Ahimsa Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Ahimsa Foundation is a private foundation in Niwot, Colorado. In tax year 2024 it gave $73.1 million in 5 grants; the typical grant was $9.7 million and the largest $45.7 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$73.1 million
- Number of grants5
- Typical grant$9.7 million
- Largest grant$45.7 million
- Assets$1.1 billion
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2024 was up from $71.7 million the year before.
20% 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 | $71.7 million | 4 | $963 million |
| 2024 | $73.1 million | 5 | $1.1 billion |
How to apply
Ahimsa 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Ahimsa Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Rhode Island.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 1 | $45.7 million |
| Colorado | 1 | $12.5 million |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $9.7 million |
| Georgia | 2 | $5.1 million |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program | Advocate for the wellbeing of all animals | $45.7 million |
| Karuna Foundation | Advocate for the wellbeing of all animals | $12.5 million |
| National Philanthropic Trust | Advocate for the wellbeing of all animals | $9.7 million |
| Charityvest Inc | Advocate for the wellbeing of all animals | $5.1 million |
| Go Dharmic Inc | Advocate for the wellbeing of all animals | $137 |
Officers and trustees
- Shaleen Shah
- Satish Karandikar
- Jay Karandikar
Questions people ask
Does Ahimsa Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Ahimsa Foundation give?
$73.1 million in tax year 2024, across 5 grants, with a typical grant of $9.7 million.
Who runs Ahimsa Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Shaleen Shah (President), Satish Karandikar (Secretary) and Jay Karandikar (Treasurer).
What does Ahimsa Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly animals.