The Herb Alpert Foundation has been active in its philanthropic work for more than 20 years. Historically the Foundation's grantees have run the gamut from small organizations working at the local level, perhaps in the earliest stages of their development, to larger and more mature organizations that may have a regional or even a national scope and perspective. Often its support takes the form of seed monies to move innovative founders forward in their work, or as incremental support to a more established organization that is ready to take on activities at a new level of complexity or commitment. Over the past few years the Foundation has focused on core areas: The Arts – a broad category that includes arts education, a focus on jazz, and support to professionals. This also includes programs that seek to use the arts to help meet the needs of underserved and at-risk youth and to help build competencies that will enable them to become successful adults. The other core area is Compassion and Well-Being, which celebrates the positive aspects of human psychology and encourages a more compassionate society.