Entrepreneurship has provided a theme throughout the professional lives of Cleon “Bud” Knapp and Betsy Wood Knapp. It extends to their philanthropy, as together they focus on investing in the leaders of tomorrow. “By giving young people opportunities to succeed, we can make a difference in the future,” says Bud.

The breadth of the Knapps' giving and volunteerism in athletics, business, medicine, Campaign UCLA, The UCLA Foundation and other areas touches students and faculty across campus. Their philanthropy is both proactive and strategic. “Community and business support for high-level scholarship propels creativity and new thought, which are critical to understanding and improving our society,” says Betsy, a member of The UCLA Foundation Board of Directors and chair of the Philanthropy Committee.

Such an impact is epitomized by the Knapp Venture Competition in the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where the Knapps have endowed two chairs and serve on the Board of Visitors. Some 100 students gain real-world experience as they vie in the annual competition to craft a viable/fundable business plan. Now in its 25th year, the event is a springboard for budding entrepreneurs and breakthrough ideas that will yield untold rewards.