Role of the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation is a multigenerational, family-governed private foundation created in 1963 to give back to the Southern California community. Originally focused on medicine and private education, its philanthropy has grown to include a wider spectrum of nonprofit partners working in the arts and culture, youth and community development, science and regional initiatives such as those in the San Diego area. The foundation seeks to enhance quality of life by supporting organizations whose projects can be encouraged, extended or transformed through strategic grants.
Funding areas and geographic focus
The foundation structures its giving around several funding budgets that correspond to broad program areas:
- Cultural (the Arts) – support for cultural institutions and arts organizations.
- San Diego Area – projects and organizations serving the San Diego region.
- Youth/Community – programs that benefit young people and strengthen communities.
- Medical – initiatives in health care, medical services and related research or facilities.
- Education/Science – educational programs and science-focused institutions.
The foundation’s work is concentrated in Southern California, where it maintains long-term partnerships with a diverse set of nonprofit recipients such as museums, observatories, theaters, gardens, educational and medical institutions.
Grantmaking approach and cycles
The Norris Foundation operates as an invitation-only family foundation. It does not accept unsolicited applications, requests or letters of inquiry. Instead, the Board of Trustees and staff cultivate ongoing relationships with selected organizations and invite them to apply through a secure grants portal. For current grantees, the foundation outlines specific annual timelines for each funding budget, indicating due dates for applications and Post Grant Information Reports and the approximate month when funding decisions are communicated.
All organizations that have previously received support are required to submit a Post Grant Information Report to remain eligible for future funding. Reporting is completed through an online system, and the foundation has been transitioning between grantmaking portals, providing guidance so grantees can preserve their historical information during this change.
Governance, transparency and impact
Governance is provided by a Board of Trustees composed largely of members of the Norris family along with other trustees, reflecting the founders’ philanthropic values. Leadership has passed across generations, with chairs drawn from the family since 1963. To support transparency and accountability, the foundation publicly shares its audited financial statements for recent fiscal years, documenting its charitable distributions and stewardship of assets.
Through carefully selected grants and active engagement with organizations—illustrated by board site visits to cultural, scientific and educational institutions—the Norris Foundation plays a notable role in sustaining and advancing medicine, education, the arts and community initiatives across Southern California.