M & L Hong Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
• Success Rate: N/A (no public application process)
• Decision Time: N/A (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: $370,000 - $2,000,000 (based on known grants)
• Geographic Focus: Southern California (primary), National

Contact Details

No public contact information available. This is a private foundation operating through trustee discretion.

Overview

The M & L Hong Foundation (EIN: 83-6345283) is a private foundation with approximately $52.8 million in assets, established in 2001-2002 by Dr. Myung Ki "Mike" Hong, a prominent Korean American philanthropist and business leader. Originally named the Bright World Foundation, it was created to empower multi-ethnic communities through philanthropic funding, with a particular focus on Korean American education and cultural initiatives. Following Dr. Hong's passing in 2021, the foundation continues operations under the support of Justin S. Kim. The foundation has made significant grants to major educational institutions, including a $2 million gift to UCLA for endowed faculty chairs and $370,000 to UC Riverside's Young Oak Kim Center for Korean American Studies.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

While specific programs are not publicly detailed, documented grants include:

• Higher Education Support: $2,000,000+ (endowed chairs, research programs)
• Korean American Studies: $370,000+ (academic centers, cultural programs)
• Community Organizations: Amounts undisclosed (cultural and educational initiatives)

Priority Areas

• Korean American studies and cultural preservation
• Higher education, particularly STEM fields (chemistry, polymer science, materials innovation)
• Youth education initiatives
• Multi-ethnic community development
• Community harmony and cultural diversity programs

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly specified, though grants appear focused on education and Korean American community initiatives rather than general charitable causes.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation operates with minimal public-facing structure. Dr. Myung Ki Hong (1934-2021) founded and led the foundation until his passing. Current operations are supported by Justin S. Kim, whose specific role is not publicly detailed. The foundation operates with zero employees, indicating trustee-managed operations typical of private family foundations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion, typically to organizations with existing relationships or those identified through the foundation's networks, particularly within the Korean American community and California higher education institutions.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's documented giving patterns:

• The foundation has strong ties to UCLA's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, where Dr. Hong was an alumnus
• UC Riverside's Young Oak Kim Center for Korean American Studies received significant support, with Dr. Hong serving as board chair
• Organizations connected to the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho Memorial Foundation may have established relationships
• Korean American community organizations in Southern California appear to be within the foundation's network

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants made at trustee discretion without public application deadlines.

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process.

Application Success Factors

Given the private nature of this foundation, organizations most likely to receive funding are those that:

• Have established connections within the Korean American philanthropic community in California
• Align closely with Dr. Hong's legacy interests in chemistry, polymer science, and materials innovation
• Support Korean American youth education and cultural preservation
• Are connected to UCLA or UC Riverside academic networks
• Focus on multi-ethnic community building and cultural understanding
• Can demonstrate impact in Southern California communities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a high-capacity foundation ($52.8M assets) without a public application process
• Focus on relationship-building rather than direct applications
• Strong preference for Korean American initiatives and STEM education
• Geographic preference for Southern California, particularly Riverside and Los Angeles areas
• Consider connections through UCLA Chemistry Department or UC Riverside's Korean American Studies programs
• The foundation may be in transition following the founder's 2021 passing
• Patience and long-term cultivation strategies are essential for accessing these funds

References

• UC Riverside News. "$370,000 gift to support UCR's Young Oak Kim Center for Korean American Studies." January 16, 2018. https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2018/01/16/370000-gift-support-ucrs-young-oak-kim-center-korean-american-studies
• UCLA Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. "Alumnus Dr. Myung Ki 'Mike' Hong ('59) gives department $2 million." 2016-2017.
• UCLA Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. "Remembering Dr. Myung Ki Hong (1934-2021)." 2021.
• Council of Korean Americans. "In Memoriam: CKA Honors the Life of Dr. Myung-Ki Hong." September 16, 2021. https://councilka.org/statement-9-16-2021/
• Press Enterprise. "Myung Ki Hong, 'towering figure' in Inland Korean American community, dies at 87." August 27, 2021.
• Cause IQ Directory. Trenton/Princeton Metro Foundations List. Accessed 2024.
• California Business Registry. M & L Hong Foundation, Inc. incorporation records. December 21, 2001.