Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $3,987,258 (2024)
- Success Rate: Not available
- Decision Time: Not available
- Grant Range: Not available
- Geographic Focus: Unknown
Contact Details
- Address: 16902 Bolsa Chica St Ste 203, Huntington Beach, CA 92649-3590
- Website: None found
- Email: Not available
- Phone: Not available
Overview
The Falling Leaves Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2007 and based in Huntington Beach, California. With total assets of approximately $15 million and annual charitable disbursements of nearly $4 million, the foundation operates as a private non-operating foundation under IRS 501(c)(3) status. The foundation is led by Adeline Yen Mah, a well-known author, who serves as President. Despite significant charitable activity, the foundation maintains a very low public profile with no website or published grant guidelines.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
Information about specific grant programs is not publicly available. The foundation distributed $3,987,258 in charitable disbursements in 2024 but does not publish details about recipients or funding streams.
Priority Areas
Not publicly disclosed
What They Don't Fund
Not publicly disclosed
Governance and Leadership
Key Officers (all serve without compensation):
- Adeline Yen Mah - President
- Robert A. Mah - Vice President
- Shirley Feiwell - Secretary
- Roger Mah - Director
- Chris Klein - Director
- Aspyn Remington - Director
- Margit Younis - Director
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process. The Falling Leaves Foundation operates as a private grantmaking foundation that appears to award grants through trustee discretion or by invitation only. There is no website, application portal, or published guidelines for potential grant seekers.
Decision Timeline
Not applicable - no public application process
Success Rates
Not available
Reapplication Policy
Not applicable - no public application process
Application Success Factors
Due to the private nature of this foundation and lack of public information about their grant-making priorities or processes, specific success factors cannot be determined. Organizations seeking funding would need to establish direct contact with the foundation's leadership or be identified through the trustees' networks.
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- This is a private foundation with significant assets but no public application process
- Annual charitable disbursements of nearly $4 million suggest active grant-making
- Leadership by author Adeline Yen Mah may indicate interest in education, literacy, or arts, though this is speculative
- Without a public process, relationships and personal connections are likely critical
- The foundation maintains minimal public presence despite substantial charitable activity
- Grant seekers should not expect to apply through traditional channels
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Falling Leaves Foundation Profile. Accessed January 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/204861119
- Charity Navigator, Falling Leaves Foundation Profile. Accessed January 2026. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/204861119
- GuideStar, Falling Leaves Foundation Profile. Accessed January 2026. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/20-4861119
- Cause IQ, Falling Leaves Foundation Financial Data. Accessed January 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/falling-leaves-foundation,204861119/