The Kai Family Foundation
Accepts applications
The Kai Family Foundation is a private foundation in Tucson, Arizona. In tax year 2025 it gave $192,980 in 40 grants; the typical grant was $2,750 and the largest $25,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$192,980
- Number of grants40
- Typical grant$2,750
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$4.8 million
- New grantees43%
Giving in 2025 was up from $160,750 the year before.
43% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $150,586 | 31 | $3.5 million |
| 2024 | $160,750 | 32 | $4.1 million |
| 2025 | $192,980 | 40 | $4.8 million |
How to apply
| Contact | The Kai Family Foundation CO Sidne 7440 N Oracle Rd Building 2, Tucson, AZ 85704 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (520) 742-0440, slfelker@slfpc.com |
| What to submit | Short Written narrative with copy of IRS exemption letter |
| Deadlines | October 31, for foundation year ending succeeding December 31 Arizona |
| Restrictions | Preference given to exempt organizations in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona |
What The Kai Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Arizona.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 38 | $187,480 |
| California | 2 | $5,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson Medical Center Health Foundation | Support to improving the health and quality of life in Tucson. | $25,000 |
| Tucson Chinese Cultural Center | Promote, sponsor and educate the community relating to chinese culture and heritage. | $25,000 |
| University of Arizona College of Agriculture | To produce employable graduates, advance purpose driven science, and work alongside communities to improve lives and livelihoods. | $12,500 |
| U of A Foundation AG 100 | To advance the University of Arizona through philanthropy supported by building relationships, securing philanthropic support, and stewarding assets. | $10,000 |
| Caring Ministries Inc | Support local communities by providing food, clothing, and other resources while sharing the love and salvation of Jesus Christ to everyone we serve | $9,000 |
| Ironwood Ridge High School PTO | To promote an educational experience that inspires and prepares learners to realize their unique potential. | $7,500 |
| The Marshall Home for Men | Provide lodging, food, and care for elderly infirm men. | $6,000 |
| Friends of Hubbell Trading Post | Aid and promote the management of programs and objectives of the historic site | $5,500 |
| Douglas High School | Provide support for academic growth of its students. | $5,000 |
| Center for Neurosciences foundation | Support research and education in neurosciences and to raise awareness of diseases of the nervous system. | $5,000 |
| Campus Community Church SBC | Support mission to connect people in the University of Arizona community with Jesus Christ | $5,000 |
| Chistian Properties Inc | Support the set free Baptist fellowship of Tucson ministry | $5,000 |
| Marana Community Food Bank | Provide emergency food assistance and a variety of services to local residents | $5,000 |
| Graceway Fellowship Ministries | To contribute to various causes within the non-profit sector | $5,000 |
| Community Foundation of Southern Arizona | To build a thriving Southern Arizona through philanthropy by connecting individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to address community challenges and create lasting solutions. | $5,000 |
| El Rio Health Center Foundation | provide life-changing care to Tucsonans | $4,010 |
| Disabled American Veterans - Chapter 4 Tucson AZ | Support U.S. military veterans in Northern Pima County | $4,000 |
| Youth on their own | Support programs for youth experiencing homelessness in Pima County | $3,000 |
| Tucson Botanical Gardens | To connect people with plants and nature through art, science, history, and culture with an emphasis on education, community engagement, and the responsible use of plants and water in a desert environment. | $3,000 |
| North India Christian Ministries | To reach North Indian villages for Christ through various ministries. Aim to change the tomorrow of someone less fortunate by giving back to the community through their ministries. | $3,000 |
| Pan Asian Community Alliance | Promote and develop asian American native Hawaiian and pacific islander education. | $2,500 |
| Rockdale PTA | Connect families, schools, and communities to drive improvements in education for children | $2,500 |
| University of Arizona Foundation - UA Hispanic Alu | To provide aide and academic support for University of Arizona students committed to transforming and elevating our community. | $2,500 |
| YMCA of Southern Arizona | To improve the quality of human life and helping all people realize their fullest potential through spirit, mind, and body. | $2,500 |
| Marana High School PTO | To enhance the educational experience and well-being of students and staff within the Marana Unified School District. | $2,500 |
| Mountain View High School PRO | To raise scholarship monies to support students at Mountain View High School | $2,500 |
| Marana Schools 2340 Foundation | Provide resources that enhance teaching and learning to ensure every student is prepared for future success and has a vision for life | $2,500 |
| Oro Valley Optimist Club | To promote good health, positive citizenship, and lifestyle in the youth of northwest pima county | $2,500 |
| The Matthew 1914 Project | To provide Arizona Catholic schools with the resources and support for the success of students with special needs. | $2,500 |
| Sister Jose Women's Center | To provide a safe and nurturing environment for women experiencing homelessness, to support these women in their journey towards self-sufficiency and independence. | $2,500 |
| Mobile Meals of southern arizona | To deliver special diet meals to homebound adults. | $2,000 |
| Tucson Action Team | To advocate for the welfare of dogs and promote responsible pet ownership including dog education and public awareness | $2,000 |
| Children's Clinics for Rehabilitative Services | To provide a family-centered, comprehensive medical home to meet the special needs of children and families. | $2,000 |
| Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetary Foundation | Provide interment for qualified veterans at no cost. | $1,500 |
| Canyon Del Oro Spirit line | Support cheerleading and dance at canyon del oro high school | $1,500 |
| Arizona Hydrological society foundation | Aid in supporting, encouraging, and awarding Arizona Hydrology students in all age groups | $1,500 |
| Greater Faith Word Church | To provide citizens with fundamentals for life skills and education through economic assistance and training. | $1,500 |
| Pinal county Junior Livestock | Provide many worthwhile experiences for pinal county junior livestock exhibitors. | $1,470 |
| Tucson Children's Museum | support for inspiring children and their families to reach their full potential through discovery, creativity and learning | $1,000 |
| Interfaith Community Services | Support a variety of services for families in severe financial difficulties. | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Herbert Kai
- John Kai Jr
- Sidney Lex Felker
Questions people ask
Does The Kai Family Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: October 31, for foundation year ending succeeding December 31 Arizona.
How much does The Kai Family Foundation give?
$192,980 in tax year 2025, across 40 grants, with a typical grant of $2,750.
Who runs The Kai Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Herbert Kai (Director), John Kai Jr (Director) and Sidney Lex Felker (Managing Director).
What does The Kai Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and faith communities.