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Dr Shuang Xin Tsao Private Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.3M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.0M

Dr Shuang Xin Tsao Private Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $339,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified (rolling applications)
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $37,000
  • 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 $2.8 million, the foundation distributed $339,000 in grants in 2024 to nine recipients. 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 centers, and awards to individual opera performers. In 2010, the foundation established the "Dr. Shuang Xin Tsao Private Foundation Award" recognizing "Outstanding, Creative and Unique Accomplishments" in the field of Jingju (Peking Opera), which was first awarded to a scholar/teacher in 2018, recognizing University of Hawaii Professor Elizabeth Wichmann-Walczak as the 10th recipient after nine performers had previously received the honor.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

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

  • Peking Opera Support Grants: $10,000 - $37,000
    • Direct support to opera companies and societies
    • Awards to individual performers
    • Support for cultural arts centers presenting Peking Opera
    • Applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year

Priority Areas

The foundation exclusively funds:

  • Peking Opera Companies: Organizations dedicated to performing and preserving traditional Beijing Opera
  • Opera Societies: Cultural organizations promoting Chinese opera appreciation and education
  • Cultural Arts Centers: Venues and organizations 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

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

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

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by three directors who appear to be family members:

  • Shuang Troy - Director
  • James Tsao - Director
  • Andrew Tsao - Director

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. While no formal online application portal was identified, organizations 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. However, the foundation made:

  • 9 grants in 2024
  • 7 grants in 2023
  • 4 grants in 2022

This indicates the foundation supports a relatively small number of organizations each year, suggesting a selective but focused grant-making approach.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. However, the foundation appears to support some organizations across multiple years (e.g., Qi Shu Fang Peking Opera Company appears as a recurring recipient), 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. Organizations must demonstrate authentic engagement with traditional Peking Opera, not general Chinese performing arts or contemporary fusion works.

Track Record and Quality: Recent grantees include established organizations with strong reputations in the field:

  • 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 organization)
  • Tong Xiao Ling Chinese Opera Ensemble (established 2005, led by performers trained from childhood)

Geographic Connections: While primarily supporting New York-based organizations, 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 centers, 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) emphasizes 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 Specialized Focus: This foundation supports ONLY Peking Opera—no other art forms, no matter how closely related. If your organization isn't exclusively focused on traditional Peking Opera, this is not the right funder.

  • Small, Family-Governed Foundation: With three 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 organizations led by performers trained from childhood in the tradition and recognized by major institutions like the NEA. Demonstrate your organization's authentic connection to the art form.

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

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

  • Limited Annual Capacity: With only 9 grants made in 2024 totaling $339,000, this is a small foundation with limited capacity. Competition is likely significant despite the specialized focus.

References

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