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Universal Sunlight Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.1M
Grant Range
$0K - $2.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,141,020 (2024)
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $50 - $2,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: California (primary), with international reach

Contact Details

  • Phone: 626-583-8288
  • Address: 1100 Avondale Road, San Marino, CA 91108
  • Website: Not available
  • Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Universal Sunlight Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2009 with current assets of approximately $32.4 million. Based in San Marino, California, the foundation distributes between $1-2 million annually through carefully selected grants, primarily supporting education, human services, and philanthropic initiatives. Operating as an invitation-only funder, the foundation is managed by trustees Bin Fen Cheng and Allen Yeh, who exercise full discretion over grant decisions. The foundation has shown significant asset growth over the past decade, increasing from $1.3 million in 2011 to over $32 million in 2024, indicating strong financial management and strategic investment practices.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific grant programs but makes discretionary grants ranging from $50 to $2,000,000, with an average grant size of approximately $343,679.

Priority Areas

  • Education initiatives
  • Human services programs
  • Philanthropy, voluntarism, and grantmaking foundations
  • International development (particularly in Taiwan, Gambia, and India)

What They Don't Fund

As an invitation-only funder, the foundation does not publicly specify exclusions, but unsolicited applications are not accepted.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by two trustees who serve without compensation:

  • Bin Fen Cheng (also known as Josephine Yeh) - Trustee
  • Allen Yeh - Trustee

Both trustees have extensive real estate and business interests in Southern California, which provide the foundation's investment income. The trustees maintain complete discretion over all grant-making decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are made on an invitation-only basis at the full discretion of the trustees. Organizations cannot apply directly for funding.

Getting on Their Radar

According to GrantStation, the foundation may be open to receiving introductory materials, though no formal process exists. Organizations seeking support would need to establish relationships with the trustees or their professional network to be considered for invitation.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As a private family foundation operating on trustee discretion, decision timelines likely vary based on individual circumstances.

Success Rates

Not applicable due to invitation-only status.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications.

Application Success Factors

Since the Universal Sunlight Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, analysis of their grant-making patterns suggests:

  • The foundation consistently supports between 6-15 organizations annually, indicating selective but sustained relationships
  • Grant amounts vary widely ($50 to $2 million), suggesting flexibility based on organizational needs and relationship depth
  • The foundation maintains both local (California) and international (Taiwan, Gambia, India) interests, indicating diverse philanthropic vision
  • Education and human services remain consistent priorities across years
  • The foundation's growing asset base suggests potential for increased giving in future years

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Universal Sunlight Foundation is not accessible through traditional grant applications
  • Building relationships with the trustees or their professional network is essential for consideration
  • The foundation has substantial assets ($32M+) and consistent annual giving capacity
  • Their international grant-making suggests openness to diverse geographic programs
  • Past grant recipients (available in Form 990-PF filings) may provide networking opportunities
  • The foundation's invitation-only status means grant writers should focus efforts elsewhere unless a clear connection exists
  • Consider this foundation only if your organization operates in their priority areas and geographic regions

References

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