HISTORY
The Larson Legacy was founded in 1997 by Leland Larson and Kathy Larson. We are located in Portland, OR.
For many years Lee owned and operated several school bus related transportation companies from Gresham, Oregon. Prior to the start of the Larson Legacy, they began the School Bus Services Community Foundation, which offered grants to the teachers and schools in the districts that were served.
Lee and Kathy also spent several years as members of the Threshold Foundation, which combines many worldwide donor networks and socially responsible businesses. Working on various grant committees sparked the interest in forming their own local foundation and thus began the Larson Legacy. Though no longer spouses, both Lee and Kathy along with other family members have continued to operate “the Legacy” together for over 20 years.
WHO WE FUND
The Larson Legacy seeks to provide financial support to non-profit projects and organizations that we feel are really making a difference in lives, in their community and in the world. We look for groups that are innovative, provide systemic solutions and may be replicable.
We strongly favor progressive, grassroots organizations that may not already be receiving other significant funding and where our funding will make a difference. Because of our location, we fund many groups in Oregon, Washington and California, however we do consider and have funded many qualified international non-profits. Areas of interest include social justice, access to healthcare, issues of women and children, homelessness and low income, environmental projects, and Tibetan.
