About Adams Legacy Foundation A Delaware Nonprofit
The Adams Legacy Foundation concentrates on land conservation, parks and outdoor access—with a notable geographic focus on Santa Barbara County and California coastal/mountain landscapes—while also supporting urban greening and community infrastructure projects. They fund a mix of land trusts, botanical and park organizations, youth outdoor programs, and policy/advocacy groups that secure and steward open space, often providing sizable general or campaign support to organizations working on park creation, habitat protection, and youth engagement in nature.
Focus Areas
Santa Barbara county park creation and capital campaigns (Elings Park, Back Country campaigns)California land conservation and policy advocacy (Resource Legacy Fund, land protection)Outdoor youth engagement and wilderness education (Wilderness Youth Project, Boy Scouts/Los Padres Council)Urban greening and West Side community barrier/greening projects (City Fabrick)
Who They Fund
children and youth (students, camp participants)underserved/low-income communities (improving access)people with disabilities (beach/park accessibility)
About Adams Legacy Foundation A Delaware Nonprofit
Adams Legacy Foundation a Delaware Nonprofit gives through a nature-and-access lens that combines land conservation, park creation, and outdoor programming. Its recent awards show a steady emphasis on Santa Barbara County and California coastal and mountain landscapes, with support for both large civic projects and smaller organizations working directly with youth and communities. The foundation’s largest recent grant in the data is $200,000 to City Fabrick for Westside Barrier & Greening, a signal that it backs place-based infrastructure as well as programming.
Other major commitments point to the same pattern. Resource Legacy Fund received $150,000 for general support, while Elings Park Fdn received $112,500 for general support in both 2024 and 2025. The foundation also backed Wilderness Youth Project with $105,000 for general support and supported Santa Barbara Botanic Garden with $100,000 for its Back Country Campaign. Across these grants, the common thread is outdoor space, stewardship, and access rather than a single narrow program model.
What Adams Legacy Foundation A Delaware Nonprofit Funds
The foundation’s strongest topic area is outdoor access and greening. It gave $30,000 to Trust for Public Land for general support and $25,000 to Trust for Public Land for Southern CA Green School, showing interest in both public land and school-based environmental space.
Youth outdoor education is another visible area. Wilderness Youth Project received $60,000 for Bridge to Nature and $25,000 for the same project in an earlier year, while Outward Bound California received $25,000 for general support.
It also supports conservation and habitat stewardship. Land Trust for Santa Barbara County received $50,000 for strategic plan support in 2024 and again in 2025, and Sage Trial Alliance received $40,000 for Preserving Nature Access, followed by $30,000 for the same purpose. These awards connect preservation work with public access.
How Adams Legacy Foundation A Delaware Nonprofit Gives
Typical grants cluster at a modest project-support scale: the 25th percentile is $5,000, the median is $10,000, and the 75th percentile is $25,000. Larger awards appear for major campaigns and capital needs, but most grants sit well below those levels. The recent record also shows repeated support to the same organizations across multiple years, including Elings Park Fdn, Wilderness Youth Project, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Resource Legacy Fund, Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, and Sage Trial Alliance. The foundation is a Delaware nonprofit, operates from Chicago, and accepts unsolicited grants through an open LOI-based cycle.
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$989K
Total Assets
$17.8M
Total Revenue
$4.4M
Total Expenses
$1.3M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $5K and $25K, with a median of $10K.
25th Percentile
$5K
Median
$10K
75th Percentile
$25K
Geographic Reach
National11 states funded
About 2% of grants go to recipients in CA.
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
Deep Analysis
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Concentrated, relatively large grants to a small number of organizations, including repeat support; mix of general operating and capital/campaign funding focused on conservation, parks and youth outdoor access rather than many small awards.
Funding Style
unrestricted/general supportprogram/project support (outdoor education & camps)capital/campaign supportcapacity building/strategic planning
Notable grantees: Elings Park Foundation, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Resource Legacy Fund, Wilderness Youth Project, City Fabrick
Topics
outdoor access & park/shoreline accessibilityyouth outdoor education and tuition-free summer campsschool greening and school garden learningconservation & habitat management (including invasive species control)watershed, coastal and trail stewardshipscholarships and youth development (STEM outreach, retreats)services for unhoused and veteran populations tied to outdoor programs
Where Adams Legacy Foundation A Delaware Nonprofit Makes Grants
Giving is national in scope, but the pattern is heavily California-centered. California is the top state by grant count, and only 2% of grants go to Illinois, the headquarters state. Santa Barbara appears repeatedly through grants to Elings Park Fdn, Wilderness Youth Project, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and Land Trust for Santa Barbara County. Los Angeles-area grants include Community Partners, Trust for Public Land, and Wildwoods Foundation, while Long Beach appears through City Fabrick. Outside California, the recipient list also reaches Sacramento, San Francisco, Inglewood, Truckee, Valencia, Tustin, and San Gabriel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adams Legacy Foundation A Delaware Nonprofit
What kinds of projects does the foundation support most often?
Its grants center on nature-based programming, outdoor access, and conservation. Recent awards include support for park creation and greening, land stewardship, youth outdoor education, and research or programming tied to the benefits of time in nature. The foundation also backs capital and campaign efforts for open space and park projects.
Does the foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Yes. The foundation runs an open or unsolicited grant cycle and accepts letters of inquiry during an annual LOI window. Approved LOIs are invited to submit a full application, and the cycle is described as continuing annually from 2022 through 2026.
What is the typical grant size?
Typical awards are modest: the 25th percentile is $5,000, the median is $10,000, and the 75th percentile is $25,000. The open grant cycle is described as supporting grants in the $10,000 to $50,000 range, with larger amounts reserved for selected projects and campaigns.
Which places receive the most support?
California receives the most grants, and Santa Barbara County shows up repeatedly across the recent grant list. Los Angeles County also appears often, including grants to organizations in Long Beach, Los Angeles, Inglewood, and Tustin. Illinois, the headquarters state, receives a small share of grants.
Are grants repeated to the same organizations over time?
Yes. The data shows recurring support to several organizations across multiple years, including Elings Park Fdn, Wilderness Youth Project, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Resource Legacy Fund, Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, and Sage Trial Alliance. That pattern suggests ongoing relationships rather than one-time awards only.
Latest 990 Filing
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Recent Grants
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
Recipient
Location
Amount
Year
Purpose
CITY FABRICK
LONG BEACH, CA
$200,000
2025
WESTSIDE BARRIER & GREENING
RESOURCE LEGACY FUND
SACRAMENTO, CA
$150,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
ELINGS PARK FDN
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$112,500
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
WILDERNESS YOUTH PROJECT
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$105,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
LAND TRUST FOR SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$50,000
2025
STRATEGIC PLAN
SAGE TRIAL ALLIANCE
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$30,000
2025
PRESERVING NATURE ACCESS
SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENTREPRENEUR LONG BEACH FRESH
CALABASAS, CA
$30,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
HEARTS FOR SIGHT FOUNDATION
SAN GABRIEL, CA
$30,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND
LOS ANGELES, CA
$30,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
WILDWOODS FOUNDATION
LOS ANGELES, CA
$25,000
2025
PASEO
OUTWARD BOUND CALIFORNIA
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
$25,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER LOS ANGELES
INGLEWOOD, CA
$25,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
LOS ANGELES NEIGHBORHOOD LAND
LOS ANGELES, CA
$20,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
HILLSIDE HOUSE
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$16,000
2025
BEACH ACCESSIBILITY
NATURE TRACK
VACAVILLE, CA
$15,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
LOS PADRES COUNCIL BSA
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$10,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
HEARTS THERAPUTIC EQUESTRIAN CENTER
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$10,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH ASSOC
VENICE, CA
$10,000
2025
YOSEMITE SUMMER RETREAT
CENTURY VILLAGE AT CABRILLO
LONG BEACH, CA
$10,000
2025
PATHWAYS TO HEALTH
WESTERN LOS ANGELES CO BSA #51
VAN NUYS, CA
$10,000
2025
EMERALD BAY GENERAL
SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$10,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
LONG BEACH SAILING FDN
LONG BEACH, CA
$10,000
2025
DOUG PYE MAA SCHOLARSHIP
LOS PADRES FOREST WATCH
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$10,000
2025
OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS
GROUND EDUCATION
LONG BEACH, CA
$5,000
2025
SCHOOL GARDEN LEARNING
URBAN SALT COMMUNICATION ACUPUNCTURE
SEAL BEACH, CA
$5,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
GRAYLING HATCHERY INC
GRAYLING, MI
$5,000
2025
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
FRIENDS OF LAKE LEELANAU
LELAND, MI
$5,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
END CHILD SOLDIERING
WHITEFISH, MT
$3,500
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
THE GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY
CHICAGO, IL
$3,000
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CA SANTA BARBARA
LOS ANGELES, CA
$2,500
2025
SEDGWICK RESERVE
PASSPORT 2 FASHION
HILLARD, OH
$2,500
2025
2024 FASHION SHOW
TWIG2
COLUMBUS, OH
$2,500
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LA
LOS ANGELES, CA
$2,500
2025
ONE BODY ONE SPIRIT
POMONA COLLEGE
CLAREMONT, CA
$2,000
2025
THE STUDENT LIFE
NEW BEGINNINGS COUNSELING CENTER
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$1,500
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
JODI HOUSE BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT CENTER
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$1,500
2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
ENSEMBLE THEATRE COMPANY SANTA BARBARA
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$1,500
2025
40TH ANNIVERSARY
ST ALBAN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
COLUMBUS, OH
$1,500
2025
TURKEY TROT
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS USA
NEW YORK, NY
$1,000
2025
EMERGING RELIEF FUND
ELINGS PARK FDN
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$112,500
2024
GENERAL
LOS PADRES COUNCIL BSA
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$100,000
2024
GENERAL
SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$100,000
2024
BACK COUNTRY CAMPAIGN
WILDERNESS YOUTH PROJECT
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$60,000
2024
BRIDGE TO NATURE
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
LOS ANGELES, CA
$60,000
2024
WILDWOODS
LAND TRUST FOR SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$50,000
2024
STRATEGIC PLAN
RM PYLES BOYS CAMP
VALENCIA, CA
$50,000
2024
PYLES YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
SAGE TRIAL ALLIANCE
SANTA BARBARA, CA
$40,000
2024
PRESERVING NATURE ACCESS
ORANGE COUNTY RESCUE MISSION
TUSTIN, CA
$40,000
2024
DOUBLE R RANCH FOR HOMELESS
RESOURCE LEGACY FUND
SACRAMENTO, CA
$25,000
2024
GENERAL
GATEWAY MOUNTAIN CENTER INC
TRUCKEE, CA
$25,000
2024
OF THE CLINIC AND THE WOODS
CITY FABRICK
$200,000
LONG BEACH, CA2025
WESTSIDE BARRIER & GREENING
RESOURCE LEGACY FUND
$150,000
SACRAMENTO, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
ELINGS PARK FDN
$112,500
SANTA BARBARA, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
WILDERNESS YOUTH PROJECT
$105,000
SANTA BARBARA, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
LAND TRUST FOR SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
$50,000
SANTA BARBARA, CA2025
STRATEGIC PLAN
SAGE TRIAL ALLIANCE
$30,000
SANTA BARBARA, CA2025
PRESERVING NATURE ACCESS
SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENTREPRENEUR LONG BEACH FRESH
$30,000
CALABASAS, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
HEARTS FOR SIGHT FOUNDATION
$30,000
SAN GABRIEL, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND
$30,000
LOS ANGELES, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
WILDWOODS FOUNDATION
$25,000
LOS ANGELES, CA2025
PASEO
OUTWARD BOUND CALIFORNIA
$25,000
SAN FRANCISCO, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER LOS ANGELES
$25,000
INGLEWOOD, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
LOS ANGELES NEIGHBORHOOD LAND
$20,000
LOS ANGELES, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
HILLSIDE HOUSE
$16,000
SANTA BARBARA, CA2025
BEACH ACCESSIBILITY
NATURE TRACK
$15,000
VACAVILLE, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
LOS PADRES COUNCIL BSA
$10,000
SANTA BARBARA, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
HEARTS THERAPUTIC EQUESTRIAN CENTER
$10,000
SANTA BARBARA, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH ASSOC
$10,000
VENICE, CA2025
YOSEMITE SUMMER RETREAT
CENTURY VILLAGE AT CABRILLO
$10,000
LONG BEACH, CA2025
PATHWAYS TO HEALTH
WESTERN LOS ANGELES CO BSA #51
$10,000
VAN NUYS, CA2025
EMERALD BAY GENERAL
SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
$10,000
SANTA BARBARA, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
LONG BEACH SAILING FDN
$10,000
LONG BEACH, CA2025
DOUG PYE MAA SCHOLARSHIP
LOS PADRES FOREST WATCH
$10,000
SANTA BARBARA, CA2025
OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS
GROUND EDUCATION
$5,000
LONG BEACH, CA2025
SCHOOL GARDEN LEARNING
URBAN SALT COMMUNICATION ACUPUNCTURE
$5,000
SEAL BEACH, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
GRAYLING HATCHERY INC
$5,000
GRAYLING, MI2025
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
FRIENDS OF LAKE LEELANAU
$5,000
LELAND, MI2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
END CHILD SOLDIERING
$3,500
WHITEFISH, MT2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
THE GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY
$3,000
CHICAGO, IL2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CA SANTA BARBARA
$2,500
LOS ANGELES, CA2025
SEDGWICK RESERVE
PASSPORT 2 FASHION
$2,500
HILLARD, OH2025
2024 FASHION SHOW
TWIG2
$2,500
COLUMBUS, OH2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF LA
$2,500
LOS ANGELES, CA2025
ONE BODY ONE SPIRIT
POMONA COLLEGE
$2,000
CLAREMONT, CA2025
THE STUDENT LIFE
NEW BEGINNINGS COUNSELING CENTER
$1,500
SANTA BARBARA, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
JODI HOUSE BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT CENTER
$1,500
SANTA BARBARA, CA2025
GENERAL SUPPORT
ENSEMBLE THEATRE COMPANY SANTA BARBARA
$1,500
SANTA BARBARA, CA2025
40TH ANNIVERSARY
ST ALBAN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
$1,500
COLUMBUS, OH2025
TURKEY TROT
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS USA
$1,000
NEW YORK, NY2025
EMERGING RELIEF FUND
ELINGS PARK FDN
$112,500
SANTA BARBARA, CA2024
GENERAL
LOS PADRES COUNCIL BSA
$100,000
SANTA BARBARA, CA2024
GENERAL
SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN
$100,000
SANTA BARBARA, CA2024
BACK COUNTRY CAMPAIGN
WILDERNESS YOUTH PROJECT
$60,000
SANTA BARBARA, CA2024
BRIDGE TO NATURE
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
$60,000
LOS ANGELES, CA2024
WILDWOODS
LAND TRUST FOR SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
$50,000
SANTA BARBARA, CA2024
STRATEGIC PLAN
RM PYLES BOYS CAMP
$50,000
VALENCIA, CA2024
PYLES YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
SAGE TRIAL ALLIANCE
$40,000
SANTA BARBARA, CA2024
PRESERVING NATURE ACCESS
ORANGE COUNTY RESCUE MISSION
$40,000
TUSTIN, CA2024
DOUBLE R RANCH FOR HOMELESS
RESOURCE LEGACY FUND
$25,000
SACRAMENTO, CA2024
GENERAL
GATEWAY MOUNTAIN CENTER INC
$25,000
TRUCKEE, CA2024
OF THE CLINIC AND THE WOODS
Open Grant Opportunities
Current and upcoming funding from Adams Legacy Foundation A Delaware Nonprofit that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Open nowCloses Oct 15, 2026Award: $10K – $50K
2022-2026 Open/Unsolicited Grant Cycle
Nature-based youth and community programmingOutdoor access and green space preservationResearch on health benefits of time in nature+2 more
Who can apply: Nonprofit or public benefit organizations whose mission aligns with the foundation's focus on using nature to strengthen, nurture, and heal the soul. For successful applications, populations served should be in Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles County, and Franklin County, Ohio. Requests are generally in the $10,000 to $50,000 range. The foundation will fund grantee organizations for a maximum of three consecutive years, after which it will not accept an LOI from that organization for at least one year.
Deadline: LOIs accepted April 15 to October 15 each year; LOIs processed after October 15 and responded to by November 15; applications due on or before January 15; decisions by mid-March; progress/completion reports due September 15.
Open / Unsolicited Grant Cycle (2022-2026 and ongoing)
nature-based youth and community programmingoutdoor access and green spaceenvironmental preservation+3 more
Who can apply: Applicants must be nonprofit or public benefit organizations, or eligible public entities such as public schools, school districts, government agencies, and other public entities. Organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply through an eligible fiscal sponsor. Proposed projects must align with the Foundation’s mission and serve populations in Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles County, or Franklin County, Ohio. Organizations funded for three consecutive years must take at least one year off before reapplying.
Deadline: LOIs accepted April 15 to October 15; full applications due January 15; decisions by mid-March; reports due September 15.
Open nowCloses Oct 15, 2026Award: $10K – $50K
Open / Unsolicited Grant Cycle (2022–2026)
Outdoor nature-based programmingNature-based health and researchPreservation of outdoor space+1 more
Who can apply: Nonprofit or public benefit organizations operating programs serving populations in Santa Barbara County (CA), Los Angeles County (CA), or Franklin County (OH). Applicants must demonstrate programming aligned with foundation mission (immersive, unstructured/free-play, inquiry-based, multi-experience, low-technology). Organizations may receive funding for a maximum of three consecutive years.
Deadline: Letters of Inquiry accepted April 15 through October 15 annually. LOIs processed after October 15; applicants notified by November 15. If invited, full applications due on or before January 15. Decisions by mid-March. Progress/completion reports due September 15.
Open nowCloses Oct 15, 2027Award: $10K – $50K
Open / Unsolicited Grant Cycle (annual LOI → application)
Outdoor access/green spaceNature-based programmingEnvironmental preservation+2 more
Who can apply: Non-profit or public benefit organizations whose programs further the foundation's mission; populations served should be in Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles County, or Franklin County (Ohio). Organizations may receive funding for up to three consecutive years (after three years must wait at least one year before reapplying).
Deadline: LOI window: April 15 to October 15 annually. LOIs processed after Oct 15 and responses by Nov 15. Invited full applications due on or before January 15. Progress/completion reports due September 15.
Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
