commitment, the initiative combines fellowship programming with the Wellbeing Fund direct cash stipends and Healing Justice offerings for frontline workers.
• Healing Justice Program A holistic program that recognizes the toll of systemic change work and provides wellbeing practices and tools to care for the workforce through monthly Wellbeing Series sessions (310 attendees across 10 sessions in 2024) and Community Care workshops. The 'Being Well' gathering served 78 participants from 56 organizations with 93% reporting improved personal wellbeing.
• Liberatory Learning An umbrella educational offering comprising Liberatory Workplaces, Liberatory Leadership, Charity to Justice, and Anti-Racism programs that equip participants with practical tools and strategies for systemic change. Includes customized B2B engagements and paid individual cohort/self-paced courses.
• Story of Us LA (formerly Fast Pitch) An annual gathering that showcases Systems Change Fellowship leaders' innovative work, providing a platform for them to share their stories and connect with the broader community to invest in systemic change efforts. Includes ticketed fundraising, donor livestream, and partner-recruitment moments.
• Leadership Exchange Fellowship A fellowship pairing ten BIPOC professionals in LA's homeless response system with executive mentors, including hands-on shadowing, executive coaching, and monthly programming led by Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum.
• Wellbeing Fund / Supporting Frontline Workers Fund A financial support program providing direct cash stipends to frontline workers in LA's homeless response sector. Through Cedars-Sinai support, committed $3M over two years, distributing $896,966 to 270 workers and $550,000 to 26 partner organizations in its initial round.
• Liberatory Workplaces Cohort A cohort-based program welcoming participants to cultivate leaders who create equitable workplace cultures, engaging in discussions about dismantling oppressive organizational practices while implementing systems that foster belonging and creativity. The 2024 cohort included 27 participants.
• Liberatory Leadership Program A four-part series creating space for leaders to reimagine their relationship with power, nurturing leadership approaches that are inclusive, equitable, and justice-centered. The 2024 cohort included 19 participants.
• Anti-Racism for the Workplace Customized offerings for workplaces, including 4x90 minute sessions for diverse groups of employees (priced at $8,000) and Anti-Racism for White People in the Workplace (priced at $6,000). Topics include understanding white supremacy's impact on identity, engaging in difficult conversations, and crafting strategies for systemic anti-racism. Named clients include Sobrato Philanthropies, Goldhirsh Foundation, and LGBT Center of the Desert.
• Anti-Racism for White People Cohort A six-month interactive live course facilitated by Christine Margiotta, exploring the internalized, interpersonal, institutional, and systemic levels of Anti-Racism with a cohort of fellow learners. Priced at $495 with a discount for SJPLA Partners.
• Anti-Racism for White People Self-Paced Course A self-paced online course with videos and materials exploring the levels of Anti-Racism. Priced at $295 with ongoing enrollment; discounted for SJPLA Partners.
• Montgomery Learning Tour A profound journey through history, a learning tour of Montgomery, Alabama, the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, to explore the roots of racism in America and reflect on its enduring impact.
• Community Care and the Workplace A five-week workshop series addressing disconnection, burnout, and unprocessed grief among workers in the homeless response sector. Has reached over 200 participants since inception, with 100% agreeing course content was applicable to their jobs and 89.4% strongly agreeing.
• LA2050 Grants Challenge Evaluation Partnership SJPLA's role as evaluation partner for the LA2050 initiative, managing a coalition of 75 evaluators (including 26 SJPLA Partners) who reviewed a record-breaking 577 proposals to direct more than $3 million to 68 organizations addressing critical needs in Los Angeles.
• SJPLA Partner Program A community of Angelenos who support SJPLA's work through financial contributions (average $1,800, about $150/month), volunteer time, expertise, and networks. Partners gain access to community learning events, Fast Pitch coaching, wellbeing series, and complementary Southern California Grantmakers membership. 86 Partners contributed $85,020 in unrestricted funding and 603 hours of skilled pro bono support in 2024.
• Living Wages in LA's Homeless Response Sector Report A research report analyzing the gaps between current wages and a living wage in LA County's homeless response sector, examining wage practices, pay inequities, and funding models. Available as a downloadable PDF and cited by sector leaders.

Quantifiable outcome

• 93% of participants reported improved personal wellbeing at the 'Being Well' gathering; 96% shifted thinking about rest and care
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers26 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered flagship visibility partner, flagship operating partner, minor ecosystem partner and minor training client.

• Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)flagship visibility partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2025Selected as the LA Sparks' community partner for the 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup, generating high-profile visibility for SJPLA across LA's sports, civic, and justice-aligned audiences. Relationship is one-time annual championship designation.
• LA2050 (Goldhirsh Foundation + coalition of 10 LA funders)flagship operating partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerFive-year evaluation partner for the LA2050 Grants Challenge. SJPLA convenes a 75-person evaluator committee (26 of whom are SJP Partners) that reviewed 577 proposals in 2024 and directed more than $3 million to 68 LA nonprofits.
• Southern California Grantmakersminor ecosystem partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerComplimentary membership included for all SJPLA Partners, giving them access to the regional philanthropic community, events, knowledge sharing, and peer groups throughout the year.
• Sobrato Philanthropiesminor training clientImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCustomized liberatory workplace and anti-racism training delivered by SJPLA to Sobrato Philanthropies staff; co-design of learning experience tailored to the foundation's context.
• Goldhirsh Foundationminor training clientImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCustomized liberatory workplace and anti-racism training delivered by SJPLA; also a co-convener of the LA2050 coalition.
• LGBT Center of the Desertminor training clientImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCustomized liberatory workplace training delivered by SJPLA to staff at the LGBT Center of the Desert.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sjplosangeles
• Facebookfacebook.com/SJPLosAngeles

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Social Justice Partners Los Angeles