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Bin Lin And Daisy Liu Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.8M
Grant Range
$30K - $0.8M

Bin Lin And Daisy Liu Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Founded: 2020
  • Total Assets: $205,240,098 (2024)
  • Annual Giving: $775,000 (2024)
  • Grant Range: Estimated $29,500 - $775,000 per year
  • Number of Awards: 3 in 2024, 2 in 2021
  • Average Grant Size: Approximately $258,000 (2024)
  • Geographic Focus: National and international (focus on institutions with personal connections)
  • Foundation Type: Private Family Foundation
  • EIN: 84-2677896

Contact Details

Address: 43244 Livermore Common, Fremont, CA 94539-5762

Phone: 781-333-1841

Note: This foundation does not have a public website or online application portal.

Overview

The Bin Lin And Daisy Liu Family Foundation was established in 2020 by Lin Bin (also known as Bin Lin), co-founder and vice chairman of Xiaomi Corporation, and his wife Liu Xiangdong (known as Daisy Liu). The foundation is a private family foundation with substantial assets exceeding $205 million as of 2024. Lin Bin funded the foundation in 2020 by donating 120 million shares of Xiaomi stock, with all assets designated exclusively for charitable purposes related to education and health initiatives.

The foundation reflects the couple's commitment to being "part of the community" and making contributions where they can, with particular focus on institutions with personal connections to their family. Both Lin Bin and Daisy Liu are alumni of Sun Yat-sen University in China, and they are parents of two Tufts University graduates (Sophia, Class of 2017, and Sabrina, Class of 2021), which has informed their philanthropic priorities.

The foundation made significant donations during the COVID-19 pandemic and has supported major educational institutions including Tufts University, Stanford University, and Sun Yat-sen University. Their giving philosophy emphasizes supporting educational advancement, medical research, and cultural preservation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with published guidelines. Instead, grants are made at the discretion of the board of directors based on personal connections and institutional relationships.

Historical Grant Activity:

  • 2024: $775,000 distributed across 3 awards
  • 2023: $29,500 distributed
  • 2022: $59,500 distributed
  • 2021: $148,178,988 distributed (including major gifts to Sun Yat-sen University and Xiaomi Foundation)

Priority Areas

Based on documented grants and public statements, the foundation focuses on:

Education:

  • Higher education institutions (particularly alma maters and children's universities)
  • Educational research and advancement
  • Cultural and historical preservation related to education

Health & Medical:

  • Medical centers and hospitals
  • COVID-19 response and pandemic preparedness
  • Medical equipment and supplies

Cultural Preservation:

  • Support for historical artifacts of educational and technological significance
  • Chinese cultural heritage preservation

Known Grant Recipients

Confirmed Recipients Include:

  • Tufts Medical Center (Boston, MA): 80,000 face masks and 10,000 pairs of protective goggles during COVID-19 pandemic; previous contribution toward 31,000 N95 masks
  • Tufts University School of Engineering: Donor recognition on engineering school donor wall (FY2019)
  • Stanford University Libraries: Support for acquisition of the MingKwai Chinese typewriter prototype for the East Asia Library
  • Sun Yat-sen University (China): 100 million yuan (approximately $13.8 million USD) donation in celebration of the university's 100th anniversary
  • Xiaomi Foundation: 60 million shares of Xiaomi stock (valued at approximately $130 million USD at time of transfer in 2021)

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's giving pattern suggests:

  • No general operating support for organizations without personal connections
  • No grants to individuals
  • Limited funding for organizations outside education and health sectors

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Xiangdong Liu (Daisy Liu)

  • Director, President & Foundation Manager
  • Alumni of Sun Yat-sen University
  • Tufts parent (A17P, A21P)
  • Co-founder of family philanthropic initiatives
  • No compensation received

Bin Lin (Lin Bin)

  • Director & Foundation Manager
  • Co-founder and Vice Chairman, Xiaomi Corporation
  • Alumni of Sun Yat-sen University
  • Tufts parent (A17P, A21P)
  • Named to 2022 Hurun China Philanthropy List (10th place) for $130 million donation to Xiaomi Foundation
  • No compensation received

Sophia Lin

  • Director, Secretary & Treasurer
  • Tufts University graduate (Class of 2017)
  • Daughter of founders
  • No compensation received

Philanthropic Philosophy

Daisy Liu has articulated their giving philosophy: "We are always trying to be part of the community, trying to make a contribution if we can." She noted that Tufts is "always top of mind when our family foundation wants to do something," reflecting their focus on institutions with personal connections to the family.

Lin Bin has stated that "in addition to [the] donation to [his] alma mater Sun Yat-sen University, there will be more public welfare donations in the future," indicating ongoing philanthropic commitment.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Bin Lin And Daisy Liu Family Foundation operates as a private family foundation that makes grants by invitation only. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the board of directors, typically to institutions with which the family has personal connections or relationships.

Organizations cannot submit unsolicited applications through an online portal or formal application process. All grants documented to date have been initiated by the foundation rather than in response to external requests.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation's documented giving pattern reveals specific pathways through which organizations have received support:

Personal and Institutional Connections:

  • The foundation shows strong preference for institutions with direct family connections, including their alma maters (Sun Yat-sen University) and their daughters' university (Tufts University)
  • Support for institutions in communities where the family resides or has significant ties

Strategic Relationship Building:

  • Given the foundation's small board consisting entirely of family members, approaching through mutual connections with board members (particularly through Xiaomi Corporation networks, Tufts University alumni networks, or Sun Yat-sen University alumni networks) may be most effective
  • The family is based internationally, with connections in Beijing, China, and California, USA

Demonstrated Areas of Interest:

  • Organizations working in medical preparedness and response (as evidenced by COVID-19 donations)
  • Educational institutions focused on engineering, technology, and innovation
  • Projects preserving Chinese cultural and technological heritage
  • Research institutions at major universities

Networking Opportunities:

  • Xiaomi Corporation events and technology sector gatherings
  • Tufts University alumni events (both Daisy Liu and Bin Lin are identified as A17P and A21P - parents of 2017 and 2021 graduates)
  • Sun Yat-sen University alumni networks
  • Bay Area philanthropic and technology community events

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation does not operate on a formal application and decision timeline. Grants appear to be made on an ad-hoc basis as opportunities align with the foundation's interests.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - there is no formal application or reapplication process.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's private, invitation-only nature, traditional "application success factors" do not apply. However, analysis of their documented grants reveals patterns that may inform organizations seeking support:

Alignment with Personal Connections: All documented major grants have gone to institutions with direct personal connections to the Lin family - their universities, their children's universities, and causes they personally encountered (such as COVID-19 response at Tufts Medical Center). Organizations seeking support should consider whether they have legitimate connection points to the family or their networks.

Focus on Educational Excellence: The foundation has supported top-tier educational institutions (Sun Yat-sen University, Tufts University, Stanford University), suggesting a preference for established institutions with strong academic reputations rather than emerging organizations.

Cultural and Historical Significance: The support for Stanford's acquisition of the MingKwai typewriter demonstrates interest in preserving Chinese cultural heritage and technological history, particularly artifacts that connect Chinese innovation to broader technological advancement.

Response to Urgent Needs: The foundation's rapid response to COVID-19 needs at Tufts Medical Center (donating 80,000 masks and 10,000 goggles) shows willingness to support urgent, time-sensitive needs at institutions they care about.

Substantial Impact Opportunities: Grant sizes have been substantial, ranging from donations of medical equipment worth tens of thousands of dollars to multi-million dollar educational gifts. The foundation appears oriented toward significant impact rather than smaller, scattered giving.

No Publicity Requirements: The foundation's donations have been acknowledged when reported by recipient institutions, but there is no evidence the foundation requires public recognition or naming opportunities, though they have accepted donor wall recognition at Tufts School of Engineering.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-Only Model: This is not a foundation that accepts unsolicited proposals. Do not attempt to submit a cold application. All documented grants have been initiated by the foundation based on personal connections and relationships.

  • Personal Connection is Essential: Every documented grant has gone to an institution with direct family ties. Without a legitimate connection to the Lin family, Xiaomi Corporation, or their networks, support is extremely unlikely.

  • Focus on Education and Health: The foundation's documented giving is concentrated in higher education and medical institutions. Organizations outside these sectors should look elsewhere for funding.

  • International Scope: While based in California, the family maintains strong ties to China and has funded institutions on both continents. International organizations with U.S.-China connections may align with their interests.

  • Think Big: The foundation makes substantial gifts rather than many small grants. In 2024, they made only 3 grants totaling $775,000. Organizations should consider whether their funding needs align with this level of giving.

  • Alumni Networks Matter: Both parents are Sun Yat-sen University alumni, and both daughters are Tufts alumni. These alumni networks represent the most likely pathway to the foundation's attention.

  • Technology and Innovation: Given Lin Bin's role as Xiaomi co-founder and vice chairman, the foundation may have particular interest in technology-related educational initiatives or innovation in medical care delivery.

  • Be Patient and Strategic: Private family foundations often operate on their own timeline and priorities. Building authentic relationships within their networks is more valuable than attempting direct outreach.

References

  1. Cause IQ - Bin Lin and Daisy Liu Family Foundation Profile. Retrieved from https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/bin-lin-and-daisy-liu-family-foundation,842677896/

  2. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Bin Lin And Daisy Liu Family Foundation Form 990-PF Filings. Retrieved from https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/842677896

  3. Tufts Alumni & Friends - "'Part of the community'" (2020). Retrieved from https://alumniandfriends.tufts.edu/news/part-community

  4. Sun Yat-sen University - "Alumni Lin Bin and Liu Xiangdong donate 100 Million yuan to Sun Yat-sen University" (2024). Retrieved from https://www.sysu.edu.cn/newsen/info/1781/87432.htm

  5. Stanford Report - "MingKwai prototype, the 'origin of Chinese computing,' finds a home at Stanford" (2025). Retrieved from https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2025/05/mingkwai-chinese-typewriter-prototype-stanford-libraries

  6. Yicai Global - "Xiaomi Co-Founder Lin Bin to Use Proceeds of Stake Sale for Philanthropy" (2024). Retrieved from https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/xiaomis-co-founder-to-use-proceeds-from-stake-sale-for-charity-donations

  7. Charity Navigator - Bin Lin and Daisy Liu Family Foundation Profile. Retrieved from https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/842677896

  8. IRS Tax Exempt Organization Records - Form 990-PF filings for EIN 84-2677896 (2020-2024)

Information compiled January 2026

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