The Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation concentrates its philanthropy on education, making a small number of very large gifts primarily to colleges, universities and select independent schools and science-education institutions in California. Grants favor private and often religiously affiliated higher-education institutions as well as K–12 boarding/preparatory schools and public-facing science education (museums). The foundation typically provides multi-hundred-thousand to multi-million dollar payments for educational purposes and shows a pattern of repeat support to major beneficiaries.
Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation’s recent giving is dominated by large educational grants, including a $3,000,000 payment to the University of Southern California for educational purposes and a $2,500,000 payment to Mount Saint Mary's University. The pattern is not limited to universities: the foundation also backed California Science Center Foundation with $1,550,000 in 2025 and $1,000,000 in 2024, showing a recurring interest in science education alongside higher education. Many of its largest awards go to California institutions, often in Los Angeles, and several recipients receive support in multiple years. The Thacher School received $1,250,000 in 2024 and again in 2025, while Georgetown University was funded in both 2024 and 2025 at $1,000,000 each year. Educational support also reaches religiously affiliated institutions, including Archdiocese of Los Angeles - St John's Seminary and Jesuits West Province, as well as K–12 settings such as Verbium Dei Jesuit High School. The foundation’s grantmaking combines major institutional support with some smaller community-oriented gifts, but education remains the central thread.
In higher education, the foundation made seven-figure payments for educational purposes to institutions such as Santa Clara University, University of Puget Sound, and Georgetown University. California Science Center Foundation received support in two consecutive years, indicating a sustained interest in public science education. The foundation also funds independent and preparatory schools: The Thacher School received $1,250,000 in both 2024 and 2025, and Verbium Dei Jesuit High School received a $100,000 educational grant in 2024. Beyond campuses and schools, it backed child-focused services through John Tracy Center with a $100,000 payment in 2025 for child audiology. These grants show a mix of institutional education, science learning, and specialized support for children.
The foundation’s typical grant size is $3,000 at both the 25th percentile and median, rising to $25,000 at the 75th percentile. That distribution sits alongside a separate set of much larger educational awards in the recent grants list, including repeated seven-figure gifts. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including The Thacher School, Georgetown University, California Science Center Foundation, Santa Clara University, Mount Saint Mary's University, Jesuits West Province, The California 4-H Foundation, and Good Sheperd Center. The foundation is a regular funder, does not fund individuals, and is not listed as making program-related investments.
$7.4M
$342.2M
$34.7M
$10.8M
Most grants fall between $3K and $25K, with a median of $3K.
25th Percentile
$3K
Median
$3K
75th Percentile
$25K
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Concentrated portfolio of a few very large grants (multi-million dollar), with repeat grants to select institutions rather than many small awards; payments commonly designated for educational purposes/projects or general institutional support.
Notable grantees: University of Southern California, Santa Clara University, Mount Saint Mary's University, The Thacher School, California Science Center Foundation
Grantmaking is national, but California clearly receives the largest share of awards, with 43% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state. Los Angeles appears frequently, including recipients such as University of Southern California, California Science Center Foundation, Mount Saint Mary's University, California Hospital Medical Center Foundation, and John Tracy Center. Other California cities in the recent grants list include Santa Clara, Ojai, Davis, Camarillo, Hollywood, and Los Gatos. Outside California, named recipients include Georgetown University in Washington, DC, University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, and The Hunger Project in New York, New York. All listed recent grants go to U.S. recipients.
The foundation primarily supports educational institutions, especially colleges and universities, independent and preparatory schools, and science-education organizations. Recent grants include University of Southern California, Mount Saint Mary's University, California Science Center Foundation, and The Thacher School.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including The Thacher School, Georgetown University, California Science Center Foundation, Santa Clara University, Mount Saint Mary's University, Jesuits West Province, The California 4-H Foundation, and Good Sheperd Center.
Its typical grant size is $3,000 at the 25th percentile and median, with a $25,000 75th percentile. Recent grant amounts also include much larger payments, especially in education.
California is the top state by grant count, and 43% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state. Los Angeles is a frequent recipient city, alongside Santa Clara, Ojai, Davis, Camarillo, Hollywood, and Los Gatos.
The recent grants list includes science education, health services, child audiology, homelessness services, support for homeless women, and support for underprivileged communities. Examples include California Science Center Foundation, California Hospital Medical Center Foundation, John Tracy Center, Covenant House, and Good Sheperd Center.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION | LOS ANGELES, CA | $1,550,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY | SANTA CLARA, CA | $1,550,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | LOS ANGELES, CA | $1,550,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| THE THACHER SCHOOL | OJAI, CA | $1,250,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| MOUNT SAINT MARY'S UNIVERSITY | LOS ANGELES, CA | $1,000,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND | TACOMA, WA | $1,000,000 | 2025 | PAYMNET FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY | WASHINGTON, DC | $1,000,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| CALIFORNIA HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION | LOS ANGELES, CA | $1,000,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR HEALTH SERVICES |
| ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES - ST JOHN'S SEMINARY | CAMARILLO, CA | $1,000,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES - TEACHER SALARIES | LOS ANGELES, CA | $984,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| THE CALIFORNIA 4-H FOUNDATION | DAVIS, CA | $235,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| JESUITS WEST PROVINCE | LOS GATOS, CA | $100,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| HOSPITALLER FOUNDATION OF CALIFORNIA INC | LOS ANGELES, CA | $100,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT IN SUPPORT OF HOSPITALITY CENTERS |
| DON BOSCO TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL | ROSEMEAD, CA | $100,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| JOHN TRACY CENTER | LOS ANGELES, CA | $100,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT IN SUPPORT OF CHILD AUDIOLOGY |
| COVENANT HOUSE | HOLLYWOOD, CA | $100,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR HOMELESS SHELTERS |
| HILLCREST TRANSITIONAL HOUSING | WOODLAND HILLS, CA | $75,000 | 2025 | DONATION IN SUPPORT OF TRANSITIONAL HOUSING |
| SISTERS OF SOCIAL SERVICE | ENCINO, CA | $75,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF SOCIAL SERVICES |
| HOLY FAMILY SERVICES | SOUTH PASADENA, CA | $75,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR FOSTER CARE |
| MATER DOLOROSA PASSIONIST RETREAT CENTER | SIERRA MADRE, CA | $60,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR CATHOLIC RETREAT CENTER |
| MARYVALE | LOS ANGELES, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR ORPHAN SERVICES |
| ST CAMILLUS PASTORAL CENTER | LOS ANGELES, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| RAD CAMP | IRVINE, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF THE YOUTH |
| UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND | LOS ANGELES, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| OUR HOUSE | WOODLAND HILLS, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF GRIEVING CHILDREN AND TEENS |
| PROVIDENCE TRINITY CARE HOSPICE FOUNDATION | TORRANCE, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL/EDUCATIONAL |
| GREEN DOT PUBLIC SCHOOLS | LOS ANGELES, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC STUDENT COUNCILS | PASADENA, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| WESTSIDE FOOD BANK | SANTA MONICA, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR FOOD INSTABILITY |
| A PLACE CALLED HOME | LOS ANGELES, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR YOUTH SERVICES |
| GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER LOS ANGELES | INGLEWOOD, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF THE YOUTH |
| STRIVE | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR YOUTH SERVICES |
| LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR | SAN PEDRO, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF THE ELDERLY |
| SOUTH CENTRAL LAMP | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR WOMEN SERVICES |
| THE GIVING SPIRT | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR HOMELESS SUPPORT |
| BAGS4KIDS | CALIFORNIA CITY, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF FOSTER CHILDREN |
| LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF LOS ANGELES | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| WAYFINDER FAMILY SERVICES | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED |
| ST FRANCIS CENTER | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR HOMELESS SUPPORT |
| PATH BEYOND SHELTER | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR HOMELESS SUPPORT |
| FIVE ACRES | ALTADENA, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR MENTAL HEATH SERVICES |
| AMERICAN INDIAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS NETWORK | NOTRE DAME, IN | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| CASA DE LAS AMIGAS | PASADENA, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR REHABILITATION CENTER |
| CATHOLIC SCHOOLS COLLABORATIVE | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES |
| CAMP RONALD MCDONALD | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT TO SUPPORT CAMP FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER AND THEIR FAMILIES |
| CASA | MONTEREY PARK, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF ABUSED OR NEGLECTED CHILDREN |
| GROSSMAN BURN FOUNDATION | CALABASAS, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR BURN INJURY VICTIMS |
| THE HOUSE INSTITUTE FOUNDATION | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR HEARING SERVICES |
| IEMPATHIZE | BOULDER, CO | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION |
SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY
$1,550,000PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
MOUNT SAINT MARY'S UNIVERSITY
$1,000,000PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND
PAYMNET FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
PAYMENT FOR HEALTH SERVICES
ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES - ST JOHN'S SEMINARY
$1,000,000PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES - TEACHER SALARIES
$984,000PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
JESUITS WEST PROVINCE
$100,000PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
PAYMENT IN SUPPORT OF HOSPITALITY CENTERS
COVENANT HOUSE
$100,000PAYMENT FOR HOMELESS SHELTERS
HILLCREST TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
$75,000DONATION IN SUPPORT OF TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
SISTERS OF SOCIAL SERVICE
$75,000PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
HOLY FAMILY SERVICES
$75,000PAYMENT FOR FOSTER CARE
MATER DOLOROSA PASSIONIST RETREAT CENTER
$60,000PAYMENT FOR CATHOLIC RETREAT CENTER
MARYVALE
$50,000PAYMENT FOR ORPHAN SERVICES
ST CAMILLUS PASTORAL CENTER
$50,000PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
RAD CAMP
$50,000PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF THE YOUTH
UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND
$50,000PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
OUR HOUSE
$50,000PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF GRIEVING CHILDREN AND TEENS
ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC STUDENT COUNCILS
$30,000PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
WESTSIDE FOOD BANK
$30,000PAYMENT FOR FOOD INSTABILITY
GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER LOS ANGELES
$30,000PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF THE YOUTH
STRIVE
$25,000PAYMENT FOR YOUTH SERVICES
LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR
$25,000PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF THE ELDERLY
SOUTH CENTRAL LAMP
$25,000PAYMENT FOR WOMEN SERVICES
THE GIVING SPIRT
$25,000PAYMENT FOR HOMELESS SUPPORT
BAGS4KIDS
$25,000PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF FOSTER CHILDREN
PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
ST FRANCIS CENTER
$25,000PAYMENT FOR HOMELESS SUPPORT
PATH BEYOND SHELTER
$25,000PAYMENT FOR HOMELESS SUPPORT
AMERICAN INDIAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS NETWORK
$25,000PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART
$25,000PAYMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
CASA DE LAS AMIGAS
$25,000PAYMENT FOR REHABILITATION CENTER
CAMP RONALD MCDONALD
$25,000PAYMENT TO SUPPORT CAMP FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER AND THEIR FAMILIES
CASA
$25,000PAYMENT FOR SUPPORT OF ABUSED OR NEGLECTED CHILDREN
GROSSMAN BURN FOUNDATION
$25,000PAYMENT FOR BURN INJURY VICTIMS
IEMPATHIZE
$25,000PAYMENT FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION