← Back to US Funders Directory

Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation

Annual Giving
$12.3M
000

Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $12.3 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Varies widely by program
  • Geographic Focus: Los Angeles County, California
  • Total Assets: $306.5 million (2023)

Contact Details

Address: 12005 Bluff Creek Dr, Playa Vista, CA 90094-2930
Phone: 310-228-3741
Website: No dedicated website (programs managed through Annenberg Foundation)

The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals.

Overview

Established in 2011, the Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation was created to support the personal philanthropic vision of the late Wallis Annenberg, who passed away in July 2025. With total assets of $306.5 million and annual giving of approximately $12.3 million, the foundation focuses on creating spaces, access, and opportunities that enrich communities, foster civic partnerships, and protect the world we share. The foundation primarily operates two flagship programs—Wallis Annenberg PetSpace and Wallis Annenberg GenSpace—while also making selective grants to organizations aligned with Wallis Annenberg's legacy priorities. Following her death, the foundation announced a $10 million distribution across six signature initiatives, signaling its commitment to continuing her philanthropic vision. The foundation operates under trustee discretion and does not accept unsolicited applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes grants on an invitation-only basis to preselected charitable organizations. Recent grantmaking (announced in 2025) totaled $10 million distributed across six initiatives:

  • Annenberg Community Beach House (Santa Monica) - Public beach facility access and programming
  • USC Student Internships - Support for student internships at Wallis Annenberg Hall
  • Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (Beverly Hills) - Free and low-cost performances for underserved audiences
  • Wildlife Crossing Fund (Agoura Hills) - Support for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project
  • Wallis Annenberg GenSpace - Operating support for senior community programming
  • Wallis Annenberg PetSpace - Operating support for animal welfare and human-animal bond programs

The foundation does not operate on rolling deadlines, fixed cycles, or first-come-first-served basis, as grants are made at trustee discretion.

Priority Areas

Based on recent grantmaking and operating programs, the foundation prioritizes:

  • Animal Welfare and Human-Animal Bond - Through PetSpace, including veterinary services, adoption programs, and educational initiatives
  • Aging and Senior Services - Through GenSpace, providing community resources, educational classes, and programs combating isolation among older adults
  • Arts and Culture - Supporting performing arts access for underserved communities
  • Environmental Conservation - Wildlife protection and habitat connectivity projects
  • Education - Student opportunities and civic engagement, particularly in Los Angeles
  • Community Spaces - Public facilities that enrich civic life and provide inclusive access

What They Don't Fund

The foundation operates with a highly focused approach tied to Wallis Annenberg's legacy priorities. Organizations outside the Los Angeles area or outside the foundation's core focus areas (animal welfare, aging, arts, environment, education) are unlikely to receive consideration.

Governance and Leadership

Following the death of founder Wallis Annenberg in July 2025, the foundation is governed by a board of directors committed to "carry forward the work we began together."

Historical Leadership:

  • Wallis Annenberg (1939-2025) - Founder, Chair, President, and CEO
  • Served as president and chairwoman of the Annenberg Foundation
  • Invested $1.5 billion in nearly 3,000 nonprofits over her lifetime
  • Received the 2022 National Humanities Medal from President Joe Biden

Current Structure:

  • Board of directors (specific names not publicly disclosed in recent filings)
  • Director of GenSpace
  • Director of PetSpace (including veterinary operations)
  • Director of Finance

The board has stated their commitment to making philanthropy "bold, generous, and inclusive" while "advancing the initiatives she championed and expanding the Legacy Foundation's impact in line with the vision she left us."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process.

The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Grants are made at the discretion of the board of directors, typically to organizations with existing relationships to Wallis Annenberg's philanthropic priorities or her legacy projects.

Organizations cannot submit grant applications on their own initiative. The foundation proactively identifies and engages with organizations that align closely with its mission and strategic priorities.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. Grants appear to be made on an as-needed basis aligned with the foundation's strategic initiatives rather than on a fixed calendar schedule.

Success Rates

Not applicable due to invitation-only grantmaking model.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as there is no public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, the following insights are relevant for understanding their grantmaking approach:

Foundation's Stated Values: The board has committed to making philanthropy "bold, generous, and inclusive" and focuses on "creating spaces, access, and opportunities that enrich communities, foster civic partnerships, and protect the world we share."

Recent Grantmaking Patterns:

  • The $10 million distribution in 2025 went exclusively to organizations bearing Wallis Annenberg's name or connected to her legacy projects
  • Strong emphasis on Los Angeles County organizations
  • Focus on public benefit and community access (free performances, public beach facilities, wildlife crossings)
  • Support for educational opportunities and underserved audiences
  • Long-term institutional relationships (USC, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills institutions)

Organizational Characteristics of Recent Recipients:

  • Established institutions with proven track records
  • Organizations already in the Annenberg philanthropic portfolio
  • Projects with high public visibility and community impact
  • Initiatives that create lasting infrastructure or access (wildlife crossing, beach house, performance center)

Strategic Approach: The foundation operates both as a direct service provider (through PetSpace and GenSpace) and as a selective funder to partner organizations. This dual approach suggests they value hands-on program management and strategic partnerships over broad-based grantmaking.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application: This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. Organizations should not attempt to apply without a direct invitation.

  • Legacy-Focused Grantmaking: Recent grants have gone almost exclusively to projects bearing Wallis Annenberg's name or representing her lifetime priorities, suggesting the foundation funds within a very narrow, pre-established portfolio.

  • Los Angeles Geographic Focus: All identified grant recipients are located in Los Angeles County, indicating a strong local commitment.

  • Institutional Relationships Matter: Grant recipients are established institutions with existing Annenberg connections, not emerging organizations.

  • Public Benefit Emphasis: The foundation prioritizes projects that provide free or low-cost access to underserved communities and create lasting public infrastructure.

  • Operating Foundation Model: With two major operating programs (PetSpace and GenSpace), the foundation dedicates significant resources to direct service delivery rather than solely grantmaking.

  • Continuing Vision: Following Wallis Annenberg's death, the foundation has committed to expanding work in her priority areas, suggesting continuity rather than strategic shifts in the near term.

References

← Back to US Funders Directory