The Annenberg Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $50,053,691 (2023)
Total Assets: Over $1.6 billion
Decision Time: Invitation only (no timeline for unsolicited inquiries)
Grant Range: $10,000 - $5,000,000 (majority $10,000-$100,000; grants over $1 million for named initiatives)
Geographic Focus: Primarily Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, CA; some national and international grants
Total Grants in 2023: 497 awards

Contact Details

Headquarters: 101 W. Elm Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428

Grantmaking Inquiries: grantsinfo@annenberg.org

The Foundation maintains offices in both Conshohocken, PA and Los Angeles, CA.

Overview

The Annenberg Foundation was established in 1989 by the late media magnate and philanthropist Walter H. Annenberg. Following Walter's death, his daughter Wallis Annenberg led the Foundation from 2002 until her passing in July 2025, transforming it into one of the 50 largest private foundations in the United States with assets exceeding $1.6 billion. Under Wallis Annenberg's leadership, the foundation reached more than 2,700 mostly nonprofit organizations through more than $5 billion in giving. In 2025, leadership transitioned to Wallis's children—Lauren Bon, Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, and Charles Annenberg Weingarten—who are guiding the organization into a new era.

The Foundation's mission is to invest in visionary nonprofit organizations and leaders that provide impactful programs and services through collaborative models. While the Foundation makes grants globally, its primary focus is Southern California, particularly the five-county Greater Los Angeles region. The Foundation supports the arts, journalism, education, animals, nonprofit infrastructure, and community development, with arts and culture comprising its largest giving area.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grantmaking (Invitation Only)

Grant Range: $10,000 - $5,000,000
The majority of grants fall between $10,000-$100,000
Grants exceeding $1 million typically support named projects and major initiatives
497 awards made in 2023 totaling $50,053,691

Annenberg Alchemy (Open Application - Los Angeles Only)

Free capacity building and leadership development program
Available to small-to-midsize LA-based nonprofits with budgets up to $5 million
Since 2006, over 2,500 nonprofit leaders have participated
Successful completion qualifies organizations for capacity building grants up to $10,000
Program tracks include:
- Alchemy Fundamentals (signature course focusing on ED/Board Chair relationship)
- Alchemy+ (advanced course for graduates)
- Alchemy Tech (technology capacity building)
- Alchemy for Black-Led Organizations

Annenberg Learner

Uses media and telecommunications to advance excellent teaching in American schools
Provides free educational video programs for K-12 teachers

Priority Areas

The Foundation generally awards grants in the following programmatic areas:

Arts, Culture & Humanities (largest giving area)
Education (including educational programming and school reform)
Civic & Community Development
Environment (including environmental stewardship)
Human Health & Wellness
Animal Welfare (some consideration)
Military Veterans (some consideration)
Social Justice
Journalism and Media Literacy

The Foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations serving the Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties that are well-integrated into the fabric of the communities they serve.

Organizations with budgets larger than $10 million are not eligible for general operating support but may apply for project support.

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation explicitly does not consider support for:

Organizations, initiatives, or projects outside of Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties (excluding national/international requests from this geographic restriction)
Capital campaigns, building construction and equipment
Multi-year commitments
Grants to individuals
Grants to school districts, individual schools, universities or hospitals
Grants to public agencies
Grants to faith-based or religious organizations that proselytize
One-time events, conferences, festivals, concerts, workshops, or summer camps
Research, film projects, media, and publications
Start-ups or support for new projects in the LA region
Projects that fall outside the guidelines set by the Board of Directors

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors/Trustees

Following Wallis Annenberg's death in July 2025, the Foundation is now led by her three children who serve as co-directors:

Lauren Bon, Co-Director
Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, Co-Director
Charles Annenberg Weingarten, Co-Director

Key Staff

Cinny Kennard, Executive Director

Joined the Foundation in January 2015
Previously served as senior vice president in charge of programming at the Smithsonian Institution
Handles operational leadership of the organization

Chris Ko, Senior Director of Programs and Impact (joined October 2024)

Brings nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit organizations and municipal government
Previously served as vice president of impact and strategy for United Way of Greater Los Angeles

Marsha Bonner, Director of Programs, Community Grantmaking and Special Initiatives

Leadership Philosophy

The late Wallis Annenberg articulated the Foundation's philosophy with several guiding principles:

On choosing philanthropic projects: "It starts with a deep connection to the cause. I have to give from my heart, first and foremost."

On continuous improvement: "Some people believe the Declaration of Independence mentions 'the pursuit of happiness' precisely because it can't be achieved because it's a goal we'll always be striving for. I feel the same way about our Foundation's goals."

On the power of collaboration in Alchemy: "When Executive Directors and Board Chairs are aligned in common purpose, an unstoppable force for change will spark which will then elevate organizations to a higher level of effectiveness."

On education: "I am constantly reminded that the future of any society is in its children, and that future will be guaranteed with education. No child is born to be a failure."

On the purpose of philanthropy: She believed that philanthropy was about more than writing checks; "it should inspire scalable models of change, empower local leaders and create opportunities for people to connect and thrive."

On innovation: "It started with the notion that a great school of journalism and communication leads the way — serves as a laboratory for change. It doesn't just anticipate the future but wills it into being."

On execution: "It takes leadership; it takes organization; it takes a team to do it."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Annenberg Foundation does not currently accept unsolicited proposals. Grantmaking continues by invitation only. Online grant applications have been suspended since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, though the Foundation website describes this as a "temporary" suspension.

However, the Foundation states it "remains open to updates on work and ideas for consideration." Organizations can send updates and ideas to grantsinfo@annenberg.org, especially as they reflect the Foundation's grantmaking philosophy.

Exception - Annenberg Alchemy: The capacity building program accepts applications from qualifying Los Angeles-based nonprofits with budgets up to $5 million. Applications open periodically throughout the year.

Getting on Their Radar

The Annenberg Foundation works to proactively identify and engage with organizations that align closely with their mission and strategic priorities. The Foundation engages organizations through invitation based on strategic alignment with their priorities.

While specific networking opportunities were not documented in available sources, the Foundation's commitment to capacity building through Alchemy suggests they value long-term relationships with the nonprofit sector in Greater Los Angeles. Organizations participating in Alchemy programs may have increased visibility with the Foundation.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable for unsolicited proposals. For invited applications, timelines vary by project and strategic priority.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The Foundation made 497 awards in 2023.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable given the invitation-only model. Organizations are encouraged to keep the Foundation updated on their work through grantsinfo@annenberg.org.

Application Success Factors

Given the invitation-only model, success factors focus on strategic alignment and relationship building:

Strategic Alignment

Deep connection to one or more of the Foundation's priority areas (arts, education, community development, environment, health, animal welfare)
Strong integration into the fabric of Greater Los Angeles communities
Demonstration of collaborative models and impactful programs
Visionary leadership committed to scalable models of change

Organizational Characteristics the Foundation Values

Willingness to take measured risks with tolerance for occasional failure
Focus on outstanding people and organizations
Creative approaches that leverage funding
Alignment of executive and board leadership (evidenced by Alchemy's focus on ED/Board Chair relationships)
Strong governance and financial literacy
Effective fundraising capabilities

Geographic Considerations

For general grantmaking: Must serve Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside or San Bernardino Counties
Exception for major named initiatives and some national/international grants
Preference for organizations well-integrated into communities they serve

Notable Funded Projects (as examples of alignment)

Arts: Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (Beverly Hills); Annenberg Space for Photography (Los Angeles); Annenberg Community Beach House (Santa Monica beachfront transformation)
Education: $120 million to University of Pennsylvania for Annenberg School for Communication; $50 million challenge gift to United Negro College Fund
Social Services: Downtown Women's Center (71-unit supportive housing in historic building)
Science/Technology: $25 million for Walter and Leonore Annenberg Center for Information Science and Technology at Caltech

Foundation's Risk Tolerance The Foundation explicitly states it is "willing to take measured risks with a tolerance for occasional failure" to support outstanding organizations and remains "open to creative ways to leverage funding."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Invitation-only model: Focus on keeping the Foundation informed of your work through grantsinfo@annenberg.org rather than formal proposals
Geographic focus is critical: Must primarily serve the five-county Greater Los Angeles region for general grantmaking consideration
Build visibility through Alchemy: If eligible (LA-based, budget under $5 million), participation in Alchemy programs may increase Foundation awareness
Strategic alignment matters: Deep mission alignment with Foundation priorities (especially arts, education, community development) is essential
Leadership transition period: With new co-directors as of 2025 following Wallis Annenberg's death, the Foundation's strategic direction may evolve
Collaborative approach valued: Demonstrate collaborative models, impactful programs, and alignment between executive and board leadership
Think long-term relationships: The Foundation invests in organizations over time; focus on building awareness rather than one-time asks
Heart-centered giving: Wallis Annenberg emphasized giving "from the heart" with deep connection to causes—communicate the emotional and human impact of your work

References

Annenberg Foundation Official Website - Grantmaking. https://annenberg.org/grantmaking/ (Accessed December 2024)
Annenberg Foundation - About the Foundation. https://annenberg.org/about/ (Accessed December 2024)
Annenberg Foundation - People (Leadership). https://annenberg.org/about/people/ (Accessed December 2024)
Annenberg Foundation - Grantmaking Guidelines. https://annenberg.org/grantmaking/grantmaking-guidelines/ (Accessed December 2024)
Annenberg Foundation - How to Apply. https://annenberg.org/grantmaking/grantmaking-how-to-apply/ (Accessed December 2024)
Annenberg Foundation - Annenberg Alchemy. https://annenberg.org/alchemy/ (Accessed December 2024)
Inside Philanthropy - The Annenberg Foundation. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant/grants-a/annenberg-foundation (Accessed December 2024)
Foundation Directory - The Annenberg Foundation Profile. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=ANNE006 (Accessed December 2024)
GuideStar Profile - The Annenberg Foundation. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/23-6257083 (Accessed December 2024)
Cause IQ - Annenberg Foundation Profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/annenberg-foundation,236257083/ (Accessed December 2024)
USC Today - In Memoriam: Wallis Annenberg. https://today.usc.edu/in-memoriam-wallis-annenberg-86-trailblazing-philanthropist-and-usc-life-trustee/ (Accessed December 2024)
National Endowment for the Humanities - Wallis Annenberg. https://www.neh.gov/award/wallis-annenberg (Accessed December 2024)
USC Annenberg - Wallis Annenberg's Speech. https://annenberg.usc.edu/news/around-usc-annenberg/wallis-annenbergs-speech (Accessed December 2024)
Medium - Annenberg Alchemy Program Builds Nonprofit Capacity in Los Angeles. https://medium.com/dogoodtoday/annenberg-alchemy-program-builds-nonprofit-capacity-in-los-angeles-c6335c44fd5d (Accessed December 2024)
Catchafire Blog - Capacity Building with The Annenberg Foundation. https://blog.catchafire.org/capacity-building-with-the-annenberg-foundation (Accessed December 2024)
LinkedIn - Cinny Kennard Profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cinny-kennard-184b273/ (Accessed December 2024)
Annenberg Foundation News - Chris Ko Appointment. https://annenberg.org/news/annenberg-foundation-selects-chris-ko-as-senior-director-of-programs-and-impact/ (Accessed December 2024)
Wikipedia - Annenberg Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annenberg_Foundation (Accessed December 2024)
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Annenberg Foundation. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/236257083 (Accessed December 2024)