Kao Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Kao Family Foundation is a private foundation in Olathe, Kansas. In tax year 2024 it gave $13.0 million in 25 grants; the typical grant was $150,000 and the largest $7.9 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$13.0 million
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$150,000
- Largest grant$7.9 million
- Assets$152 million
- New grantees16%
Giving in 2024 was up from $4.1 million the year before.
16% 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 | $4.1 million | 42 | $108 million |
| 2024 | $13.0 million | 25 | $152 million |
How to apply
Kao Family 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 Kao Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 15 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 1 | $7.9 million |
| Missouri | 7 | $1.5 million |
| Kansas | 3 | $1.4 million |
| California | 2 | $917,249 |
| New York | 2 | $225,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $203,318 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $150,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $150,000 |
| North Dakota | 1 | $96,679 |
| Iowa | 1 | $93,964 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Taiwan University Academic Development Foundation | Organization's general charitable purposes | $7.9 million |
| Kao Family Education Foundation | Organization's general charitable purposes | $1.1 million |
| Children's Mercy (For Nick's Voice) | Organization's general charitable purposes | $943,778 |
| Scleroderma Research Foundation | Organization's general charitable purposes | $500,000 |
| Thorn | Organization's general charitable purposes | $417,249 |
| Kansas State University Foundation | Organization's general charitable purposes | $212,490 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Organization's general charitable purposes | $203,318 |
| Missouri University of Science & Technology | Organization's general charitable purposes | $203,318 |
| Reconciliation Services | Organization's general charitable purposes | $188,756 |
| Kansas University Endowment Assoc | Organization's general charitable purposes | $170,256 |
| Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (Gems) | Organization's general charitable purposes | $150,000 |
| Rebecca Bender Initiative | Organization's general charitable purposes | $150,000 |
| World Central Kitchen | Organization's general charitable purposes | $150,000 |
| Und Alumni Association & Foundation | Organization's general charitable purposes | $96,679 |
| Iowa State University Foundation | Organization's general charitable purposes | $93,964 |
| Arizona State University Foundation | Organization's general charitable purposes | $89,969 |
| Oregon State University Foundation | Organization's general charitable purposes | $86,430 |
| Power of Two | Organization's general charitable purposes | $75,000 |
| United Way of Greater Kansas City | Organization's general charitable purposes | $60,000 |
| University of Nebraska Foundation | Organization's general charitable purposes | $58,000 |
| Kansas City Symphony | Organization's general charitable purposes | $48,900 |
| Purdue for Life Foundation | Organization's general charitable purposes | $48,000 |
| University of Mo - Columbia | Organization's general charitable purposes | $44,000 |
| South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Foundation | Organization's general charitable purposes | $32,000 |
| Kansas City Ballet | Organization's general charitable purposes | $8,425 |
Officers and trustees
- Min H Kao
- Kenneth Kao
- Yu-Fan C Kao
- Jennifer Kao
- Debra K Pollard
- Nicolas Gonda
- Adam C Leibsohn
- Laurie A Minard
Questions people ask
Does Kao Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Kao Family Foundation give?
$13.0 million in tax year 2024, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $150,000.
Who runs Kao Family Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Min H Kao (Pres, Director), Kenneth Kao (VP, Director), Yu-Fan C Kao (Treas, Director) and Jennifer Kao (VP, Director) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does Kao Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and science and research.