Founder Wallis Annenberg
Wallis was the daughter of publishing magnate Walter Annenberg, inheriting not only a legacy but also a deeply rooted commitment to public service. After stepping into full leadership of the Annenberg Foundation in 2009, she redefined modern philanthropy, moving beyond mere grantmaking to becoming a hands-on partner in projects with lasting community impact.
Under her leadership, the foundation was the lead supporter in the opening of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, launched the Annenberg PetSpace, reimagined aging with Annenberg GenSpace, worked to protect wildlife through the Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, and expanded public access with the Annenberg Community Beach House. Her unique approach emphasized bold vision, local engagement, and enduring positive change.
Wallis believed that philanthropy should be bold, creative, and deeply human. She sought projects that don’t just address immediate needs, but also challenge perceptions, inspire compassion, and change the way people connect with the world around them.
Her leadership reshaped philanthropy in Los Angeles and beyond. Since 2009, she directed approximately $1.5 billion in investments across nearly 3,000 nonprofits and projects, each reflecting her belief in philanthropy as a force for systematic, human-centered change.
Wallis received numerous honors, including the National Humanities Medal from President Joe Biden in 2022, and was widely admired for her transformative impact on arts, conservation, education, and civic life. Her ability to blend strategic vision with empathy made her a deeply trusted figure in both the philanthropic world and the broader community.
