The Rao Foundation
Accepts applications
The Rao Foundation is a private foundation in Flower Mound, Texas. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.2 million in 20 grants; the typical grant was $17,500 and the largest $1.0 million. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$2.2 million
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$17,500
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$50,573
- New grantees60%
Giving in 2025 was up from $533,830 the year before.
60% 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 | $1.6 million | 11 | $50,778 |
| 2024 | $533,830 | 11 | $85,743 |
| 2025 | $2.2 million | 20 | $50,573 |
How to apply
| Contact | Nagaraj V Rao 8480 Esters Blvd Ste 100, Irving, TX 75063 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (844) 676-0123 |
| What to submit | Available online at www.raofound.org |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Rao Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 13 | $1.5 million |
| Colorado | 1 | $500,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $200,000 |
| California | 2 | $35,000 |
| New York | 2 | $15,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $2,600 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County | Unrestricted charitable grant | $1.0 million |
| Rocky Mountain Institute | Unrestricted charitable grant | $500,000 |
| Climate Central | Unrestricted charitable grant | $200,000 |
| Pediplace Lewisville | Unrestricted charitable grant | $185,000 |
| University of Texas Austin | Rao foundation endowed scholarship | $125,000 |
| Dallas Symphony Orchestra | Unrestricted charitable grant | $40,000 |
| North Texas Public Broadcasting (Kera) | Unrestricted charitable grant | $25,000 |
| Odyssey Charter School | Unrestricted charitable grant | $25,000 |
| Christian Community Action | Unrestricted charitable grant | $20,000 |
| Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas | Unrestricted charitable grant | $20,000 |
| Giving Grace | Unrestricted charitable grant | $15,000 |
| California Community Fund | Unrestricted charitable grant | $10,000 |
| Cornell University | Lab of ornithology annual fund | $10,000 |
| Communities in Schools of North Texas | Unrestricted charitable grant | $5,000 |
| Hindi's Libraries Inc | Unrestricted charitable grant | $5,000 |
| Journey to Dream | Unrestricted charitable grant | $5,000 |
| Lewisville Education Foundation | Stem truck - lisd special program | $5,000 |
| United Way of Denton | Unrestricted charitable grant | $5,000 |
| Hopekids | Unrestricted charitable grant | $2,600 |
| Ranch Hand Rescue | Unrestricted charitable grant | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Nagaraj V Rao
- Seshkumari Rao
- Jaideep Jayaram
Questions people ask
Does The Rao Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Rao Foundation give?
$2.2 million in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $17,500.
Who runs The Rao Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Nagaraj V Rao (President/Treasurer), Seshkumari Rao (Vice President) and Jaideep Jayaram (Secretary).
What does The Rao Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.