Dhanam Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Dhanam Foundation is a private foundation in Palo Alto, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $20.2 million in 38 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $12.0 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$20.2 million
- Number of grants38
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$12.0 million
- Assets$535 million
- New grantees30%
Giving in 2024 was down from $22.4 million the year before.
30% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $22.4 million | 29 | $456 million |
| 2024 | $20.2 million | 38 | $535 million |
How to apply
Dhanam Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Dhanam Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Pennsylvania. It also paid $200,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $12.0 million |
| California | 24 | $3.6 million |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $2.4 million |
| Illinois | 1 | $1.0 million |
| Texas | 2 | $350,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $333,333 |
| Georgia | 1 | $281,500 |
| Virginia | 1 | $100,000 |
| New York | 2 | $35,000 |
| Hawaii | 1 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Philanthropic Trust | General charitable purpose | $12.0 million |
| Exploratorium | To support the stability and revitalization fund | $1.0 million |
| The Barack Obama Foundation | Us leaders program | $1.0 million |
| African Parks Foundation of America | In support of general operations | $1.0 million |
| Global Impact (Co-Develop Fund) | In support of general operations | $1.0 million |
| Agastya USA | In support of general operations | $555,000 |
| Iit Madras Foundation | In support of general operations | $500,000 |
| The Monterey Bay Aquarium | To support the sea otter rescue and rehabilitation program | $500,000 |
| Carnegie Endowment for International Peace | In support of general operations | $350,000 |
| Atree USA | In support of general operations | $333,333 |
| Magic Bus USA | In support of general operations | $300,000 |
| University of Southern California | In support of general operations | $285,000 |
| Makerghat USA | In support of general operations | $281,500 |
| College Track | In support of general operations | $250,000 |
| Institute for Financial Management and Research | In support of general operations | $200,000 |
| India Community Center | In support of general opertaions | $100,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy | In support of general operations | $100,000 |
| Asian Art Museum Foundation | Fund-a-need platform | $50,000 |
| GO2 for Lung Cancer | In support of general operations | $50,000 |
| Pratham USA | In support of general operations | $50,000 |
| Anitaborg | In support of general operations | $40,000 |
| Propublica | In support of general operations | $25,000 |
| San Francisco-Marin Food Bank | General operating support fund | $25,000 |
| Stanford University | In support of general operations | $25,000 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | In support of general operations | $25,000 |
| Indiaspora | Founders circle | $25,000 |
| Kukio Hoomana Fund | In support of general operations | $25,000 |
| Hamilton Families | In support of general operations | $20,000 |
| La Cocina | In support of general operations | $20,000 |
| Foundation for Excellence | In support of general operations | $20,000 |
| Sacred Heart Community Service | In support of general operations | $15,000 |
| The Marshall Project | In support of general operations | $10,000 |
| 18 Reasons | In support of general operations | $10,000 |
| Puente de la Costa Sur | To support puente's 2024 end of year campaign | $10,000 |
| Maitri | In support of general operations | $10,000 |
| Seva Foundation | In support of seva special events | $10,000 |
| ACLU Foundation of Northern California | In support of general operations | $10,000 |
| Exploratorium | In support of wonder funday | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Kavitark R Shriram
- Vidjealatchoumy Shriram
Questions people ask
Does Dhanam Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Dhanam Foundation give?
$20.2 million in tax year 2024, across 38 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Dhanam Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Kavitark R Shriram (President) and Vidjealatchoumy Shriram (Treasurer/Secretary).
What does Dhanam Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international, community development and environment and conservation.