Diodes Foundation

Quick Stats

• EIN: 87-4053108
• Annual Giving: $473,766 (2023)
• Total Assets: $8,699,628
• Number of Grants: 9 grants awarded in 2023
• Average Grant Size: $52,641
• Geographic Focus: Maine, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Taiwan
• Foundation Type: Company-sponsored private foundation
• Registered Location: Wilmington, Delaware

Contact Details

The Diodes Foundation does not maintain a separate public website or dedicated contact information. As a company-sponsored foundation affiliated with Diodes Incorporated:

• Parent Company Website: www.diodes.com
• Diodes Incorporated Headquarters: Plano, Texas
• Foundation Registration: Wilmington, Delaware
• IRS Form 990-PF Filings: Available through ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Charity Navigator, and other nonprofit databases (EIN: 87-4053108)

Overview

The Diodes Foundation is a company-sponsored private foundation affiliated with Diodes Incorporated, a global manufacturer and supplier of semiconductor products. Established to support the philanthropic initiatives of Diodes Incorporated, the foundation operates with $8.7 million in assets and distributed $473,766 in grants across 9 awards in 2023. The foundation focuses primarily on educational initiatives, particularly in STEM fields and semiconductor workforce development, reflecting the technical expertise and industry focus of its parent company.

The foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors comprising senior leaders from Diodes Incorporated, including Dr. Keh-Shew Lu (founder and Chairman of Diodes Incorporated), Richard D. White (Corporate Secretary), and Brett Whitmire (Chief Financial Officer of Diodes Incorporated). All board members serve without compensation, dedicating their time to advancing educational opportunities in communities where Diodes Incorporated operates.

Recent activity demonstrates the foundation's commitment to semiconductor education and workforce development, with a notable $100,000 grant to Texas A&M University announced in September 2024 to support graduate student research in semiconductor technology, chip design, and machine learning.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Diodes Foundation operates as a company-sponsored private foundation and does not publish formal grant programs with specific tiers or application cycles. Based on available data:

• Grant Range: While the average grant is $52,641, grants vary based on project scope and institutional partnerships
• Known Grant: $100,000 to Texas A&M University for semiconductor education initiative (2024)
• Application Method: No public application process; appears to operate on an invitation-only or strategic partnership basis

Priority Areas

Based on available grants and foundation activities, funding priorities include:

• STEM Education: Support for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs, particularly at the university level
• Semiconductor Workforce Development: Training and education initiatives that advance semiconductor industry skills and knowledge
• Graduate Research: Support for master's and doctoral students conducting research in relevant technical fields
• Industry-University Partnerships: Collaborative programs that bridge academic research with practical industry applications
• Hands-on Technical Training: Programs that provide students with access to real equipment, simulations, and real-world applications

Geographic Focus

The foundation has funded projects in locations that align with Diodes Incorporated's operational footprint:

• Texas: Plano, Richardson, Dallas, Murphy
• Maine: South Portland
• Utah: Salt Lake City
• Virginia: Alexandria
• International: Taipei City, Taiwan

This geographic distribution appears to correlate with Diodes Incorporated's facilities and operational presence.

What They Don't Fund

While the foundation has not published explicit exclusions, its focused mission and company-sponsored structure suggest:

• Programs outside STEM and technical education fields are unlikely to receive funding
• Organizations without connection to semiconductor industry or workforce development
• Geographic areas outside the foundation's operational footprint
• General operating support unrelated to education or workforce development

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Dr. Keh-Shew Lu, Chairman and Director

• Founder and Chairman of Diodes Incorporated
• Former President and CEO of Diodes Incorporated (2005-2025)
• 27-year career at Texas Instruments before founding Diodes
• Holds doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Texas Tech University
• Honorary doctorate from National Cheng Kung University (Taiwan)
• Under his leadership, Diodes Incorporated grew from $186 million in revenue to over $2 billion
• Corporate motto: "Integrity, Commitment, and Innovation"

Richard D. White, Director and Secretary

• Senior Vice President of Finance, Diodes Incorporated (joined 2006)
• Served as Chief Financial Officer (2009-2019)
• Currently serves as Corporate Secretary and Special Assistant to the CEO
• Extensive finance and corporate governance experience

Brett Whitmire, Director and Treasurer

• Chief Financial Officer, Diodes Incorporated (appointed March 2019)
• Based in Plano, Texas
• Brings financial leadership and strategic oversight to foundation operations

Governance Structure

All board members serve on a voluntary basis without compensation, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to maximizing grant distributions. The foundation operates as a traditional company-sponsored private foundation under IRS Section 501(c)(3) classification.

Leadership Perspective

Gary Yu, current President and CEO of Diodes Incorporated, stated regarding the Texas A&M partnership: "Supporting students' skill development enhances their capabilities as future engineers and researchers." This quote reflects the company's and foundation's emphasis on investing in the next generation of technical talent.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Diodes Foundation does not have a public application process. As a company-sponsored private foundation, grants appear to be awarded through:

• Strategic partnerships identified by the foundation's board and parent company leadership
• Invitation-only opportunities for organizations aligned with the foundation's mission
• Pre-existing relationships with universities and institutions in regions where Diodes Incorporated operates

Organizations interested in potential funding from the Diodes Foundation will need to develop relationships with Diodes Incorporated or foundation leadership rather than submitting unsolicited proposals.

Getting on Their Radar

While the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations working in semiconductor education and STEM workforce development in the foundation's geographic areas of interest may consider:

• Developing relationships with Diodes Incorporated facilities in your region, particularly in Plano/Richardson (TX), South Portland (ME), or other operational locations
• Engaging with foundation board members who are active in semiconductor industry associations and educational partnerships
• Demonstrating alignment with semiconductor workforce development needs through existing programs and measurable outcomes
• Participating in industry events where Diodes Incorporated leadership may be present, such as semiconductor industry conferences and STEM education summits

The foundation has shown interest in hosting university delegations (e.g., National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology visit), suggesting that building institutional relationships may create opportunities for future partnerships.

Decision Timeline

As the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis without published application cycles:

• No fixed deadlines for applications
• Decision timelines vary based on strategic partnership discussions
• Grant announcements appear to coincide with major initiatives or partnership launches

Success Rates

With 9 grants awarded in 2023 and no public application process, traditional success rate metrics do not apply. The foundation appears to be highly selective, focusing on strategic partnerships rather than competitive grant-making.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as the foundation does not have a formal application process. Relationships with funded organizations appear to be ongoing and may result in continued support for successful initiatives.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's company-sponsored structure and invitation-only approach, organizations seeking to position themselves for potential partnership should consider:

Alignment with Foundation Mission

• Semiconductor focus: Programs directly related to semiconductor education, chip design, fabrication, or related technologies are most aligned
• STEM workforce development: Initiatives that prepare students for careers in the semiconductor industry
• Graduate-level programs: The Texas A&M grant specifically supported master's and doctoral students, suggesting a focus on advanced technical education
• Hands-on learning: The foundation values programs that provide "real equipment, simulations, design opportunities, and real-world applications"

Geographic Considerations

• Proximity to Diodes operations: The foundation's grant distribution correlates with Diodes Incorporated's facility locations
• Community impact: Programs that benefit communities where Diodes employees live and work

Institutional Capacity

• Research capabilities: University partnerships that involve meaningful research contributions to semiconductor technology
• Industry relevance: Programs that translate academic work into practical industry applications
• Student outcomes: Demonstrable impact on student skills and career preparation

Relationship Building

• Board connections: Given the volunteer board structure, personal relationships with Dr. Keh-Shew Lu, Richard White, or Brett Whitmire may facilitate partnership discussions
• Parent company engagement: Existing relationships with Diodes Incorporated through industry collaboration, student placement, or research partnerships
• Long-term vision: The foundation appears to value sustained partnerships over one-time grants

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is not a traditional grantmaker: The Diodes Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis tied to Diodes Incorporated's strategic priorities; do not submit unsolicited proposals
• Focus is narrow and deep: Semiconductor education and STEM workforce development in specific geographic regions aligned with company operations
• Relationship-driven: Success requires building connections with Diodes Incorporated leadership and demonstrating alignment with company values of "Integrity, Commitment, and Innovation"
• University focus: Current known grants support higher education institutions, particularly graduate-level research programs
• Strategic partnerships: The foundation seeks collaborations that advance both educational outcomes and semiconductor industry workforce needs
• Geographic targeting: Focus efforts if your organization operates in Texas (especially Dallas-Plano area), Maine (South Portland), Utah (Salt Lake City), Virginia (Alexandria), or Taiwan (Taipei)
• Research Form 990-PF: To identify additional grant recipients and understand funding patterns, review the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings through ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer or other databases

References

• Charity Navigator. "Diodes Foundation Profile." Accessed March 9, 2026. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/874053108
• Cause IQ. "Diodes Foundation | Plano, TX." Accessed March 9, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/diodes-foundation,874053108/
• Diodes Incorporated. "Diodes Incorporated and Texas A&M Partner to Promote Semiconductor Skills and Industry Acumen." Press Release, September 2024. https://www.diodes.com/about/news/press-releases/diodes-incorporated-and-texas-a-and-m-partner-to-promote-semiconductor-skills-and-industry-acumen
• Diodes Incorporated. "Sustainability." Corporate Website. Accessed March 9, 2026. https://www.diodes.com/about/company/sustainability
• Grantable. "Diodes Foundation | Foundation Profile & Grants." Accessed March 9, 2026. https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/diodes-foundation-us-foundation-874053108
• Instrumentl. "Diodes Foundation | Wilmington, DE | 990 Report." Accessed March 9, 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/diodes-foundation
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Diodes Foundation." Accessed March 9, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/874053108
• Texas A&M University Engineering. "Diodes Incorporated and Texas A&M Partner to Promote Semiconductor Skills and Industry Acumen." September 2024. https://engineering.tamu.edu/news/2025/09/diodes-incorporated-and-texas-am-partner-to-promote-semiconductor-skills-and-industry-acumen.html