Wallis Annenberg 1939 - 2025

It is with deeply heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Wallis Annenberg — a true visionary and spirited innovator who forged her own groundbreaking philanthropic path for the good of others.

Wallis took the full reins of the Annenberg Foundation as Chairman, President and CEO in 2009 and went on to receive U.S. Presidential recognition for her distinguished philanthropic body of work, the 2022 National Humanities Medal. Her notable philanthropic portfolio was launched at a time when few if any women of her generation were leading in the sector and giving away large sums of money.

Wallis began her career as a young reporter at TV Guide and became a female pathfinder in philanthropy. Under her strong leadership the Annenberg Foundation soared to new heights giving away billions of dollars in new and creative ways she herself envisioned while consistently addressing the critical issues of our times and more.

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The Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation will continue to carry out the mission and vision that Wallis Annenberg has spelled out for the Foundation: to operate and support charitable and educational programs and community centers including but not limited to those related to promoting and strengthening the human-animal bond—The Wallis Annenberg PetSpace; reimagining aging and helping to change the outdated conversation around aging –The Wallis Annenberg GenSpace. The WA Legacy Foundation will also continue the support and stewardship of projects that Wallis so generously seeded related to Conservation, Journalism, the Arts, the Unhoused, Community access, among others.

Projects

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is a community hub dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond through education, adoption, and advocacy.
Wallis Annenberg GenSpace

Wallis Annenberg GenSpace is a vibrant community center dedicated to reimagining aging through wellness, connection, and lifelong learning for older adults.

PROJECTS WALLIS GENEROUSLY HELPED SUPPORT

Fallen Journalists Memorial

Annenberg Beach House

Isla Intersections Housing

Wallis Annenberg Hall at USC

Annenberg Wildlife Crossing

Wallis Annenberg Multi-Media Studio Washington D.C.

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts