The Ahmanson Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $63 million (per 2023 990-PF filing)
• Success Rate: Highly competitive - funds limited number of requests
• Decision Time: 2-3 months
• Grant Range: $2,000 - $1,000,000+
• Typical Grants: $10,000 - $50,000
• Geographic Focus: Los Angeles County exclusively
• Total Assets: $1.46 billion
• Grants Awarded Annually: Approximately 400-440

Contact Details

Website: www.theahmansonfoundation.org Email: info@theahmansonfoundation.org Phone: 310-278-0770 Address: 9215 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Application Enquiries: Submit Letter of Enquiry via email to info@theahmansonfoundation.org

Overview

The Ahmanson Foundation was established in 1952 by financier Howard F. Ahmanson and his wife Dorothy Grannis Ahmanson. With assets of $1.46 billion and annual giving of approximately $63 million (per 2023 990-PF filing), it stands as one of Southern California's most significant philanthropic institutions. The Foundation's corpus was substantially augmented following Howard Ahmanson's death in 1968, with additional contributions from nephews Robert H. Ahmanson and William H. Ahmanson. The Foundation exclusively serves Los Angeles County, funding cultural projects in arts and humanities, education at all levels, healthcare, programmes addressing homelessness and underserved populations, and a wide range of human services. Under the leadership of President William H. Ahmanson, the Foundation has been recognised as a customer-focused, humble contributor and stable provider across its service areas. The Foundation awards approximately 400-440 grants annually, with a strong preference for capital expenses though programme expenses are occasionally considered.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The Ahmanson Foundation does not operate distinct named grant programmes but rather reviews all requests across its priority areas on a rolling basis. Grants are tailored to project needs rather than predetermined amounts.

General Grant Support:

• Range: $2,000 - $1,000,000+
• Typical Awards: $10,000 - $50,000
• Application Method: Rolling basis via Letter of Enquiry
• Payment Structure: Grants may be paid in instalments or as a lump sum depending on project timeline

The Foundation has not established maximum dollar amounts but evaluates each project based on scope and need. The Foundation rarely provides sole support for a project and prefers that costs be funded through multiple sources.

Priority Areas

Arts and Humanities:

• Cultural institutions and projects
• Museums and performing arts organisations
• Arts education programmes
• Historic preservation

Education:

• All levels from early childhood through higher education
• Scholarship programmes (through nonprofit institutions only)
• Educational infrastructure and facilities
• Special education programmes
• Vocational and professional training

Health Care and Medicine:

• Medical facilities and equipment
• Healthcare infrastructure
• Emergency department improvements
• Community health programmes

Human Services:

• Programmes addressing homelessness
• Services for underserved populations
• Community development initiatives
• Youth and family services
• Veterans programmes

Capital vs. Programme Support:

• Strong preference for capital expenses (buildings, equipment, facilities)
• Programme expenses considered on occasion
• Multi-year commitments evaluated based on project scope

What They Don't Fund

Explicit Exclusions:

• Individuals (including individual scholarships)
• Religious organisations for sectarian purposes
• Political organisations or advocacy campaigns
• Organisations spending significant expenses on lobbying
• Medical research
• General solicitations
• Organisations outside Los Angeles County
• Organisations that are private foundations (non-509(a) entities)

Governance and Leadership

President: William H. Ahmanson

William H. Ahmanson serves as President of The Ahmanson Foundation and is the great-nephew of founder Howard F. Ahmanson. He studied political science, theatre arts, and sculpture at Occidental College, worked at Home Savings of America for 17 years (from teller to chief underwriter), and later worked in Union Bank's wealth management division before retiring to lead the Foundation.

On his personal philosophy: "From my father: Just be fair."

On the Foundation's work: "Assisting organisations that make a difference in the lives of Angelenos." He notes his proudest achievement is that "The Foundation has been recognised in a number of our service areas as being a customer focused, humble contributor and as a stable/consistent provider."

Key Staff:

• Karen Ahmanson Hoffman - Managing Director and Secretary
• Kristen K. O'Connor - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
• Kristina M. Farkas - Programme Officer
• Mindy Jones - Senior Programme Officer
• Yvonne de Beixedon - Programme Officer

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Letter of Enquiry (LOI)

The Foundation strongly recommends submitting a Letter of Enquiry before sending a full proposal. Review funding guidelines at theahmansonfoundation.org/funding-guidelines/ to ensure compatibility.

LOI Requirements:

• Submit via email to info@theahmansonfoundation.org as PDF attachment
• Must be dated
• Include contact information: name, title, telephone number, and email for both direct contact and organisation head
• Narrative should be 1-3 pages maximum
• Important: Do NOT send full proposals at the LOI stage

Step 2: Preliminary Screening

All Letters of Enquiry undergo screening to determine alignment with funding priorities. Applicants receive:

• Prompt written response if they don't qualify
• Notification within 30 days if they qualify and are invited to submit full proposal

Step 3: Full Proposal (If Invited)

If invited, an assigned Programme Officer or Programme Associate will:

• Provide a checklist of required information
• Serve as your direct contact for the proposal submission
• Guide you through the full application process

Submit your grant proposal directly to your assigned Programme Officer.

Important Application Notes:

• Meetings with Foundation staff prior to LOI submission are generally discouraged
• Call if you have questions about guidelines
• Apply for one project at a time
• Focus on the project that best fits guidelines and is highest priority for your agency
• Applicants who don't submit requests every year receive priority consideration

Decision Timeline

Review Period: 2-3 months from receipt of grant request to notification of decision

Notification: Applicants are notified promptly once a decision has been made

Board Meetings: The Foundation's board meets regularly to review and approve grant recommendations from staff

Success Rates

The Foundation does not publish specific success rate percentages. However:

• The Foundation receives significantly more requests than it can fund
• Competition for grant funds is described as "intense"
• Approximately 400-440 grants are awarded annually from a larger pool of applicants
• Requests are frequently declined because the Foundation is unable to fund every worthy request it receives

Reapplication Policy

Waiting Period: Organisations should wait 12-18 months from their decision date before submitting a new request

Applies To: Both approved and declined applicants

Priority: Organisations who do not submit requests every year are given priority consideration

Application Success Factors

Track Record and Stability

The Foundation explicitly looks for:

• Established organisations: Programmes should have a track record of success for 3-5 years
• Operational history: Must be in operation for a minimum of 3-5 years
• Stable leadership: Organisations must reflect established and stable leadership
• Sound management: Demonstrate sound fiscal management and efficient operation
• Programme integrity: Show clear evidence of programme effectiveness

Community Need and Impact

"The Foundation looks for community need and the ability to meet it" - this is their primary evaluation criterion. Demonstrate:

• Clear evidence of need in Los Angeles County
• Your organisation's unique capacity to address that need
• Measurable outcomes and impact

Geographic Alignment

Highest priority given to:

• Organisations based in Los Angeles County
• Organisations serving Los Angeles County
• Local impact and community connection

Funding Strategy

The Foundation prefers:

• Projects with multiple funding sources (they rarely provide sole support)
• Capital projects with clear, defined costs
• Organisations that don't apply every year
• One focused project request rather than multiple simultaneous requests

Recent Grant Examples

Human Services:

• $150,000 toward general support for Los Angeles Annual Awards Gala

Education:

• $50,000 toward acquisition of refrigerated box truck and passenger van in Los Angeles
• $90,000 for Ahmanson Veterans Scholarship Initiative
• $150,000 for scholarship support in Pasadena
• $25,000 for UCLA Law's Public Services Internships
• $15,000 for Children's Special Education Disability Fellowships

Health & Medicine:

• $150,000 toward renovation of dormitory building in Lake Arrowhead
• Major grant for purchase and installation of new technology and medical equipment for Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit at Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina

What Makes Applications Stand Out

Follow Guidelines Precisely:

• The Foundation emphasises: "Please do not send full proposals at the LOI stage"
• Respect the 1-3 page limit for Letters of Enquiry
• Apply for one project at a time

Demonstrate Sustainability:

• Show multiple funding sources
• Indicate how the project will continue beyond grant period
• Provide evidence of organisational financial stability

Focus on Capital Projects:

• Whilst programme grants are considered, the Foundation's priorities lean toward capital expenses
• Clearly itemise capital needs with specific costs

Avoid Common Pitfalls:

• Don't apply if you're not based in or primarily serving Los Angeles County
• Don't submit if your organisation is less than 3-5 years old
• Don't request funding for sectarian, political, or advocacy purposes
• Don't apply too frequently (wait 12-18 months between requests)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic mandate is absolute: You must be based in and serving Los Angeles County - this is non-negotiable and the highest priority consideration.

• Start with LOI, not full proposal: The Foundation has a two-stage process. Jumping straight to a full proposal will not be well-received. Keep LOI to 1-3 pages and wait for invitation.

• Capital projects have the edge: Whilst programme grants are made, the Foundation's stated priorities favour capital expenses (buildings, equipment, facilities). Frame your request accordingly if possible.

• Demonstrate 3-5 years of success: New organisations and new programmes are not the Foundation's focus. You need an established track record with stable leadership and proven outcomes.

• Multiple funding sources strengthen your case: The Foundation rarely provides sole support. Show you're seeking funding from multiple sources and have a diversified funding strategy.

• Timing matters - don't over-apply: Organisations that don't submit requests every year receive priority. Wait 12-18 months between applications, whether you were approved or declined.

• Be patient with the process: The 2-3 month decision timeline is standard. Competition is intense - approximately 400-440 grants from a much larger applicant pool - so prepare for the possibility of rejection even with a strong proposal.

References

1. The Ahmanson Foundation Official Website - Funding Guidelines. https://theahmansonfoundation.org/funding-guidelines/ (Accessed November 2024)

2. The Ahmanson Foundation - FAQs. https://theahmansonfoundation.org/faqs/ (Accessed November 2024)

3. The Ahmanson Foundation - Letter of Enquiry. https://theahmansonfoundation.org/letter-of-inquiry/ (Accessed November 2024)

4. The Ahmanson Foundation - Eligibility & Limitations. https://theahmansonfoundation.org/eligibility-limitations/ (Accessed November 2024)

5. The Ahmanson Foundation - History. https://theahmansonfoundation.org/history/ (Accessed November 2024)

6. The Ahmanson Foundation - Staff. https://theahmansonfoundation.org/staff/ (Accessed November 2024)

7. The Ahmanson Foundation - 2024 Grants. https://theahmansonfoundation.org/grants/year/2024/ (Accessed November 2024)

8. Instrumentl - The Ahmanson Foundation 990 Report. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/ahmanson-foundation (Accessed November 2024)

9. Los Angeles Business Journal - "LA500 2024: William Ahmanson" https://labusinessjournal.com/la500-2024/arts-philanthropy/la500-2024-william-ahmanson/ (Accessed November 2024)

10. Cause IQ - The Ahmanson Foundation Profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-ahmanson-foundation,956089998/ (Accessed November 2024)

11. The Ahmanson Foundation - Review of Grant Requests. https://theahmansonfoundation.org/review-of-grant-requests/ (Accessed November 2024)

12. The Ahmanson Foundation - Grant Proposals. https://theahmansonfoundation.org/grant-proposals/ (Accessed November 2024)

13. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Ahmanson Foundation. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/956089998 (Accessed May 2026)