Cyrus And Michael Tang Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $484,068 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Estimated $37,000 - $3,000,000
• Geographic Focus: United States (primarily Las Vegas, NV) and China
• Number of Awards: 13 grants in 2023

Contact Details

The foundation does not maintain a public website or contact information. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Related Foundation: The Cyrus Tang Foundation (a related but separate foundation) can be reached at https://cyrustangfoundation.org/

Overview

The Cyrus and Michael Tang Foundation (EIN: 88-0485259) is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1995 by Cyrus Chung-Ying Tang (1930-2018), a Chinese American industrialist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who founded Tang Industries Inc. in Las Vegas, Nevada. With over $50 million in assets, the foundation supports initiatives that drive impact across three main focus areas: education, healthcare, and community development. The foundation is part of a family of three Tang foundations established in the U.S. in the 1990s, each with distinct but related missions. Michael Tang, son of Cyrus Tang and current president of the foundation, serves as trustee and is vice chairman of Tang Industries. The foundation's philanthropic philosophy reflects Cyrus Tang's belief that "success in life is not based in assets gained or knowledge acquired. It is how we make use of what we have to contribute to society."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate named grant programs but makes strategic investments in education, public health, and civic participation projects. Grant sizes vary considerably based on the scope and nature of the project:

• Major Institutional Grants: $2-3 million (examples include endowed chairs and research institutes)
• Mid-Range Program Grants: $500,000-$900,000 (multi-year partnerships and research programs)
• Standard Grants: Average approximately $37,000 based on 2023 giving

Priority Areas

Education: The foundation prioritizes strengthening communities in the U.S. through investments in higher education institutions and educational research. A minimum of 70% of foundation funds are directed toward education programs, most of which carry a community service component.

Public Health: Support for healthcare research, medical education, and community-based healthcare improvements. The foundation funds initiatives that tackle tough problems and build a more caring society.

Civic Engagement and U.S.-China Relations: The foundation has made significant investments in initiatives that foster understanding between the United States and China, including policy research and cultural exchange programs.

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, the foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests and does not fund organizations outside their established partner network.

Governance and Leadership

Michael Tang - President and Trustee: Son of founder Cyrus Tang, Michael serves as vice chairman of Tang Industries and CEO of National Material L.P. He oversees the foundation's grantmaking activities and serves as trustee for multiple Tang family charitable organizations, including the Cyrus and Michael Tang Foundation and the Cyrus Chung Ying Tang Foundation.

Cyrus Chung-Ying Tang (1930-2018) - Founder: A prominent philanthropist who established Tang Industries Inc. in 1971 and created three foundations in the 1990s. His philanthropic vision emphasized using resources to contribute to society and build stronger communities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Cyrus and Michael Tang Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for donations.

The foundation operates through an invitation-only model, working with an established network of trusted partners in higher education in China and the U.S. to source and execute projects that align with the foundation's mission. Grants are awarded proactively to pre-selected partner organizations rather than through a competitive application process.

Getting on Their Radar

Higher Education Partnerships: The foundation works exclusively through established university partners and research institutions. Documented partnerships include:

• RAND Corporation: Recipient of $2 million (2007) to establish the Tang Institute for U.S.-China Relations and $3 million (2017) to create the Tang Chair in China Policy Studies
• University of Chicago: Long-standing partner through the Tang Foundation for the Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which supports research at the University of Chicago and research institutes in Beijing
• University of California, Irvine: Received $600,000 for research initiatives
• Fudan University: Partner institution for the Cyrus Tang Public Health Research Institute

Organizations seeking funding would need to establish relationships with these existing partner institutions or build connections through the Tang Industries network.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Given the foundation's invitation-only model and work through established partnerships, the timeline likely varies significantly based on the nature and scope of the proposed initiative.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available, as the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as the foundation does not have a public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, the following factors appear to influence funding decisions based on documented grants:

Established Institutional Credibility: All documented grant recipients are established universities, research institutions, or major policy organizations with strong reputations in their fields.

Alignment with U.S.-China Relations: Several major grants support initiatives that bridge understanding between the United States and China, including the RAND Corporation's Tang Institute for U.S.-China Relations and research partnerships with Chinese universities.

Focus on Community Impact: Cyrus Tang's philosophy emphasized contributing to society. Projects that demonstrate clear community benefit and address disadvantaged communities appear to align with the foundation's values.

Long-term Strategic Partnerships: The foundation appears to prefer sustained relationships with partner institutions rather than one-time grants. Evidence includes repeat funding to RAND Corporation and ongoing support for university research programs.

Research and Education Excellence: Documented grants prioritize academic research, policy studies, and educational programs at top-tier institutions.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Application Process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests. Traditional grant writing and application strategies do not apply.
• Relationship-Based Funding: All grants appear to flow through established partnerships with major universities and research institutions. Access requires connection to the Tang family network or existing partner organizations.
• Significant Grant Potential: While average grants are approximately $37,000, the foundation has demonstrated capacity for major gifts ranging from $500,000 to $3 million for strategic initiatives.
• U.S.-China Focus: Many significant grants support initiatives that foster understanding between the United States and China, particularly in education, healthcare, and policy research.
• Higher Education Emphasis: The foundation strongly favors higher education institutions and research programs, with 70% of funds directed toward education-related initiatives.
• Values-Driven Philanthropy: The foundation's approach reflects founder Cyrus Tang's belief in using resources to contribute to society and build caring communities.
• Family Leadership: With Michael Tang as president, the foundation maintains direct family involvement in grantmaking decisions.

References

1. CauseIQ - Cyrus and Michael Tang Foundation Profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/cyrus-and-michael-tang-foundation,880485259/ (Accessed January 2026)

2. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Cyrus And Michael Tang Foundation (EIN: 88-0485259). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/880485259 (Accessed January 2026)

3. Candid Foundation Directory - Cyrus and Michael Tang Foundation. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=TANG016 (Accessed January 2026)

4. Cyrus Tang Foundation Official Website. https://cyrustangfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 2026)

5. RAND Corporation Press Release: "$3 Million Gift Establishes Tang Chair in China Policy Studies at RAND" (August 28, 2017). https://www.rand.org/news/press/2017/08/28.html (Accessed January 2026)

6. RAND Corporation Press Release: "$2 Million Gift from Cyrus Chung Ying Tang Foundation Will Help RAND Corp. Establish China Study Institute" (September 19, 2007). https://www.rand.org/news/press/2007/09/19/index1.html (Accessed January 2026)

7. University of Chicago Medicine: "Cyrus Tang Foundation Award funds partnership to improve community-based healthcare in China" (November 2023). https://givetomedicine.uchicago.edu/2023/11/cyrus-tang-foundation-award-funds-partnership-to-improve-community-based-healthcare-in-china/ (Accessed January 2026)

8. China Development Brief - Cyrus Tang Foundation Profile. https://chinadevelopmentbrief.org/ngos/cyrus-tang-foundation/ (Accessed January 2026)

9. Wikipedia - Cyrus Tang Biography. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrus_Tang (Accessed January 2026)

10. Tang Foundations Overview. https://tangfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 2026)