David and Lura Lovell Foundation

The David and Lura Lovell Foundation is a family foundation established in 1994, based in Tucson, Arizona. The foundation was created by David and Lura Lovell to address pressing societal issues and support various charitable initiatives, primarily in the areas of mental health, integrative health and wellness, youth access to the arts, and gender parity.

Founding and Mission

The Lovell Foundation emerged from the personal experiences and aspirations of its founders. David Lovell, a chemical engineer, and his wife Lura Lovell, initially faced financial challenges but later achieved significant success through their ventures in the chemical industry. Their desire to leverage their financial success for philanthropic purposes led to the foundation's creation, which reflects their commitment to fostering change and supporting communities[1][2].

The foundation's mission is to empower lives by investing in high-impact initiatives that improve conditions and advance community well-being. Over its operational span, the foundation has allocated nearly $30 million to over 100 nonprofit organizations, impacting a vast array of programs and initiatives nationwide[1].

Areas of Focus

The Lovell Foundation concentrates its efforts on four primary focus areas:

• Mental Health: Supporting programs that address mental health education and resources, including long-term support for initiatives like the Family to Family Program of the National Alliance of Mental Illness.

• Integrative Health and Wellness: Funding initiatives that promote holistic health practices and wellness strategies.

• Youth Access to the Arts: Providing opportunities for young people to engage in artistic endeavors, ensuring access to cultural experiences.

• Gender Parity: Advocating for equitable opportunities and resources for women and marginalized communities, particularly through initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and access within organizations[1][4].

Operations and Legacy

For much of its history, Lura Lovell played a pivotal role in leading the foundation until her passing in 2013. Following her death, the foundation continued to operate under the guidance of their descendants, who carry forward the founders' vision and values. The foundation has evolved from a traditional grantmaker to a changemaker, focusing on systemic change and long-term impacts rather than one-off funding[1][3].

As of 2024, the David and Lura Lovell Foundation announced plans to sunset its operations by the end of the year, aiming to accelerate its philanthropic work and ensure a lasting impact in its target areas before concluding its activities[4].

Financial Overview

The foundation is classified as a private foundation and has reported substantial financial assets and charitable disbursements over the years. In recent fiscal years, its income sources have included contributions, interest revenue, and other income, with a significant portion being directed towards charitable disbursements. The foundation's overall financial health has allowed it to maintain a robust engagement in philanthropic activities, achieving a notable impact in its areas of focus[2][3].

Conclusion

The David and Lura Lovell Foundation represents a commitment to philanthropy driven by personal experiences and a dedication to fostering meaningful change. As it approaches its closure, the foundation's legacy is evident in the lives it has touched and the systemic changes it has pursued in its aligned focus areas.

[1] https://lovellfoundation.org/our-story/ [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/341733685 [3] https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=LOVE039 [4] https://lovellfoundation.org/for-grant-seekers/ [5] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/341733685