Hams Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Hams Foundation is a private foundation in Palo Alto, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $234,400 in 5 grants; the typical grant was $12,800 and the largest $185,600. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$234,400
- Number of grants5
- Typical grant$12,800
- Largest grant$185,600
- Assets$6.4 million
- New grantees75%
Giving in 2025 was up from $68,650 the year before.
75% 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 | $0 | 0 | $687,182 |
| 2024 | $68,650 | 2 | $4.2 million |
| 2025 | $234,400 | 5 | $6.4 million |
How to apply
Hams 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 Hams Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 5 | $234,400 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation | To support education and the exchange of knowledge | $185,600 |
| Individual | To support education and the exchange of knowledge | $17,000 |
| Palo Alto Partners in Education | To support education and the exchange of knowledge | $12,800 |
| Friends of the Library of Los Alto | To support education and the exchange of knowledge | $11,000 |
| Friends of Palo Alto Junior Musium | To support education and the exchange of knowledge | $8,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Hwong-Kwo Lin
- Chyong Yau Lin
- Moonway Lin
- Sarah Lin
Questions people ask
Does Hams Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Hams Foundation give?
$234,400 in tax year 2025, across 5 grants, with a typical grant of $12,800.
Who runs Hams Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Hwong-Kwo Lin (Ceo), Chyong Yau Lin (Vice President), Moonway Lin (Chief Financial Officer) and Sarah Lin (Secretary).
What does Hams Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.