The DS Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The DS Foundation is a private foundation in Miami, Florida. In tax year 2024 it gave $8.7 million in 17 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 and the largest $4.6 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$8.7 million
- Number of grants17
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$4.6 million
- Assets$211 million
- New grantees63%
Giving in 2024 was up from $7.8 million the year before.
63% of its 2024 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 | $7.8 million | 14 | $191 million |
| 2024 | $8.7 million | 17 | $211 million |
How to apply
The DS 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 The DS Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $4.6 million |
| Florida | 2 | $4.0 million |
| California | 3 | $52,500 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $5,501 |
| New York | 4 | $5,455 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $2,501 |
| Connecticut | 2 | $2,200 |
| Texas | 1 | $155 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $100 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Philanthropic Trust | General operating support | $4.6 million |
| University of Miami | Urology institute fund | $4.0 million |
| Achieve Miami | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Indiaspora | Founders circle | $25,000 |
| Indiaspora | Indiaspora forum for good 2025 | $25,000 |
| President & Fellows of Harvard College | General operating support | $4,501 |
| Lawyers for Children | General operating support | $2,505 |
| Trustees of Princeton University | General operating support | $2,501 |
| Faspe | General operating support | $2,500 |
| Oligo Nation | General operating support | $2,500 |
| Epidemic Answers Inc | General operating support | $1,200 |
| Harvard Kennedy School | General operating support | $1,000 |
| Yale University | General operating support | $1,000 |
| The Bronx Defenders | General operating support | $250 |
| Marcy Lab Inc | General operating support | $200 |
| American Heart Association | General operating support | $155 |
| Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | General operating support | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Bharat Desai
- Neerja Sethi
- Saahill Desai
- Pia Desai
Questions people ask
Does The DS Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The DS Foundation give?
$8.7 million in tax year 2024, across 17 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs The DS Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Bharat Desai (Trustee, President), Neerja Sethi (Trustee, VP, Secretary, Treasurer), Saahill Desai (Trustee) and Pia Desai (Trustee).
What does The DS Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and health.