The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris
The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris Foundation is a private family foundation based in Long Beach, California, with an office in Torrance. Established in 1963 by Kenneth T. Norris and his wife Eileen L. Norris, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations across Southern California and select regions. Kenneth T. Norris founded Norris Stamping & Manufacturing Company, a manufacturer of steel products known as Norris Industries, Inc., which was sold in 1980. The foundation was created with an initial gift of $9,140 and has grown to become a significant philanthropic force in the region.
Key facts about The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris
- EIN
- 95-6080374
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $13,864,000
- Grants made (2025)
- 159
- Average grant
- $87,195
- Median grant
- $30,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 5% first-time grantees (7 of 154, 2025)
- Primary geography
- California (98% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not respond to unsolicited letters of inquiry. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris's 159 itemized 2025 grants were California (98%). The most frequent recipient cities were Los Angeles, CA (59 grants), San Diego, CA (13 grants), Long Beach, CA (9 grants) and San Pedro, CA (8 grants). 8% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
Is The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris open to new grantees?
5%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 7 of 154 grantees (5%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $175K; repeat grants $86K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $30K repeat.
- 92% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+5%). Method
Estimate from itemized IRS Form 990-PF grant lists (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Next steps with The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris
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Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$13.9M
+10.2% YoY
Grant Count
159
-1.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$87K
+12.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission Statement: Enhancing quality of life through medicine, education, and the arts in Southern California.
The foundation supports programs that advance better health and intellectual enlightenment through education, cultivation of the arts, individual responsibility, freedom and dignity. Primary funding areas include:
- Medicine & Health: Supporting healthcare initiatives, medical research, and health-related programs
- Education: K-12 programs, higher education, and youth development
- Arts & Culture: Museums, performing arts organizations, and cultural institutions
- Community & Youth: Community development and youth-focused programs
- Science: Scientific research and education initiatives
Grantmaking
Grant Range
** $3,000 to $1,500,000
Invitation Only
** The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not respond to unsolicited letters of inquiry. The foundation prefers to maintain ongoing relationships with existing grantees. New grantseekers may gain attention through connections to board members or past grantees.
Ready to take the next step with The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's primary focus is Southern California, with particular emphasis on the Long Beach and surrounding areas. Secondary geographic interests include Virginia and Hawaii.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 159 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Total Assets: $121,556,350 (as of 2024)
Total Giving: $12,584,000 (2024)
Total Revenues: $22,453,688 (2024)
Total Expenses: $14,870,729 (2024)
Investments: Approximately $104.4 million in investments
Tax-Exempt Status: 501(c)(3) private foundation, tax-exempt since January 1965
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
872 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest recipients include Children's Hospital Los Angeles ($1,100,000), American Red Cross Los Angeles Region ($1,000,000), Torrance Memorial Medical Center Health Care Foundation ($800,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES Los Angeles, CA | FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM AND IMPACT RESEARCH | $1,100,000 |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS LOS ANGELES REGION Los Angeles, CA | 2025 LOS ANGELES FIRE VICTIMS | $1,000,000 |
| TORRANCE MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION Torrance, CA | BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC EXPANSION/INTEGRATION | $800,000 |
| USCNORRIS COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER - NORRIS HEALTHCARE CONSULTATION CENT Los Angeles, CA | CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPIES FOR DIVERSE PATIENTS | $750,000 |
| CITY OF HOPE Duarte, CA | DUAL-TARGETED CAR-T THERAPY FOR GLIOBLASTOMA | $700,000 |
| CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER Los Angeles, CA | CEDARS-SINAI BONE HEALTH&AGING PROGRAM | $600,000 |
| NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY Los Angeles, CA | EXHIBITIONS AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS | $575,000 |
| CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION Los Angeles, CA | OSCHIN AIR AND SPACE CENTER | $500,000 |
| SAN DIEGO RESCUE MISSION San Diego, CA | ROOMS FOR NEW LIFE | $350,000 |
| COASTAL SAGE MONTESSORI Carlsbad, CA | PURCHASE OF PROPERTY | $300,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Current Leadership:
- Walter J. Zanino – Chairman and Executive Director (elected 2023)
- Bradley K Norris – Trustee
- James Martin – Trustee
- Kimberley Presley – Trustee
- Brooks Norris – Trustee
- Becky Accordino – Trustee
- Marissa Norris – Trustee
- Kelly LaPree – Trustee
- Christina Martin – Trustee
- Brianna Harwood – Grants Manager
Historical Leadership: Kenneth T. Norris Jr., son of the founders, took over as chairman in 1972 following his father's death. He was known as a primary benefactor of the USC/Kenneth T. Norris Jr. Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital before his death in 1996. Harlyne J. Norris, his wife, assumed the chairmanship in 1997 and served until her passing in 2016. She was remembered for her support of USC and local contributions to health and the arts, with the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion at Palos Verdes Performing Arts and a cancer research center at USC named in her honor. Lisa D. Hansen, daughter of Kenneth T. Norris Jr. and Harlyne, served as Chair of the Board following Harlyne's tenure until her passing.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 IRS filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walter Zanino | Trustee, Chairman and Executive Direct | 35 | $10,000 |
| Bradley K Norris | Trustee | 5 | $10,000 |
| James Martin | Trustee | 5 | $10,000 |
| Kimberley Presley | Trustee | 5 | $10,000 |
| Brooks Norris | Trustee | 5 | $10,000 |
| Becky Accordino | Trustee | 35 | $10,000 |
| Marissa Norris | Trustee | 5 | $10,000 |
| Kelly Lapree | Trustee | 5 | $10,000 |
| Christina Martin | Trustee | 5 | $10,000 |
| Brianna Harwood | Grants Manager | 35 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Norris Foundation celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023, marking six decades of philanthropic impact in Southern California. The foundation continues to support major institutions and initiatives across its focus areas, with recent grants demonstrating ongoing commitment to healthcare, education, and cultural institutions in the region.
Special Thanks & Appreciation to the NORRIS FOUNDATIONSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris fund?
**Mission Statement:** Enhancing quality of life through medicine, education, and the arts in Southern California. The foundation supports programs that advance better health and intellectual enlightenment through education, cultivation of the arts, individual responsibility, freedom and dignity. Primary funding areas include: • **Medicine & Health:** Supporting healthcare initiatives, medical research, and health-related programs • **Education:** K-12 programs, higher education, and youth deve…
How do I apply for a grant from The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris?
The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not respond to unsolicited letters of inquiry. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
Where does The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris make grants?
The foundation's primary focus is Southern California, with particular emphasis on the Long Beach and surrounding areas. Secondary geographic interests include Virginia and Hawaii.
What size grants does The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris award?
In 2025, The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris awarded 159 grants totaling $13.9M — an average of about $87K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris's EIN?
The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norris's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-6080374. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
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Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.