#United States #Los Angeles #Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation #Annenberg Center #Wildlife Crossing Fund

Foundation's Generous Gift

On September 11, 2025, the Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation made headlines by announcing a transformative donation of $10 million, dedicated to supporting four signature initiatives that capture the late Wallis Annenberg's philanthropic vision. This milestone represents the Foundation's inaugural major philanthropic action following Wallis Annenberg's passing in late July, reinforcing a commitment that has been meticulously cultivated over the past 15 years by the Foundation under her direct influence.

The donation is slated to benefit:

• - The Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica
• - Internships for students at Wallis Annenberg Hall, University of Southern California
• - Arts accessibility at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills
• - The Wildlife Crossing Fund in Agoura Hills.

The Legacy Foundation also intends to maintain its support for two flagship projects, the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace—dedicated to enhancing community resources for older adults—and the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, an innovative animal adoption center that provides educational outreach and community engagement.

Honoring a Vision

The Legacy Foundation's Board of Directors shared their commitment to honoring Wallis Annenberg's legacy, stating, "As we continue to mourn the loss of Wallis Annenberg, we are also celebrating her life by ensuring the places and causes she loved most remain strong and vibrant. Since the Foundation's inception in 2011, we have strived to make Wallis's philanthropic vision a reality. This first major gift since her passing exemplifies our honor in following through on the work we began together, expanding the Foundation's mission while investing in the initiatives she cherished."

Community Impact

This generous gift underscores the Founder's long-standing commitment to enhancing community access and fostering cultural, civic, and environmental initiatives. Each beneficiary organization expressed deep gratitude and highlighted the significance of the Foundation's support:

a) Annenberg Community Beach House: Beach House Manager Nan Friedman reflected, "Wallis' vision and generosity live on through the Legacy Foundation. This gift will ensure the Beach House continues to welcome community members and visitors from all over the world for generations, with programs that make the California shoreline accessible for all."

b) Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts: CEO Robert van Leer stated, "Wallis championed the transformative power of the arts. With this gift, we continue to honor her vision by expanding programming and bringing memorable performances to underserved audiences."

c) Wallis Annenberg Hall, USC: Dean Willow Bay emphasized, "This generous contribution continues Wallis’s legacy by supporting the next generation of journalists, ensuring they gain essential skills and experiences for their future careers in communication."

d) Wildlife Crossing Fund: Beth Pratt, its Founder and CEO, noted the funding's importance for future conservation projects. "Wallis helped establish our organization to promote wildlife connectivity, and we are honored to benefit from the Legacy Foundation's first major gift post her passing."

e) Wallis Annenberg GenSpace: Director Christopher J. Leech commented on fighting isolation and promoting engagement among older adults, underlining Wallis's belief that aging can be a phase of growth.

f) Wallis Annenberg PetSpace: Director Allison Cardona shared the organization's commitment to animal welfare, inspired by Wallis's compassion, saying, "This ongoing support will help us connect more families with pets and expand outreach initiatives."

Looking Forward

As Aradhna Oliphant, Chief Operations and Strategy Officer for the Legacy Foundation, remarked, "The Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation exists to perpetuate Wallis's values, ensuring that her signature projects thrive in the present and future. Through this gift and ongoing support, we will amplify her impact in line with her generosity and inclusiveness."

The Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation, founded in 2011, has been a powerful force advancing innovative ideas across various sectors, including aging, conservation, animal welfare, education, and the arts. Their continued commitment promises to foster thriving communities and transformative ideas for years to come. For details on initiatives and projects, visit www.walf.org.