Wallis Annenberg
(1939 - 2025)
An Appreciation
It’s fair to say that without Wallis Annenberg, Project Grantsmanship would not be here.
Because of her commitment, more than 1,300 people from almost 1,000 nonprofits in Los Angeles County have been empowered to build stronger programs and get them funded, helping make Los Angeles County more healthy and vibrant.
Wallis Annenberg’s name graces projects across Southern California including essential programs such as community dental clinics, The People Concern Annenberg Access Center, the cutting-edge Annenberg Center for Health Sciences, the uplifting Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and the visionary Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.
Beyond those and other remarkable initiatives, Wallis has a special place in my heart.
It was 2008 when I got a call from Mark Eiduson, program officer at the Annenberg Foundation, who explained: “We know projects that are doing great work, we want to fund them, but their grant proposals, sheesh—they just don’t match the excellent work being done so we can’t write a check—can you help?”
Project Grantsmanship was born right then, to help nonprofits in Los Angeles analyze their programs for impact and construct compelling proposals to inspire funder support.
I only met Wallis Annenberg in-person one time. About 10 years ago, after a Project Grantsmanship meeting at the Annenberg Foundation offices, I was waiting for my car, when Wallis appeared, waiting for her chauffeur.
A bodyguard appeared instantly when I approached her. ‘Energetic elegance’ described this beautifully attired and coiffed woman whose fashion sense was ahead of her time, wearing track shoes along with her designer outfit.
During that brief moment, I had a chance to thank her for helping so many people and organizations through Project Grantsmanship, and I was smitten by her charm and warm attention.
This petite woman was a true giant. I hadn’t considered her mortality until now, as we all mourn the loss of her leadership. Millions of people have been lifted by her work, and I join them in confirming that Wallis Annenberg lives on.
–Cathleen Kiritz, President & CEO, The Grantsmanship Center
