The Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $6,000+ (scholarships)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Typically announced by September
• Grant Range: $1,500 - $2,000 (individual scholarships)
• Geographic Focus: Greater Philadelphia area (Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Delaware counties)

Contact Details

• Website: https://jaisohn.org/
• Scholarship Information: https://jaisohn.org/scholarships/
• Location: North Wales, PA
• Application Portal: Google Forms (available through website)

Overview

The Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation Inc (EIN: 23-1978566) was founded in 1975 by eight Korean American physicians and is marking its 50th anniversary in 2025. While primarily operating as the premier health and human services organization for the Asian American community in the Philadelphia area, the foundation has maintained a scholarship program for over 20 years, having awarded scholarships to more than 200 university students. The foundation honors the legacy of Dr. Philip Jaisohn through both direct service provision and educational support. In March 2024, the foundation received a $2 million unrestricted grant from MacKenzie Scott's Yield Giving, recognizing its significant community impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation offers multiple scholarship categories for college and graduate students:

• Helen Lee Scholarship: $2,000 each (2 recipients annually)
• Bong Hak Hyun Memorial Scholarship: $1,500 each (2 recipients annually)
• Jane H.R. Chung Leadership Scholarship: $1,500 (1 recipient annually)
• Honorable Mention Awards: Amount varies
• Application deadline: June 30 annually via online Google Forms

Priority Areas

The foundation prioritizes students in the following fields:

• Medicine and healthcare
• Social services
• Journalism
• Patient care
• Students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and community service

What They Don't Fund

• Organizational grants
• Program funding for nonprofits
• Capital campaigns
• Research grants
• General operating support for organizations

Governance and Leadership

The foundation was established by eight Korean American physicians in 1975 and has grown to become a cornerstone institution serving the Asian American community in the greater Philadelphia area. While specific current leadership details were not available in public sources, the foundation operates with a board structure typical of 501(c)(3) organizations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications for scholarships are submitted through Google Forms available on the foundation's website at jaisohn.org/scholarships/. The application opens annually in the spring with specific qualification requirements for each scholarship category.

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: June 30 annually
• Award Announcement: By September (start of academic year)
• Notification Method: Direct contact to award recipients

Success Rates

While specific success rates are not publicly available, the foundation reports awarding scholarships to over 200 students in its 20+ year history of the program, with typically 5-7 scholarships awarded annually based on available categories.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful candidates is not publicly specified. Applicants should contact the foundation directly for guidance on reapplying in subsequent years.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and award history:

• Academic Excellence: Strong academic performance in chosen field of study
• Financial Need: Demonstrated financial need for educational support
• Field Alignment: Studying in priority areas (medicine, social services, journalism, patient care)
• Community Service: Active involvement in community service, particularly serving Asian American communities
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in school and community activities
• Complete Applications: Submit all required materials through the Google Form by the June 30 deadline

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a scholarship-only grant maker - they do not fund organizations or programs
• Focus exclusively on individual student support in specific professional fields
• Strong preference for students pursuing careers that align with the foundation's service mission
• Applications are straightforward via Google Forms with annual June deadline
• Scholarship amounts are modest ($1,500-$2,000) but can provide meaningful support
• The foundation values both academic achievement and community service equally
• Connection to or interest in serving the Asian American community may strengthen applications

References

• Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation official website: https://jaisohn.org/ (accessed March 2024)
• Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation Scholarships page: https://jaisohn.org/scholarships/ (accessed March 2024)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation Inc: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/231978566 (accessed March 2024)
• Cause IQ Profile - The Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-philip-jaisohn-memorial-foundation,231978566/ (accessed March 2024)
• MacKenzie Scott Yield Giving Grant Announcement (March 2024)