Our History ▼
Mission Statement ▼
Funding Focus ▼
Application Process ▼
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Using Nature to Strengthen, Nurture, and Heal the Soul
Our History
In 2006, upon the sale of the family business (Adams Rite Manufacturing Co.), Peter Adams and his wife Rebecca funded the Adams Legacy Foundation to share with others the gifts with which they had been blessed. The original goal of the foundation was twofold; to foster a commitment to philanthropy in their heirs and succeeding generations and to support organizations important to family members’ communities. As the Foundation developed, it started to fund in 5-year cycles to specific funding areas. As the next generation, and then the third, joined in the work, a common focus developed. Because of collective and individual experiences in nature - away from school, work, and the din of 21st century life; the power of Nature and how it impacts people’s lives for the better has become our focus.
The founders of the foundation and their family understand how critical being in nature is for personal development and inner peace. The Foundation continues to be inspired by organizations who work to provide the healing benefits of nature to different populations.
Belief Statement
Mission: Using Nature to Strengthen, Nurture, and Heal the Soul
Research has shown that simply existing in nature can heal your soul and help you develop a sense of inner peace. Therefore, we invest in organizations who work to get people outdoors and in researchers working to understand the health benefits of time in nature. Additionally, we support those dedicated to preserving outdoor space for generations to come.
“Our GOAL is to help connect people with nature. We believe a visit to nature is refreshment for the soul. It is God’s way of recharging our lives.”
— Peter Adams
The Open Grant Process
The Adams Legacy Foundation supports organizations that use Nature to Strengthen, Nurture, and Heal the Soul.
For the current funding cycle, we are focused solely on organizations serving communities within Santa Barbara County and Los Angeles County, California, and Franklin County, Ohio. We are also interested in collaborative initiatives that increase access to green spaces within these communities.
Due to a high volume of interest, we encourage all prospective applicants to review our Frequently Asked Questions before reaching out. If you need additional assistance after reviewing the FAQs, please contact Director of Programs, Tatum Barnes Bridge, or Executive Director, Blair A. Carty.
Components of Successful Grant Applications:
From non-profit or public benefit organizations.
Populations served are in Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles County, and Franklin County, Ohio.
Requests for projects are in the $10,000 to $50,000 range.
Clearly articulate how they are furthering our mission including:
Immersive
Unstructured or “free-play”
Inquiry based, using all the senses
Longer term (multiple experiences in Nature)
Little to no technology/electronics
Note: We will fund grantee organizations for a maximum of three years in a row. After three consecutive years of funding, we will not accept an LOI from that organization for at least one year.
Our Funding History:
Our funding focus has evolved over the years. Click the links below to see the organization’s we’ve supported within different grant cycles:
COMING SOON: 2026 - Present
Application Process
HOW TO APPLY:
Using the on-line system is easy. All forms, attachments and reports will be handled through the on-line grant management system (provided by Foundant). Please click and read the directions before beginning an application.
Any non-profit or public benefit organization which believes that its mission is a match for our foundation is welcome to apply for one of our Open Grants. Only those applications submitted using our on-line grant management software will be accepted. Once the portal is open in the Spring, LOIs may be submitted anytime until October 15th.
Step 1:
Create an Account
Select one login email address/password to be used for all your submissions
Provide the email address of the person ultimately responsible for the grant administration. The Adams Legacy Foundation will communicate all pertinent information to this email address.
Step 2:
Complete the Online
Letter of Inquiry
Letters of Inquiry are accepted anytime between April 15 and October 15.
All Letters of Inquiry are processed after October 15 and are responded to by November 15.
Step 3:
If Approved, Complete the Online Grant Application
Applications are Due on or before January 15.
Decisions will be made and grantees notified by mid-March.
Step 4:
If Approved for a Grant, Complete the Progress and Completion Reports
Progress/Completion reports are due September 15.