Korean American Buddhist Foundation Inc
Accepts applications
Korean American Buddhist Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Alpine, New Jersey. In tax year 2025 it gave $76,500 in 21 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 and the largest $19,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$76,500
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$19,000
- Assets$839,839
- New grantees28%
Giving in 2025 was down from $98,600 the year before.
28% 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 | $63,100 | 19 | $851,747 |
| 2024 | $98,600 | 22 | $813,098 |
| 2025 | $76,500 | 21 | $839,839 |
How to apply
| Contact | Soon Ja Cho 58 Forest St, Alpine, NJ 07620 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (201) 468-3403, hopecho@gmail.com |
| What to submit | Application for scholarship: an applicant's personal letter which explains the applicant's education, community service, and future plan is required. Application for grant: an applicant's background information including financial statements, brochure, and mission statements as well as a letter as to how and for what purpose the grant will be spent are required. |
| Deadlines | No deadline. It is open all year long. |
| Restrictions | Qualification for scholarship: 1. A student should study subjects related to buddhism so that the student will contribute in propagation of buddhism in the U.S. 2. A student should have character of a model citizen with community service and leadership. 3. A student should be in financial needs. |
What Korean American Buddhist Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 6 | $28,000 |
| New Jersey | 4 | $21,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,000 |
| Kansas | 2 | $4,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $4,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $4,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $2,500 |
| Virginia | 1 | $2,500 |
| California | 1 | $2,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $1,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Won Kak Sa | Contribution to temple | $19,000 |
| Center for Food Action | Contribution to good cause | $8,000 |
| Holy Apostle Soup Kitchen | Contribution to good cause | $7,000 |
| Boston University | Contribution to community school | $5,000 |
| Rutgers University | Contribution to community school | $5,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Contribution to good cause | $4,000 |
| Disabled American Veterans | Contribution to good cause | $4,000 |
| Individual | Scholarship for buddhism student | $3,000 |
| Ike Eisenhower Foundation | Contribution to library | $3,000 |
| Bud Zen Center | Contribution to temple | $3,000 |
| Feeding America | Contribution to good cause | $2,500 |
| Friends of Ai Kwang Won Inc | Contribution to cause | $2,500 |
| International Zen Center | Contribution to temple | $2,000 |
| Harry Truman Library | Contribution to library | $1,500 |
| Paralyzed Veterans | Contribution to good cause | $1,000 |
| Hean Meditation Center | Contribution to temple | $1,000 |
| Living Water Baptist Church | Contribution to church | $1,000 |
| Individual | Scholarship for buddhism student | $1,000 |
| Korean School Ny | Contribution to community school | $1,000 |
| Individual | Contribution to good cause | $1,000 |
| Modern Buddhism | Contribution to temple | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Il Hwan Cho
- Soon Ja Cho
- Mina Hwang
Questions people ask
Does Korean American Buddhist Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: No deadline. It is open all year long.
How much does Korean American Buddhist Foundation Inc give?
$76,500 in tax year 2025, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs Korean American Buddhist Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Il Hwan Cho (President), Soon Ja Cho (Secretary) and Mina Hwang (VP).
What does Korean American Buddhist Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and food and hunger.