News Summary
The Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation has pledged a $10 million donation to support community and arts initiatives. This marks its first major contribution since the founder’s passing in 2025. The funds will enhance projects like the Annenberg Community Beach House, USC student internships, and free performances at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, alongside additional conservation and wellness efforts. The Foundation aims to uphold Wallis Annenberg’s vision, ensuring that her legacy continues to support vibrant community and arts programs.
Los Angeles – The Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation has announced a substantial $10 million gift aimed at furthering community and arts initiatives, marking its first major philanthropic effort since the passing of founder Wallis Annenberg in July 2025. This significant contribution is designed to not only expand but also strengthen four signature projects that Annenberg passionately supported throughout her life, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to her vision for future generations.
The allocation of funds from the gift will support various projects, including:
- The Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, which aims to enhance public access to the shoreline.
- Student internships at the Wallis Annenberg Hall at the University of Southern California (USC), focused on providing practical experience in media and communications.
- Free and low-cost performances at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, which promotes cultural enrichment for the community.
- The Wildlife Crossing Fund in Agoura Hills, dedicated to conservation efforts and biodiversity initiatives.
In addition to the new projects supported by this gift, the Foundation continues its backing of two flagship initiatives that were key to Annenberg’s philanthropy: the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace, which focuses on redefining the aging experience, and the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, a community animal adoption center that seeks to create meaningful connections between families and animals in need.
The Legacy Foundation’s Board of Directors has stressed the importance of this generous support, emphasizing that it helps to ensure the beloved causes and locations championed by Wallis Annenberg remain vibrant and intact for years to come. This financial commitment is set to have a profound impact on all supported initiatives, with program managers expressing deep appreciation for the opportunity to advance their missions through this philanthropic endeavor.
In particular, the manager of the Annenberg Community Beach House noted the gift’s critical role in making the California shoreline accessible to all. Meanwhile, the CEO of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts highlighted that this funding will facilitate world-class performances, further extending outreach to diverse audiences. Additionally, the Dean of USC Annenberg commented on how the gift assures students will develop essential storytelling skills, crucial for their future careers.
Further, the founder and CEO of the Wildlife Crossing Fund recognized Wallis Annenberg’s dedication to conservation, reinforcing her legacy in environmental stewardship. The director of GenSpace mentioned how this contribution is vital in combating isolation among older adults, while the director of PetSpace thanked the Foundation for helping support the connection between families and animals.
The Foundation’s Chief Operations and Strategy Officer conveyed its mission of upholding Wallis Annenberg’s values, with a vision for bold, generous, and inclusive philanthropy that will resonate within the community and beyond.
For more information regarding the Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation and its initiatives, interested parties can visit their official website.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: Off-Broadway Shows September 2025
- Wikipedia: Theater
- Time Out: Off-Broadway Shows
- Google Search: Off-Broadway shows New York
- Vulture: What’s on Broadway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theater
- New York Post: The Love Boat Cast Reunites
- Google Search: The Love Boat off-broadway play
- Playbill: Wallace Shawn’s Off-Broadway Play
- Google News: Wallace Shawn off-broadway play
- Lonely Planet: Best Theater in New York City
- Google Scholar: Theater in New York
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
