Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $13.3 million (2023)
Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
Grant Range: $3,000 - $1,500,000
Geographic Focus: Southern California, Virginia, and Hawaii

Contact Details

Website: norrisfoundation.org
Phone: (562) 435-8444
Email: grants@ktn.org
Address: 21515 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 361, Torrance, CA 90503

Overview

Established in 1963 by Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris, this private foundation manages approximately $114-122 million in assets and distributed $13.3 million through 177 grants in 2023. The foundation's mission is "enhancing quality of life through medicine, education, and the arts in Southern California." Operating on an invitation-only basis, the foundation maintains long-term relationships with established grantees across three primary focus areas. The foundation celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023, marking six decades of philanthropic impact in Southern California. Under the leadership of Chairman Walter J. Zanino (elected 2023), the foundation continues the legacy of its founders by supporting programs that advance better health and intellectual enlightenment through education, cultivation of the arts, individual responsibility, freedom and dignity.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific named grant programs but provides grants across three main areas:

Medicine/Health Grants: $3,000 - $1,500,000 (supporting major hospital systems and medical research)
Education Grants: $3,000 - $800,000 (K-12 programs, higher education, youth development)
Arts and Culture Grants: $3,000 - $500,000 (museums, performing arts organizations)

Average grant size is $75,136, with most grants falling between $3,000 and $800,000.

Priority Areas

Medicine and Health: Major hospital systems, medical research institutions, children's health services
Education: K-12 programs, higher education institutions, youth development programs, STEM education
Arts and Culture: Museums, performing arts organizations, cultural institutions
Community Services: Human services, youth programs, social services

What They Don't Fund

Unsolicited applications
Organizations outside their geographic focus areas
One-time projects without ongoing relationship potential
Organizations not previously funded

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

Walter J. Zanino - Chairman (elected 2023)
Bradley K. Norris
Kimberley D. Presley
James R. Martin
Brooks B. Norris
Becky R. Accordino
Marissa K. Norris
Kelly M. LaPree
Christina J. Martin

The foundation has been family-led since inception, with Kenneth T. Norris serving as chairman from 1963-1972, followed by Kenneth T. Norris, Jr. (1972-1996), Harlyne J. Norris (1996-2003), and Lisa D. Hansen (2003-2023).

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Norris Foundation operates exclusively on an invitation-only basis. According to their official policy:

Does not accept unsolicited requests for funds
Does not respond to letters of inquiry
Only extends invitations to organizations funded in previous grant cycles
Maintains that close relationships with grantees help make the greatest impact

Getting on Their Radar

Since the foundation only works with organizations they invite, potential pathways for consideration include:

Developing relationships with current board members through professional networks
Collaborating with existing grantees on joint initiatives that might attract foundation attention
Building visibility through exceptional work in medicine, education, or arts in Southern California
Having a previous funding relationship that can be renewed

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed

Success Rates

Not applicable due to invitation-only process

Reapplication Policy

Organizations previously funded may receive invitations for renewed support

Application Success Factors

For organizations that receive invitations:

Demonstrate strong alignment with the foundation's three core areas: medicine, education, and arts
Show sustainable impact in Southern California communities
Present opportunities for long-term partnership rather than one-time funding
Have strong organizational capacity and track record
Offer collaborative opportunities with other Norris Foundation grantees

Recent funding patterns show preference for:

Major medical institutions with research capabilities
Educational organizations serving underserved youth
Established cultural institutions with broad community reach
Organizations addressing critical community needs in their focus regions

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

This is an invitation-only funder - do not submit unsolicited applications
The foundation values long-term relationships over one-time grants
Average grant size of $75,136 with wide range from $3,000 to $1,500,000
Strong preference for Southern California organizations, with some funding in Virginia and Hawaii
Medicine/health receives the largest share of funding
Board connections and existing grantee partnerships are the primary pathways to funding
The foundation made 177 grants in 2023, demonstrating active and diverse grantmaking

References

Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation Official Website. norrisfoundation.org. Accessed January 2026
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Kenneth T And Eileen L Norris Foundation. Projects.propublica.org/nonprofits. Accessed January 2026
Candid Foundation Directory - Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation. Accessed January 2026
Inside Philanthropy - Funder Profile. Accessed January 2026
IRS Form 990-PF Returns (2021-2023). Accessed via various foundation databases
Instrumentl Foundation Database. Accessed January 2026
Cause IQ Foundation Profile. Accessed January 2026