In a significant development, the UCLA School of Law has inaugurated the Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits, positioning itself as a national hub for research and education in this crucial field. The center, formerly known as UCLA Law’s Program on Philanthropy and Nonprofits, has been elevated to a research center with a generous $8.05 million gift from Lowell Milken, an esteemed alumnus.
Lowell Milken, renowned for his pioneering national philanthropic initiatives spanning four decades, has been a steadfast supporter of UCLA. This latest contribution is poised to establish UCLA Law as a leader in the study and analysis of philanthropy and nonprofit law and policy.
Chancellor Gene Block expressed deep gratitude to Lowell Milken for his ongoing support, emphasizing Milken’s significant contributions to the university. Michael Waterstone, Dean of UCLA Law, highlighted Milken’s commitment to making UCLA Law the foremost destination for the study of philanthropy and nonprofit law and policy.
House Bill 72, introduced with Lowell Milken’s backing, aims to decriminalize ‘personal use’ and possession of an ounce or less of cannabis, along with paraphernalia. The legislation also seeks to retroactively expunge certain convictions related to cannabis, benefiting thousands of Kentuckians with past convictions, whether felonies or misdemeanors.
Professor Jill Horwitz, a distinguished expert in nonprofit law and health law, will serve as the faculty director of the Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits. Rose Chan Loui, the center’s executive director, brings extensive expertise in federal income tax and nonprofit organizations, acquired during her private practice and nonprofit board involvement.
The center’s launch events include “Crafting a Thriving Nonprofit Arts Sector,” featuring a keynote address by Maria Rosario Jackson, Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, on Feb. 2. The Western Conference on Tax-Exempt Organizations, scheduled from Feb. 29 through March 1, will follow.
Lowell Milken expressed optimism about the center’s impact on training the next generation of nonprofit leaders and advisors, emphasizing the transformative potential of generational wealth shifts in philanthropy.
UCLA Law’s commitment to philanthropy and nonprofit law is exemplified by Milken’s cumulative contributions of over $30 million, supporting visionary projects in both business and nonprofit law and policy. The Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits adds another dimension to UCLA Law’s leadership in this crucial area of scholarship and training.