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Gary and Mary West Foundation

Annual Giving
$29.9M
Grant Range
$10K - $22.0M

Gary and Mary West Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $29.9 million (2023, via Gary and Mary West Charitable Trust)
  • Total Giving Since 2006: Over $550 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available (invitation-only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $22 million
  • Geographic Focus: National (with emphasis on San Diego and Omaha, Nebraska)
  • Application Method: Invitation only

Contact Details

Website: https://westhealth.org/entities/gary-and-mary-west-foundation/

Address: 10350 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA

Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications.

Overview

The Gary and Mary West Foundation was established in 2006 by philanthropists Gary and Mary West, who have committed their entire fortune to improving aging and lowering the cost of healthcare in America. The foundation is one of only six private foundations in the United States solely focused on addressing the needs of vulnerable seniors. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $550 million in outcomes-based grants to create and advance innovative, integrated, and cost-effective models of care designed to meet the needs of older adults who aspire to age in place in the communities they love. The foundation has made over 534 grants to 181+ aging-related nonprofit organizations across the country. Under the leadership of CEO Shelley Lyford, the foundation focuses on supporting healthcare and social support services for vulnerable seniors who live at or below the federal poverty level.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through invitation-only grantmaking and has funded several major initiatives:

  • Geriatric Emergency Departments: $11.8 million to UC San Diego Health to create the Gary and Mary West Senior Emergency Care Unit
  • PACE Programs: Major funding for Gary and Mary West Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to help seniors age at home
  • Healthcare Research: $45 million founding grant to create the West Health Institute in 2009
  • Policy Advocacy: Ongoing support to the Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center (up to $6 million annually)
  • Community Support: Grants ranging from $10,000 to $193,000 for local senior services organizations

Application Method: Invitation only - the foundation identifies and invites organizations to apply

Priority Areas

Healthcare Access and Affordability

  • Lowering healthcare costs for Medicare beneficiaries and all Americans
  • Improving quality and accessibility of healthcare for seniors
  • Developing innovative care models that can be replicated nationwide

Geriatric Emergency Care

  • Helping hospitals implement specialized Geriatric Emergency Departments
  • Addressing problems patients face during and after ER visits

Aging in Place

  • Supporting programs that enable seniors to live with dignity in their homes and communities
  • Comprehensive care coordination for seniors with chronic care needs

Telehealth for Seniors

  • Optimizing telehealth services for older patients
  • Improving accessibility of remote care

Policy and Advocacy

  • Reducing costs for Medicare beneficiaries
  • Amplifying voices of Americans on aging and healthcare topics through public opinion polling (partnership with Gallup)

Research and Innovation

  • Funding groundbreaking research on models of care for seniors
  • Supporting resources that improve care for seniors, families, and caregivers

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly listed, the foundation's narrow focus implicitly excludes:

  • Projects not related to aging, seniors, or healthcare for older adults
  • Organizations without invitation to apply
  • General operating support for organizations outside their strategic priorities

Governance and Leadership

Founders & Trustees

  • Gary West, Founder & Trustee
  • Mary West, Founder & Trustee

Executive Leadership

  • Shelley Lyford, CEO, Chair and Trustee (serving as CEO since 2012)
  • Timothy Lash, President
  • Sally Hallak, CPA, CFO & Treasurer
  • Marc Harper, Trustee & Secretary
  • Zia Agha, MD, Chief Medical Officer

Leadership Perspective

Shelley Lyford on Aging Philanthropy: "Nationwide, less than two percent of all philanthropic dollars are directed at our nation's seniors – it is a travesty that such a small portion goes to helping our fastest growing age group. They deserve our best thinking, our utmost respect and greater attention from our nation's philanthropists."

Gary West on Mission: "Mary and I are committed to helping seniors age successfully with dignity, quality of life and independence."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Gary and Mary West Foundation accepts grant proposals by invitation only and only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations. They do not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation identifies organizations strategically aligned with their mission and invites them to apply for specific initiatives.

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation-only process means success rates are not publicly tracked or disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to invitation-only model. Organizations do not submit applications unless invited by the foundation.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, understanding what the foundation values can help organizations position themselves favorably should they be considered:

Focus on Vulnerable Seniors The foundation specifically targets support for seniors living at or below the federal poverty level. Organizations working with this population are more likely to align with the foundation's mission.

Innovative, Replicable Models The foundation awards "outcomes-based grants" to create models of care "designed for replication nationwide." Projects demonstrating innovation with scalability potential align with their strategic approach.

National Impact Potential Even local grants are evaluated for their "potential to advance successful aging in America." The foundation looks for initiatives that can inform broader change.

Healthcare Cost Reduction Efforts centered around lowering healthcare costs while maintaining or improving quality of care are central to the foundation's mission.

Recent Funding Examples

  • American Society on Aging: $25,000 to support the Master Plan for Aging Symposium
  • Apple Tree Dental: $36,000 to support the Healthy Aging Project
  • Challenge Center: $72,000 to support Aging with Independence and Dignity
  • Interfaith Community Services: $100,000 to support senior services in North San Diego County
  • Legal Aid Society of San Diego: $193,000 to support the Health Advocacy Project

Integration and Coordination The foundation emphasizes "integrated, and cost-effective models of care" with comprehensive coordination.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-Only Model: You cannot apply directly - the foundation must identify and invite your organization. Focus on building visibility in the aging services sector.

  • One of Six: The foundation is one of only six U.S. foundations solely focused on aging, making them a rare and specialized funder in this space.

  • Substantial Commitment: With over $550 million awarded since 2006, this foundation has resources for significant grants - from small community grants ($10,000-$100,000) to major institutional investments ($6-22 million).

  • Geographic Priorities: While national in scope, the foundation has particular interest in San Diego County and Omaha, Nebraska. Organizations in these regions may have enhanced visibility.

  • Replication and Scale: Think beyond your immediate program - the foundation wants to fund models that can advance successful aging nationally, not just serve your local population.

  • Healthcare Integration: Projects that bridge healthcare and social services, particularly those reducing costs while improving outcomes, align with core priorities.

  • Vulnerable Population Focus: Programs serving seniors at or below the federal poverty level are central to the foundation's mission.

References

Information accessed December 2025

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