Draft:Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits

The Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits, part of the UCLA School of Law, was established to enhance understanding and support of the nonprofit sector through education, leadership, and research. The center aims to transform the field by training the next generation of nonprofit lawyers and leaders, developing scholarship, and bringing together stakeholders for various educational and professional events.

History
The Center was founded with significant financial support from Lowell Milken, a UCLA Law alumnus, who has been a prominent figure in philanthropy and business. His initial donation of $3.7 million in 2021 helped establish the Program on Philanthropy and Nonprofits, which was later elevated to a research center with an additional $8.05 million donation in 2023. An earlier naming gift from Milken in 2011 was resisted by at least one UCLA academic because of Milken's past.

Educational programming
The Center offers a comprehensive curriculum for law students, nonprofit professionals, board members, and philanthropists. This includes an introductory course on nonprofit law and specialized courses in tax law, governance, and compliance.

Research and publications
The Center produces scholarly work that informs practitioners and policymakers on key issues in nonprofit law and philanthropy, including tax policy and governance.

Conferences and events
The Center hosts various conferences and events, such as the Western Conference on Tax-Exempt Organizations, which features national and international experts. These events facilitate dialogue and knowledge sharing among scholars and nonprofit leaders.

Leadership
The Center is led by:
 * Jill R. Horwitz: Faculty Director and David Sanders Professor in Law and Medicine at UCLA, an expert in nonprofit law and health law. She has contributed significantly to the field through her work with the American Law Institute.
 * Rose Chan Loui: Executive Director, who joined UCLA Law in 2022. She specializes in federal income tax and nonprofit law and has extensive experience with nonprofit organizations.

Notable contributions
The Center has been recognized for its contributions to nonprofit law education and its role in addressing contemporary challenges in philanthropy. It serves as a forum for research, discussion, and policy development, impacting both the academic community and the nonprofit sector at large.