Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation
The Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation is a private foundation based in Los Angeles, California. Its 2024 filing reports grants to educational institutions and organizations, as well as support for health services and homeless shelters. The foundation also operates a scholarship program for eligible children of Farmers Insurance Group employees and agents.
Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation at a glance
In short: Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation gave $14.6M across 185 grants in 2024 (avg $79K), mostly in California. 24% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $14,645,000
- +1.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 185
- -4.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $79,162
- +5.9% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $3,000
- Total assets
- $342,188,121
- +7.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 24% first-time grantees (33 of 136, 2024)
- Primary geography
- California (84% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The filing says to contact the trustees by letter. The foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Grants are usually made in Southern California.
- Review Cycle
- None stated.
- Deadline
- None stated.
- Contact
Application contact: The Trustees
Mailing address: 10100 Santa Monica Blvd Ste 610, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: (310) 551-9936
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was University of Southern California ($1.6M across 6 grants). Together the top 10 received $11.9M.
Grant Size Distribution
1,009 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 880 grants of 1,009 (87%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grant dollars were reported as 84% to California recipients, 7% to Washington, D.C., and 7% to Washington state; Indiana and New York each accounted for 0%. The filing also says grants are usually made in Southern California.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 185 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation open to new grantees?
24%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 33 of 136 grantees (24%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $52K; repeat grants $126K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $12K repeat.
- 57% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−18%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 95% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $14.0M (2022) to $17.9M (2021). In 2024 it made 185 grants totaling $14.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California Science Center Foundation Los Angeles, CA | Payment for Educational Purposes | $1,550,000 |
| Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA | Payment for Educational Purposes | $1,550,000 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA | Payment for Educational Purposes | $1,550,000 |
| The Thacher School Ojai, CA | Payment for Educational Purposes | $1,250,000 |
| Archdiocese of Los Angeles - St John's Seminary Camarillo, CA | Payment for Educational Purposes | $1,000,000 |
| California Hospital Medical Center Foundation Los Angeles, CA | Payment for Health Services | $1,000,000 |
| Georgetown University Washington, DC | Payment for Educational Purposes | $1,000,000 |
| Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles, CA | Payment for Educational Purposes | $1,000,000 |
| University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA | Paymnet for Educational Purposes | $1,000,000 |
| Archdiocese of Los Angeles - Teacher Salaries Los Angeles, CA | Payment for Educational Purposes | $984,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $342,188,121 | $34,717,617 | $10,777,345 | $14,645,000 | 185 | $15,271,965 | $32,548,278 | $16,061,239 |
| 2023 | $317,952,872 | $15,152,768 | $17,416,982 | $14,499,000 | 194 | $14,990,764 | $12,010,229 | $14,923,126 |
| 2022 | $292,227,952 | $22,601,820 | $13,624,478 | $14,043,500 | 191 | $14,490,778 | $15,809,178 | $15,068,310 |
| 2021 | $371,206,238 | $62,566,306 | $26,654,940 | $17,905,500 | 215 | $18,396,041 | $60,770,682 | $17,472,308 |
| 2020 | $353,010,874 | $17,603,548 | $12,567,844 | $15,011,750 | 224 | — | $14,999,475 | $14,873,780 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation reported a distributable amount of $16.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s 2024 filing describes a merit- and need-based scholarship program for children of about 40,000 Farmers Insurance Group employees and agents. All children of employees and agents are eligible, and an independent selection committee chooses recipients. This is a direct charitable activity of the foundation, rather than a grant program for outside applicants.
Its 2024 grants included educational-purpose payments to universities, schools, and youth organizations, as well as grants for health services and homeless shelters. Among the grantees, the California Science Center Foundation says it seeks to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning; The California 4-H Foundation says it raises funds for California’s 4-H youth development program; and RAD Camp says it offers programs and camps for people with developmental disabilities and respite for caregivers. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own work.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 185 grants totaling $14,645,000. Grants ranged from $3,000 to $1,550,000, with a median of $3,000.
The largest reported grants included $1,550,000 each to the California Science Center Foundation, Santa Clara University, and the University of Southern California, all for educational purposes. Other notable awards included $1,250,000 to The Thacher School for educational purposes; $1,000,000 each to California Hospital Medical Center Foundation for health services, Georgetown University for educational purposes, Mount Saint Mary’s University for educational purposes, and the University of Puget Sound for educational purposes. The foundation also gave $235,000 to The California 4-H Foundation for educational purposes and $100,000 to Covenant House for homeless shelters.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Kathleen L. McCarthy as chairman. Trustees listed are Jacqueline Powers Doud, Louis Castruccio, Mark Lemons, Jeffrey Kearns, Colleen Pennell, Thomas Lemons, John McCarthy, Michael McCarthy, and Kathleen Duncan. The listed officers and trustees serve as needed.
Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation is led by Kathleen L. McCarthy, Chairman & As Needed on every filing since 2020; 3 of 12 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kathleen L. McCarthy
Chairman & As Needed
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jacqueline Powers Doud
Trustee & As Needed
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Jeffrey Kearns
Trustee & As Needed
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Louis Castruccio
Trustee & As Needed
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
John McCarthy
Trustee & As Needed
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Karen Hollins
Trustee & As Needed
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen Duncan
Trustee & As Needed
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Colleen Pennell
Trustee & As Needed
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Lemons
Trustee & As Needed
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Lemons
Trustee & As Needed
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brad Lemons
Trustee & As Needed
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael McCarthy
Trustee & As Needed
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Michael Enright (2020–2022) — Trustee & As Needed
- Former: Tom Lemons (2020) — Trustee & As Needed
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $2K, to Jacqueline Powers Doud (Trustee, as Needed). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation
How much does Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation give each year?
Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation gave $14.6M across 185 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $14.5M across 194 grants.
What is Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation's typical grant size?
Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $3,000, and its average grant was $79,162, across 185 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation that year got $52K on average.
Where does Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation give grants?
Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation gives mostly in California: 84% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were District of Columbia (7%) and Washington (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Los Angeles, CA (44 grants), Provo, UT (7 grants), Waco, TX (5 grants) and Notre Dame, IN (4 grants).
Does Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 2% of Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (4 of 185) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Payment for Educational Purposes" (134 grants), "Payment for Youth Services" (3 grants) and "Payment for Support of the Youth" (3 grants).
Who are Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation's largest grantees?
Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include University of Southern California ($1,572,000 across 6 grants), Santa Clara University ($1,553,000 across 2 grants) and California Science Center Foundation ($1,550,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 32% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation?
Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation reported $342.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $15.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $16.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation fund?
The foundation’s 2024 filing describes a merit- and need-based scholarship program for children of about 40,000 Farmers Insurance Group employees and agents. All children of employees and agents are eligible, and an independent selection committee chooses recipients. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation?
The filing says to contact the trustees by letter. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation's EIN?
Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-6060162. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in California
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
IBM International Foundation
Armonk, NY
The IBM International Foundation funds education and workforce programs that build 21st-century and technology job skills, including initiatives for underserved students and job seekers. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.48 million, with a median of $100,000, and went to organizations across several U.S. states, especially Delaware and Massachusetts. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$357.7M
Grants
16
Total Given
$11.7M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
California Community Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
The California Community Foundation supports nonprofits through discretionary and donor-directed grants, with discretionary priorities including education, health, housing and immigration, alongside other areas such as arts, civic engagement and economic opportunity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, and its work is focused on Los Angeles County; prospective discretionary applicants are asked to contact the relevant program officer before submitting a letter of intent.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
2,174
Total Given
$326.6M
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, democracy, gender equity, racial justice, and efforts to strengthen nonprofits and philanthropy, with work spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, and locations including East and West Africa and Mexico. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $150,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but sometimes invites proposals through open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds work in affordable housing and homelessness, community resilience and power, as well as social services, education, arts and conservation, with a focus on marginalized Marin County residents and some broader U.S. and international grantmaking. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/thomas-and-dorothy-leavey-foundation-morg_acefa246d5034b49a3459d9fb3bbfb36
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_956060162_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Thomas \& Dorothy Leavey Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/thomas-and-dorothy-leavey-foundation-morg_acefa246d5034b49a3459d9fb3bbfb36},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?