Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $14,166,545 (2023)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
Grant Range: $1,000 - $6,000,000 (most grants $10,000 - $50,000)
Geographic Focus: Southern California (primarily Los Angeles)
Total Grants Awarded (2023): 194 grants

Contact Details

Address: 10100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 610, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Phone: 310-551-9936

Email: Not publicly available

Website: The foundation does not maintain a public website

Note: Southern California organisations should submit a letter with their request and supporting documentation to the foundation's trustees via mail.

Overview

The Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation was established in 1952 by Farmers Insurance Group co-founder Thomas E. Leavey and his wife Dorothy E. Risley Leavey. With assets of $317,952,872, the foundation has donated more than $200 million over the past six decades to educational, medical, and Catholic institutions. The foundation is currently chaired by Kathleen McCarthy Leavey (also known as Kathleen McCarthy Kostlan), the daughter of the founders. The foundation maintains a low public profile, operating without a website, and distributed $14,166,545 in 2023 through 194 grants. The foundation's grantmaking is evenly disbursed amongst medical, educational, and Catholic organisations, with a strong preference for Los Angeles-based nonprofits.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation does not operate formal grant programmes with specific names or deadlines. Instead, it accepts requests on a rolling basis and awards grants across three main categories:

Education: $1,000 - $6,000,000 (K-12 schools, Catholic universities, higher education institutions)
Healthcare/Medical Research: $1,000 - $1,000,000+ (hospitals, medical research institutions, health centres)
Catholic Organisations: $1,000 - $1,000,000 (churches, Catholic charities, religious institutions)
Individual Grants: Average $3,000 (unlike most foundations, the Leavey Foundation also awards grants to individuals)

Application method: Rolling basis via mailed letter and supporting documentation

Priority Areas

Catholic Education: The foundation shows particular interest in Catholic universities and K-12 schools. Major Catholic university recipients include Santa Clara University, University of Southern California, Loyola Marymount University, Mount Saint Mary's University, and Georgetown University.

Healthcare and Medical Research: Hospitals, medical research facilities, and health centres receive substantial support. Major recipients include St. John's Health Center and medical research institutions.

Catholic Community Services: Churches, religious organisations, and Catholic charities working in Los Angeles. Recent recipients include Saint Paul the Apostle Church ($1 million), Homeboy Industries ($500,000), and Sisters of Nazareth of Los Angeles ($250,000).

K-12 Education: Catholic and private schools, particularly in Southern California. Cathedral High School is a major recipient.

Repeat Grantees: The foundation tends to give to the same grantees year after year, suggesting that building a relationship with the foundation can lead to ongoing support.

What They Don't Fund

Whilst the foundation does not publish explicit exclusions, their grantmaking patterns indicate:

Organisations outside Southern California receive limited consideration
Primary focus is on Catholic-affiliated or Catholic-serving organisations
Emphasis on established institutions rather than start-ups or grassroots organisations

Governance and Leadership

Board Chair: Kathleen McCarthy Leavey (Kathleen McCarthy Kostlan), daughter of founders Thomas and Dorothy Leavey

Board Members (partial list):

Kathleen McCarthy Duncan (granddaughter of founders, also serves on Santa Clara University's Board of Regents)
Michael McCarthy '80 (grandson, previously served on Santa Clara University Board)
Lou Castruccio '60 (foundation board member)

The foundation is managed by a board of trustees consisting primarily of family members and close advisers.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation accepts unsolicited applications via mail. Southern California organisations should:

Prepare a letter outlining their funding request
Include supporting documentation about the organisation and project
Mail the application to: Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation, 10100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 610, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Application Schedule: Rolling basis - no formal deadlines

Pre-Application Contact: Grant seekers may contact the foundation at 310-551-9936 with questions

Decision Timeline

The foundation does not publish information about decision timelines. Given the high volume of grants (194 in 2023) and the rolling application process, decision times likely vary depending on the size and complexity of the request.

Notification methods are not publicly documented.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. In 2023, the foundation awarded 194 grants totalling $14,166,545, with grants ranging widely in size. The foundation tends to give to the same grantees year after year, which suggests that new applicants may face greater competition than organisations with established relationships.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's reapplication policy is not publicly documented. Given that the foundation "tends to give to the same grantees year after year," unsuccessful applicants may benefit from building relationships over time rather than abandoning efforts after one attempt. Contact the foundation at 310-551-9936 for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grantmaking patterns and priorities, the following factors appear to increase the likelihood of success:

Catholic Connection: The strongest predictor of success appears to be Catholic affiliation. Whether you are a Catholic university, a Catholic parish, or a secular organisation serving Catholic communities, demonstrating alignment with Catholic values and mission is essential.

Los Angeles Location: Almost all Leavey grants stay within Southern California, primarily in the city of Los Angeles. Organisations based outside this region face significant barriers to funding.

Established Track Record: The foundation's preference for repeat grantees and major institutions (USC, Santa Clara University, Loyola Marymount University, St. John's Health Center) suggests they favour proven organisations with demonstrated impact over newer or experimental initiatives.

Major Institutional Gifts: Whilst the grants vary widely in size, the foundation has shown willingness to make transformational gifts to major institutions. Recent examples include $25 million to Loyola Marymount University, $30 million to Santa Clara University, and $3 million to USC. These large gifts are typically for capital projects, particularly buildings or facilities.

Education Focus: Organisations working in K-12 education, higher education, or educational support services align strongly with the foundation's priorities. Educational purposes are consistently cited in grant descriptions.

Healthcare and Medical Research: Organisations in the healthcare sector, particularly those with Catholic affiliations or serving vulnerable populations, represent a significant portion of the foundation's giving.

Community Services with Catholic Mission: Organisations like Homeboy Industries and Sisters of Nazareth of Los Angeles demonstrate that the foundation supports community service organisations that align with Catholic social teaching, even if they serve broader populations.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Catholic alignment is critical: This foundation prioritises Catholic organisations, Catholic-serving institutions, and organisations whose missions align with Catholic values. Non-Catholic organisations should clearly articulate how their work serves Catholic communities or aligns with Catholic social teaching.
Southern California location matters: Almost all grants stay within Southern California, with Los Angeles-based organisations having a clear advantage. Organisations outside this region should not expect funding.
Build relationships for the long term: The foundation "tends to give to the same grantees year after year," suggesting that persistence and relationship-building can lead to multi-year support.
No website means direct contact: The foundation maintains a low profile without a public website. Contact the foundation at 310-551-9936 with questions about your organisation's fit.
Wide range of grant sizes: The foundation has made gifts ranging from small grants to gifts exceeding $25 million. Tailor your request to your organisation's capacity and the specific project, not to an assumed grant ceiling.
Three main funding buckets: Structure your application to clearly fit within one of the foundation's three primary areas: education, healthcare/medical research, or Catholic organisations.
Rolling applications reduce time pressure: With no formal deadlines, you can take time to craft a strong application. However, this also means competition is ongoing year-round.

References

Research conducted December 23, 2025

🎯 You've done the research. Now write an application they can't refuse.

Hinchilla combines funder's specific priorities with your organisation's past successful grants and AI analysis of what reviewers want to see.

✓

Data privacy and security by default

✓

Your organisation's past successful grants and experience

✓

AI analysis of what reviewers want to see

✓

A compelling draft application in 10 minutes instead of 10 hours

Start your 4-week free trial Learn More

Thomas And Dorothy Leavey Foundation