Tella Sakamoto Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Tella Sakamoto Foundation is a private foundation in Palo Alto, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $136,359 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $1,550 and the largest $50,000. 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$136,359
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$1,550
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$4.3 million
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2025 was up from $117,726 the year before.
20% of its 2025 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 | $237,180 | 22 | $3.4 million |
| 2024 | $117,726 | 17 | $4.0 million |
| 2025 | $136,359 | 20 | $4.3 million |
How to apply
Tella Sakamoto 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 Tella Sakamoto Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to New York. It also paid $1,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 8 | $79,020 |
| California | 6 | $35,339 |
| Pennsylvania | 3 | $20,200 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $800 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| GiveDirectly Inc | SNAP Gap Program | $50,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | General fund | $20,000 |
| Fdn for Liberty and Human Rights | General fund | $15,000 |
| Palo Alto Medical Foundation | General fund | $10,000 |
| Martha Graham Dance Company | General fund | $10,000 |
| Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation | General fund | $10,000 |
| Ballet Theatre Foundation | General fund | $5,000 |
| Kqed | General fund | $5,000 |
| HaoExpression Dance Company | General fund | $5,000 |
| Childrens International | Philippines typhoon relief 10,000 and general fund 1,875 | $2,100 |
| Doctors Without Borders USA | General fund | $1,000 |
| Osmania University | University College of Engineering | $1,000 |
| UNICEF USA | General fund | $500 |
| Consumers Checkbook | General fund | $500 |
| Consumer Reports | General fund | $420 |
| Planned Parenthood | General fund | $300 |
| The Kilgoris Project | General fund | $214 |
| Gamble Gardens | General fund | $125 |
| Dance Action | General fund | $100 |
| Swarthmore College | The Scott Arboretum | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Vijay Tella
- Hideko Sakamoto
Questions people ask
Does Tella Sakamoto Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Tella Sakamoto Foundation give?
$136,359 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $1,550.
Who runs Tella Sakamoto Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Vijay Tella (Pres Dir) and Hideko Sakamoto (Secy CFO Dir).
What does Tella Sakamoto Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and international.