Charles and Mitch Ota Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Charles and Mitch Ota Foundation is a private foundation in Honolulu, Hawaii. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.1 million in 31 grants; the typical grant was $30,000 and the largest $100,000. 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$1.1 million
- Number of grants31
- Typical grant$30,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$31.4 million
- New grantees58%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.1 million the year before.
58% 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 | $1.5 million | 29 | $26.6 million |
| 2024 | $1.1 million | 39 | $28.5 million |
| 2025 | $1.1 million | 31 | $31.4 million |
How to apply
Charles and Mitch Ota 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 Charles and Mitch Ota Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Hawaii.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 19 | $710,000 |
| Oregon | 2 | $80,000 |
| Arizona | 2 | $60,000 |
| Washington | 2 | $60,000 |
| Nevada | 1 | $60,000 |
| California | 2 | $40,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $39,628 |
| Montana | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii Foundation | Maui college support | $100,000 |
| Grow Some Good | Unrestricted gift | $65,000 |
| University of Nevada - Las Vegas | Scholarship | $60,000 |
| University of Hawaii - Manoa - | Scholarships | $60,000 |
| Oregon State University | Scholarship | $60,000 |
| Friends of Molokai High and Middle Schools Foundation | Unrestricted gift | $55,000 |
| Hana No Eau Foundation | Unrestricted gift | $50,000 |
| Childrens Justice Center of Maui | Unrestricted gift | $50,000 |
| Kekaulike High School Foundation | Avid program grant | $45,000 |
| Grand Canyon University | Scholarship | $40,000 |
| Washington State University | Scholarships | $40,000 |
| University of Hawaii - Hilo | Scholarships | $30,000 |
| Hawaii Youth Symphony Association | Unrestricted | $30,000 |
| Hawaii Community Foundation | Unrestricted gift | $30,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui | Unrestricted gift | $30,000 |
| Hui Noeau | Unrestricted gift | $30,000 |
| HP Baldwin High School Foundation | Avid programs | $25,000 |
| Maui High School Foundation | Avid programs | $25,000 |
| Lanai Academy of Performing Arts | Unrestricted gift | $25,000 |
| Hawaii Community College | Scholarship | $20,000 |
| University of Portland | Scholarships | $20,000 |
| Seattle University | Scholarship | $20,000 |
| Loyola Marymount University | Scholarships | $20,000 |
| California State University- Fullerton | Scholarship | $20,000 |
| Loyola University Chicago | Scholarship | $20,000 |
| Arizona State University Foundation | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| College of Dupage | Scholarship | $19,628 |
| Maui Huliau Foundation | Environmental filmmaking | $15,000 |
| Montana State University Foundation | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Hawaii Restaurant Association | Unrestricted gift | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ryan Odanaka
- Doreen L Mizuki
- Leslie T Okamura
Questions people ask
Does Charles and Mitch Ota Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Charles and Mitch Ota Foundation give?
$1.1 million in tax year 2025, across 31 grants, with a typical grant of $30,000.
Who runs Charles and Mitch Ota Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ryan Odanaka (President), Doreen L Mizuki (Secretary & Treasurer) and Leslie T Okamura (VP, Director).
What does Charles and Mitch Ota Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and arts and culture.