Honoring Her Legacy
Liz lived her life with joy, optimism, and purpose. The EAK Foundation carries that forward, awarding grants to the causes closest to her heart.
Remembering Liz
Elizabeth Anne Keys embraced life with exuberance, enthusiasm, and pure joy. Valedictorian of Madeira High School in Ohio, she went to Tufts University, where she walked onto the sailing team, ran the Boston Marathon, and played the bassoon, oboe, and saxophone. She earned her J.D. from Georgetown Law, clerked for a federal judge, and worked as a litigator at a DC law firm. But Liz’s life was so much more than her resume.
Liz believed that every experience was either a good time or a good story.
She was a kind, affectionate, and loving daughter and partner, an excellent listener who gave compassionate advice to family and friends. She was witty and sharp, with warm brown eyes that were endlessly expressive, and she would sometimes spontaneously break into a little dance, waving her jazz hands while doing a two-step. Her best times were on the beach, on the slopes, or on a trail with the people she loved.
On her 33rd birthday, Liz’s life was tragically cut short in a plane crash. This foundation was established by those who loved her to carry forward the work she believed in most.
What We Support
The EAK Foundation awards grants to organizations and initiatives aligned with the causes Liz dedicated her life to. We focus on four areas:
Expanding pathways to education for those beyond traditional participants, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and initiatives that break down barriers to learning.
Supporting legal advocacy, access to care, and organizations defending reproductive autonomy, particularly for underserved communities.
Opening doors in sports and physical activity to people of all backgrounds by funding programs that make athletics accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Supporting rescue organizations, shelters, and programs that protect and care for animals, reflecting Liz’s deep love for all creatures, especially her rescue Yorkie, Tucker.
Get Involved
The EAK Foundation accepts grant applications on a rolling basis. We welcome proposals from nonprofits, community organizations, and initiatives working in our focus areas.
Ensure your work aligns with reproductive rights, animal welfare, athletics & inclusion, or academic access.
Send us a brief description of your organization, the initiative you’re seeking funding for, and the impact you aim to achieve.
Our board reviews proposals and follows up with selected applicants for additional details.
A strong proposal typically includes:
Connect With Us
Whether you’d like to learn more about our work or get involved, we’d love to hear from you.