The La Posada Foundation

BizTUCSONApril 20, 2026

2 minutes read

A Legacy of Caring

By Loni Nannini

The La Posada Foundation is bringing philanthropy home, literally and figuratively, for seniors in Arizona.

“As a nonprofit, what we do differently is not only connected with the greater community and gives back to the community, but we also assure our residents that when they move into La Posada, they have a home for life,” said Joni Condit, president and CEO of La Posada Communities and its entities.

The guarantee is conditional: Residents can’t gamble or give their money away.

“If they simply outlive their resources, our Foundation is going to make up the difference and our staff will take care of them for life at the level of care they need. . .and that security and peace of mind for residents differentiates our campuses,” said Condit.

Also known as a “life lease,” the program is supported by the Foundation’s benevolence fund or “Good Neighbor Fund.” Typically it covers housing and living expenses, including dining, utilities and other needs for three to five residents annually at La Posada at Green Valley. Donations can also be directed toward the Foundation for La Posada at Pusch Ridge.

“These funds are a safety net that will step in and cover the costs if someone’s finances go south like so many did during the big recession in 2008,” said Simon Davis, board chair for La Posada Communities and affiliated entities.

Many find it especially comforting with life expectancy in the U.S. at an all-time high in 2024.

“Sometimes people simply live longer than anticipated. The life lease means that their chldren will not have to fund their parent’s last years or move them away from their friends,” said Condit.

Resident donations have enhanced the Green Valley campus significantly over the past 39 years, providing funds that support a chaplaincy; supplementation of arts programming and lifelong learning; an array of fitness and health-related initiatives; and even construction of new buildings.

“I think many people want to leave a legacy and give back, be it to La Posada or the greater community, and the Foundation has numerous funds you can donate to depending on your interests,” said Davis.

Donation methods include cash, stocks, bonds, IRA rollovers, endowments and other planned giving options.

“Many residents have given a gift annuity, which provides a monthly income until they pass away. Typically, about 50% of the gift is left for use by La Posada to make improvements to the campus. At our Green Valley campus, we are getting ready to build a new arts and crafts building that will be built with cash donations and major gift annuities,” said Condit.

Other Foundation initiatives include clubs and projects that promote volunteerism, an employee holiday gift-giving project, and a no-strings-attached employee scholarship program that enables employees to invest in themselves. Condit said the scholarship program is extremely popular with residents. In fact, four Green Valley residents have directed endowment scholarships to La Posada at Pusch Ridge recipients to energize a similar program at the new campus.

“There is a great symbiosis here. Over the years, residents have given an unbelievable number of scholarships to the young people who work for us because they believe a better-educated person is a better citizen of the world and they talk about that.”

Collectively, the philanthropic ethos is a win-win for residents, employees and the greater Tucson and Green Valley communities.

“Residents can support causes on campus and in the community that matter to them, creating a sense of purpose. . .and we impact the community in ways that go beyond older adults. Our impact includes an intergenerational connection,” said Condit.