Clarence T C Ching Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5.9 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: Hawaii

Contact Details

Address: 201 Merchant St, Suite 1840, Honolulu, HI 96813-2999
Executive Director: Tertia Freas
Phone: Not publicly available
Email: Not publicly available
Website: No public website found

Overview

The Clarence T C Ching Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1968 in Hawaii. With total assets of approximately $131.8 million and annual charitable disbursements of around $5.9 million, the foundation supports organizations involved with arts and culture, education, health care, and science. Special emphasis is directed toward programs designed to serve the needy, sick, or aged. The foundation operates as a private foundation filing Form 990-PF and has maintained its tax-exempt status since May 1968.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation runs the "Inspired in Hawaii Essay, Poster, and Video Contest" which awards $10,000 in cash awards and gift cards to K-12 teachers and students. The contest challenges students to identify and propose solutions to existing problems in Hawaii through essay, poster, or video submissions.

Priority Areas

• Arts and culture
• Education (with demonstrated support for higher education)
• Health care
• Science
• Programs serving the needy, sick, or aged

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions not publicly documented

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Tertia Freas ($155,000 compensation)

Board of Trustees:

• John K Tsui ($86,000)
• Raymond J Tam ($77,000)
• Kenneth T Okamoto ($77,000)
• Robert T Fujioka ($77,000)
• Elizabeth S Hokada ($77,000)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not appear to have a public application process. Based on available information, grants are likely awarded at the discretion of the board of trustees to organizations they identify or with whom they have established relationships. The foundation does not maintain a public website with application guidelines or submission portals.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented

Application Success Factors

Given the limited public information about this foundation's grant-making process, organizations seeking support should:

• Align closely with the foundation's stated priorities of arts, culture, education, health care, and science
• Focus on programs serving vulnerable populations (needy, sick, or aged)
• Consider building relationships with board members or the executive director
• Demonstrate strong Hawaii-based connections and impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a substantial private foundation with approximately $5.9 million in annual giving
• The foundation operates without a public website or published application guidelines
• Grants appear to be made at trustee discretion rather than through open application
• Strong preference for Hawaii-based organizations and programs
• Focus areas include education, health care, arts/culture, and science, with special emphasis on vulnerable populations
• Building relationships with foundation leadership may be essential for consideration

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Clarence T C Ching Foundation (EIN: 99-6014634), accessed January 2026
• GuideStar Profile - Clarence Tc Ching Foundation, accessed January 2026
• IRS Form 990-PF filings (2024 tax year data)