Established in 1951 by real estate developer and investor Ben Weingart, the Weingart Foundation is a nonprofit organization that focuses on issues concerning the needs of underserved people. It considers grants for credible agencies and institutions that serve disabled, homeless, sick, destitute and otherwise disadvantaged citizens, as well as children and the elderly. Since 1972 the foundation has authorized nearly $700 million in grants for social service, educational and community programs throughout Southern California. Its recent grant recipients have included Boys & Girls Clubs of America, City Impact, Shane s Inspiration and Solheim Lutheran Home. Originally named The B.W. Foundation, the organization changed its name to the Weingart Foundation in 1978. It is based in Los Angeles.