Dr Shuang Xin Tsao Private Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $99,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified (rolling applications)
• Grant Range: Not specified
• Geographic Focus: New York (primary), also supports performers in China
• Foundation Type: Private Family Foundation

Contact Details

• Address: 157 Battery Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
• Phone: (917) 716-1813
• Website: www.pekingopera.org (educational/cultural website)
• EIN: 26-0110077

Overview

The Dr Shuang Xin Tsao Private Foundation was established in 2006 as a family foundation dedicated exclusively to the preservation and promotion of Peking (Beijing) Chinese Opera. With assets of approximately $1.5 million as of 2023, the foundation distributed $99,000 in grants in its 2023 tax year. The foundation operates without full-time staff and is governed by a small board of family directors. Its mission is singular and focused: supporting Peking Chinese Opera through direct grants to opera companies, opera societies, cultural arts centres, and awards to individual opera performers. In 2010, the foundation established the "Dr. Shuang Xin Tsao Private Foundation Award" recognising "Outstanding, Creative and Unique Accomplishments" in the field of Jingju (Peking Opera), which was first awarded to a scholar/teacher in 2018, recognising University of Hawaii Professor Elizabeth Wichmann-Walczak as the 10th recipient after nine performers had previously received the honour.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation operates a single, focused grant programme with rolling applications:

• Peking Opera Support Grants
  • Direct support to opera companies and societies
  • Awards to individual performers
  • Support for cultural arts centres presenting Peking Opera
  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year

Priority Areas

The foundation exclusively funds:

• Peking Opera Companies: Organisations dedicated to performing and preserving traditional Beijing Opera
• Opera Societies: Cultural organisations promoting Chinese opera appreciation and education
• Cultural Arts Centres: Venues and organisations presenting Peking Opera performances
• Individual Performers: Awards and support for accomplished Peking Opera artists, both in the United States and China
• Cultural Preservation: Projects focused on maintaining the traditions and artistry of this classical Chinese art form

What They Don't Fund

Whilst not explicitly stated, the foundation's exclusive focus on Peking Opera means they do not support:

• Other forms of performing arts (Western opera, theatre, dance, etc.)
• Other Chinese cultural activities outside Peking Opera
• General arts education programmes
• Capital campaigns or building projects
• Endowments
• Organisations outside the Peking Opera field

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by directors who appear to be family members. The foundation operates with zero full-time employees, indicating it is a volunteer-run family foundation with the directors making grant decisions. This intimate governance structure suggests grant decisions are made directly by family members with knowledge and passion for Peking Opera preservation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines. Whilst no formal online application portal was identified, organisations interested in applying should:

• Contact the foundation directly at (917) 716-1813
• Ensure alignment with the foundation's exclusive focus on Peking Opera
• Prepare a clear narrative explaining the purpose and requirements of the grant request
• Applications must be consistent with the foundation's articles of incorporation

Given the foundation's small scale and family governance, initial telephone contact to discuss eligibility and interest may be the most appropriate first step.

Decision Timeline

No specific decision timeline is publicly available. As a rolling application process without fixed deadlines, decisions are likely made throughout the year as applications are received and reviewed by the board of directors.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. The foundation's focused grant-making suggests a selective but concentrated approach to supporting Peking Opera organisations and performers.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. However, the foundation appears to support some organisations across multiple years, suggesting that successful grantees can potentially receive multi-year support.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's demonstrated grant-making patterns, successful applications likely share these characteristics:

Exclusive Focus on Peking Opera: The foundation has an unwavering commitment to this specific art form. Organisations must demonstrate authentic engagement with traditional Peking Opera, not general Chinese performing arts or contemporary fusion works.

Track Record and Quality: The foundation supports established organisations with strong reputations in the field, including organisations such as Qi Shu Fang Peking Opera Company (founded 1988, whose founder received the National Heritage Fellowship from the NEA in 2001), New York Chinese Opera Society Inc (founded 2006, volunteer-driven organisation), and Tong Xiao Ling Chinese Opera Ensemble (established 2005, led by performers trained from childhood).

Geographic Connections: Whilst primarily supporting New York-based organisations, the foundation also supports performers in China (Tianjin, Shanghai, Beijing), suggesting openness to both local and international projects that preserve authentic Peking Opera traditions.

Direct Impact: According to the foundation's tax filings, "donations disbursed for the support of Peking Chinese Opera were paid directly to opera companies, to opera society & cultural arts centres, and awards to Peking opera performers." This suggests the foundation values direct, measurable impact on performances, education, and artist support.

Cultural Preservation Mission: The foundation's educational website (pekingopera.org) emphasises the motto "To know China, see Peking Opera," indicating they view this art form as essential to Chinese cultural heritage. Applications that articulate how they preserve and promote this cultural legacy may resonate strongly.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Highly Specialised Focus: This foundation supports ONLY Peking Opera—no other art forms, no matter how closely related. If your organisation isn't exclusively focused on traditional Peking Opera, this is not the right funder.

• Small, Family-Governed Foundation: With family directors and no staff, expect a personal approach. Direct conversation may be more effective than formal written proposals initially.

• Rolling Applications Offer Flexibility: No fixed deadlines mean you can apply when your project timeline makes sense, but also means you're competing year-round.

• Quality and Authenticity Matter: Grantees include organisations led by performers trained from childhood in the tradition and recognised by major institutions like the NEA. Demonstrate your organisation's authentic connection to the art form.

• Both Organisational and Individual Support: The foundation supports both organisations and individual performers, offering flexibility in how support can be structured.

• Multi-Year Relationships Possible: Some organisations appear to receive support across multiple years, suggesting the foundation values sustained partnerships with high-quality organisations.

• Limited Annual Capacity: As a small foundation with limited grant-making capacity, competition is likely significant despite the specialised focus.

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Dr Shuang Xin Tsao Private Foundation 990 Filings. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/260110077 (Accessed May 8, 2026)

• Cause IQ - Dr Shuang Xin Tsao Private Foundation Profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/dr-shuang-xin-tsao-private-foundation,260110077/ (Accessed January 4, 2026)

• Grantmakers.io - Dr Shuang Xin Tsao Private Foundation Profile. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/260110077-dr-shuang-xin-tsao-private-foundation/ (Accessed January 4, 2026)

• Candid Foundation Directory - Dr Shuang Xin Tsao Private Foundation. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=TSAO003 (Accessed January 4, 2026)

• TheShareWay - Dr Shuang Xin Tsao Private Foundation. https://www.theshareway.com/funder/dr-shuang-19061 (Accessed January 4, 2026)

• Dr. Shuang Xin Tsao Private Foundation Website. https://www.pekingopera.org/ (Accessed January 4, 2026)

• University of Hawaiʻi System News - "UH Mānoa theatre professor receives award for accomplishments in Chinese Opera" (June 8, 2018). https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2018/06/08/wichmann-walczak-receives-chinese-opera-award/ (Accessed January 4, 2026)

• NYC-ARTS - Tong Xiao Ling Chinese Opera Ensemble Profile. https://www.nyc-arts.org/organizations/2548/tong-xiao-ling-chinese-opera-ensemble (Accessed January 4, 2026)

• New York Chinese Opera Society - About Page. https://www.nycos.org/about (Accessed January 4, 2026)

• National Endowment for the Arts - Qi Shu Fang Heritage Fellowship. https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/qi-shu-fang (Accessed January 4, 2026)