Private foundation · EIN 87-3374164 · La Jolla, California · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Gary and Mary West Charitable Trust

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2024 Form 990-PF: 23 grants paid, $50M total, median $36K. 65% of grants stayed in California.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2024
23
$50M
Median grant
$36K
Stays in CA
65%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$411M

Grants paid in 2024

23 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV. Part XV itemizes $50M; Part I reports $57M in contributions paid

RecipientPurposeAmount
Gary and Mary West Health InstituteLA Jolla, CATo support operations and applied medical research initiatives$36M
Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center IncWashington, DCSee statement for expenditure responsibility grant$12M
Omaha Community FoundationOmaha, NETo support the trust's continued efforts in funding charitable organizations$520K
Legal Aid Society of San Diego IncSan Diego, CATo support the health advocacy project$193K
Serving SeniorsSan Diego, CATo support integrated care coordination$131K
Serving SeniorsSan Diego, CATo support operations at the gary and mary west senior wellness center$105K
Serving SeniorsSan Diego, CATo support integrated care coordination$87K
San Diego Seniors Community FoundationSan Diego, CATo support the general operations$75K
Serving SeniorsSan Diego, CATo support operations at the gary and mary west senior wellness center$63K
Interfaith Community Services IncEscondido, CATo support senior services in north san diego county$50K
Interfaith Community Services IncEscondido, CATo support senior services in north san diego county$50K
Apple Tree DentalMounds View, MNTo support the healthy aging project$36K
Challenge CenterLA Mesa, CATo support aging with independence and dignity$36K
Lake Nona Institute IncOrlando, FLTo support the lake nona impact forum 2025$25K
San Diego Regional Economic Development FoundationSan Diego, CATo support general operations focused on successful aging$25K
Serving SeniorsSan Diego, CAChallenge grant to supplement serving seniors operations$25K
Special Forces Charitable TrustSouthern Pines, NCTo support behavioral health services$25K
Challenge CenterLA Mesa, CATo support aging with independence and dignity$18K
California Foundation on AgingSacramento, CATo support california commission on aging's 50th anniversary event$10K
Dental Lifeline NetworkDenver, COTo support dental services for seniors$10K
Gifford Medical CenterRandolph, VTTo support last mile event for end of life care$10K
Grantmakers in Aging IncWhite Plains, NYTo support grantmakers in aging general operations$10K
The Silver Gate Yacht Club FoundationSan Diego, CATo support harbor excursions for people with disabilities$7,500

By state: California 15 · District of Columbia 1 · Nebraska 1 · Minnesota 1 · Florida 1 · North Carolina 1

About this foundation

Gary and Mary West Charitable Trust is a private grantmaking foundation in La Jolla, California, administered in care of Shelley Lyford, tax-exempt since 2022. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does Gary and Mary West Charitable Trust accept grant applications?

No. On its 2024 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does Gary and Mary West Charitable Trust give each year?

In tax year 2024 it paid $50M across 23 grants, a median of $36K.

Where does Gary and Mary West Charitable Trust give?

California (15 grants), District of Columbia (1 grants), Nebraska (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

More foundations near La Jolla that accept applications

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Center for Neurologic Studysince 1990 La Jolla, CA $1,0001 grants · 2024 $1,000Preselected only $32M
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