Edward A And Ai O Shay Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,720,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
• Decision Time: At trustee discretion
• Grant Range: Varies significantly
• Geographic Focus: Los Angeles, CA

Contact Details

• Phone: 213-228-8121
• Address: 888 S Figueroa St, Suite 2150, Los Angeles, CA 90017-5310
• Website: None
• Email: Not available

Overview

The Edward A And Ai O Shay Family Foundation is a private foundation established in 2010 with approximately $37.8 million in assets, distributing $1.72 million annually to preselected charitable organizations. Founded by Ai O. Shay in honor of her late husband Edward Albert Shay (1923-1995), founder of defense contractor Pacific Architects and Engineers (sold to Lockheed Martin for $1.2 billion in 2006), the foundation reflects the family's deep commitment to Los Angeles cultural and educational institutions. The Shay family were founding supporters of The Music Center in Los Angeles, and the foundation continues this legacy through strategic support of arts, education, and healthcare organizations exclusively in the Los Angeles area.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific grant programs but makes discretionary grants to preselected organizations. Annual grant distribution totals approximately $1,720,000, with the number of recipients varying from 3 to 40 organizations per year.

Priority Areas

• Arts & Culture: Music and performing arts, with special emphasis on The Music Center
• Education: Educational institutions and programs in Los Angeles
• Healthcare & Social Services: Healthcare organizations and social service providers

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications and only funds preselected charitable organizations within Los Angeles.

Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees (both serve without compensation):

• Loren Rothschild - Trustee; also serves as President of the Rothschild Family Foundation
• Paul H. Nankivell II - Trustee

Foundation Founders:

• Ai O. Shay - Founder and matriarch who established the foundation in 2010
• Anna Shay (1961-2023) - Daughter who worked for the foundation since its formation; noted philanthropist and board member of the George Lopez Foundation

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. All grants are made to preselected charitable organizations at the discretion of the trustees. The foundation explicitly does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's relationship-based approach, organizations might gain consideration through:

• Existing connections with trustees Loren Rothschild or Paul H. Nankivell II
• Involvement with The Music Center or similar major Los Angeles cultural institutions
• Board relationships within Los Angeles philanthropic circles
• Visibility in the Los Angeles arts, education, or healthcare sectors

Decision Timeline

Grant decisions are made at trustee discretion with no fixed timeline or schedule.

Success Rates

Not applicable as the foundation does not accept applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable as the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation does not accept applications, traditional success factors do not apply. Organizations supported by the foundation typically:

• Have established relationships with foundation trustees
• Align strongly with the Shay family's historical philanthropic interests
• Operate within Los Angeles with demonstrated impact
• Are major cultural or educational institutions with strong reputations
• Share connections through mutual board relationships or philanthropic networks

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Applications Accepted: The foundation operates entirely through trustee discretion with preselected organizations
• Los Angeles Focus: All funding is concentrated in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
• Arts Priority: Strong historical and ongoing commitment to music and performing arts, particularly The Music Center
• Relationship-Based: Success depends entirely on existing relationships with trustees or connection through mutual networks
• Variable Grant-Making: Annual recipient numbers fluctuate significantly (3-40), suggesting flexibility in approach
• Family Legacy: The foundation honors Edward Shay's business success and the family's commitment to Los Angeles institutions
• Strategic Patience Required: Organizations must focus on long-term relationship building rather than direct solicitation

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Edward A And Ai O Shay Family Foundation profile (accessed February 24, 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Foundation financial analysis (accessed February 24, 2026)
• Cause IQ - Foundation profile and grant data (accessed February 24, 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory - Profile #SHAY011 (accessed February 24, 2026)
• The Music Center - Corporate, Foundation & Government Partners listing (accessed February 24, 2026)
• IRS Form 990-PF filings (2014-2023)
• Wikipedia - Anna Shay biographical information (accessed February 24, 2026)