The Shen Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Shen Family Foundation is a private foundation in Charlottesville, Virginia. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.2 million in 24 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $256,780. 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$1.2 million
- Number of grants24
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$256,780
- Assets$13.7 million
- New grantees29%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.2 million the year before.
29% 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 | $1.1 million | 25 | $13.0 million |
| 2024 | $1.2 million | 28 | $13.1 million |
| 2025 | $1.2 million | 24 | $13.7 million |
How to apply
The Shen 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.
What The Shen Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 18 | $899,100 |
| Alabama | 2 | $294,780 |
| Connecticut | 2 | $32,500 |
| New Jersey | 2 | $20,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Shakespeare Festival | General | $256,780 |
| New York City Ballet | General | $250,000 |
| Ballet Theatre Foundation Inc | General | $190,000 |
| Brooklyn Institute of Arts | General | $163,100 |
| New York Public Library | General | $50,000 |
| Masters School | General | $40,000 |
| Prospect Theater Company | General | $40,000 |
| Alabama Values | General | $38,000 |
| Green-Wood Historic Fund | General | $35,000 |
| Yale University | General | $30,000 |
| Memorial Sloan-Kettering | General | $25,000 |
| Packer Collegiate Institute | General | $25,000 |
| Signature Theatre Inc | General | $25,000 |
| The Hope Program | General | $25,000 |
| New Jersey Ballet Company | General | $10,000 |
| Princeton Ballet Society | General | $10,000 |
| The Here & There Collective | General | $10,000 |
| The Jerome Robbins Ballet Festival | General | $7,500 |
| Ny Jazzharmonic | General | $5,000 |
| Brooklyn Botanic Garden | General | $2,500 |
| City Squash | General | $2,500 |
| Public Art Fund | General | $2,500 |
| The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum | General | $2,500 |
| The Acting Company | General | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Theodore P Shen
- Carla Shen
Questions people ask
Does The Shen Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Shen Family Foundation give?
$1.2 million in tax year 2025, across 24 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Shen Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Theodore P Shen (Trustee) and Carla Shen (Trustee).
What does The Shen Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and education.