Progress begins where exclusion ends
Pennington foundations have granted over $300 million to enrich lives from South Louisiana to corners of the world. For over three decades, the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation served as the cornerstone, setting the blueprint for giving. That legacy continues through two individual foundations: Pennington Family Foundation, spearheaded by Paula Pennington de la Bretonne, and Sharon and Claude B. Pennington Foundation, directed by Claude Pennington.
We don’s exist without partners. That’s why we’re leading with a single goal in mind: to help social organizations, co-investors, foundations: succeed. Our support and voice connects them to resources and leaders for driving—and sustaining—inclusive, lasting social progress.
1980: global gift
Doc Pennington and wife, Irene, grant $125 million to seed LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
2024: voices carry
Pennington foundations underwrite Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra’s Great Performance Series. It will celebrate 20 years with Grammy winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma in 2024. Renee Fleming, seen here, and other musicians of note have sold out shows, providing a lift to the BRSO.
Building on more than 40 years of results
We've issued awards to organizations that not only safeguard our communities but also illuminate lives through arts and science, ignite passion for play, and pioneer health therapies to care for people across the generations.
2003: stars in BR eyes
A $3 million gift from The Irene W. and C.B Pennington Foundation built the planetarium at Louisiana Art and Science Museum. It’s named after Irene Pennington.
How our grantmaking works
The Pennington family and its foundations have issued more than $300 million in gifts and grants across South Louisiana and the world. It began with The Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation and continues with the Pennington Family Foundation, led by Paula Pennington de la Bretonne, and the Pennington Foundation, spearheaded by Claude Pennington. Nonprofits and organizations wishing to apply for a grant from Pennington foundations have a new, simpler place to apply. Please click on the link below.