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The Robert I & Lien Q Chen Family Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

The Robert I & Lien Q Chen Family Foundation

Its FY2024 filing reports that it funds preselected organizations and did not take unsolicited requests; check the foundation's own site before ruling it out.

$200k
Granted FY2024still arriving
5
Grants FY2024still arriving
3
States reached
$60k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
01What it funds
01100% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2024.

Education$565kEnvironment$468kFood & Nutrition$215kCivil Rights$128kArts & Culture$107kRecreation & Sports$25kPublic Safety & Disaster$25kInternational$20kOther$0
02FY2024 · 5 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2024

  • $10k–50k4 grants · $140k
  • $50k–250k1 grant · $60k
$40,000
Median grant
3
States reached
$3.1M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
EARTHJUSTICE ACTION$60,000
National Tropical Botanical Garden$40,000
Asian American Education Project$40,000
Environmental Working Group$40,000
Positive Coaching Alliance$20,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY22–22, $30k) land where the poverty rate runs at 10%, against an area that typically sits at 10%. 0% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Its grants skew toward lower-need ZIPs.

area typical 10%CHILDREN NOW: $30k → 10%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

63%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$982k · 12 repeat orgs$580k to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +73% since the first grant, against +9% for those funded once.

12 repeat relationships: 4 still active in FY2024, 8 since wound down; 1 grantees were first funded in FY2024 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

12
23

Total granted

$982k
$540k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+73%
+9%

Still filing today

67%
74%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2024, 80% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $40k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24
EducationEnvironmentFood & NutritionInternationalHuman ServicesCivil RightsOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • EARTHJUSTICE
    4× · 2017–2020 · $150k · revenue +82%
  • EA
    EARTHJUSTICE ACTION
    2× · 2023–2024 · $140k · revenue +167%
  • NT
    NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
    4× · 2021–2024 · $113k · revenue +107%

Funded once

  • AA
    ASIAN AMERICANS ADVANCING JUSTICE - AAJC INC
    one grant, 2021 · $50k · revenue -77%
  • SS
    SPARK SF PUBLIC SCHOOLS
    one grant, 2021 · $50k · revenue -39%
  • IG
    Individual grant recipient
    one grant, 2021 · $50k
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Friends of the Earth

Friends of the earth strives for a more healthy and just world by defendng the environment and human health while advancing social and economic justice by conducting research and education, transforming the economy so it protects the…

Environment
2
The Union of Concerned Scientists Inc

The union of concerned scientists puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future.

International
3
Conservation International Foundation

Ci works to spotlight and secure the critical benefits that nature provides to humanity.

Environment
4
California Forward

Ca fwd drives action to identify solutions that can be taken to scale to meet the challenges the state is facing. the organization is driven by the belief that regional solutions across the state will help ensure economic, environmental,…

Public Benefit
5
Actionaid Usa

Actionaid is an international network building a just, equitable, and sustainable world in solidarity with communities on the frontlines of poverty and injustice. actionaid usa is the u.s. branch of actionaid international, which works in…

Social Science
6
Food Forward Inc

Food forward fights hunger and prevents food waste by rescuing fresh surplus produce, connecting this abundance with people experiencing food insecurity, and inspiring others to do the same.

Food & Nutrition
7
American Association for the Advancement of Science

Advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all. the world's largest multidisciplinary scientific society and a leading publisher of cutting-edge research through its science family of journals,…

Science & Tech
8
Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Foundation

To engage and catalyze global seafood supply chains in rebuilding depleted fish stocks and reducing the environmental impacts of fishing and fish farming.

Animals
9
California Ocean Science Trust

California ocean science trust (ost) is a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating progress towards a healthy and productive ocean future for california. created by state legislation, ost bridges the gap between cutting-edge…

Environment
10
Jobs with Justice San Francisco

A long-term, strategic alliance of labor, community, faith-based, and student organizations working together to build greater economic power for workers and community members through employee rights at work and access to good jobs,…

Employment
11
Association of California School Administrators

The association serves its members by creating resources that enable california school administrators to develop and apply creative leadership and management skills and in turn, improve the educational process for all students.

—
12
International Food Policy Research Institute

International food policy research institute's (ifpri) vision is a world free of hunger and malnutrition. ifpri's mission is to provide research-based policy solutions that sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition.

Food & Nutrition
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Aajc Inc; the most unlike its peers is International Rescue Committee Inc. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

26 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 26 of the 36 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

0
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
3
Early backer (in before they grew)
26/26
Grantees still filing
17/26
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

UNIV OF CALIF REGENTS: $125,000 · OtherUNIV OF CALIF REGENTSUC Davis: $100,000 · OtherUC DavisSAN FRANCISCO FOOD BANK: $50,000 · OtherSAN FRANCISCO FOOD BANKIndividual grant recipient: $50,000 · OtherIndividual grant recipientMEALS ON WHEELS OF SAN FRANCISCO INC: $40,000 · OtherMEALS ON WHEELS OF SAN FRANCISCO INCAsian Americans Advancing Justice: $30,000 · OtherAngel Island Immigration Station Foundation: $25,000 · OtherSF Conservatory of Music: $25,000 · OtherHENRY M GUNN HIGH SCHOOL: $25,000 · OtherCALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION: $25,000 · Other+9 more: $117,500 · Other+9 moreEARTHJUSTICE: $150,000 · EnvironmentEARTHJUSTICEEARTHJUSTICE ACTION: $140,000 · EnvironmentEARTHJUSTICE ACTIONNATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN: $112,500 · EnvironmentNATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARD…ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP: $40,000 · EnvironmentENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUPTHE ASIAN AMERICAN EDUCATION PROJECT: $120,000 · EducationTHE ASIAN AMERICAN EDUCA…THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SAN FRANCISCO: $60,000 · EducationTHE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL…POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE: $55,000 · EducationPOSITIVE COACHING ALLIAN…SPARK SF PUBLIC SCHOOLS: $50,000 · EducationSPARK SF PUBLIC SCHOOLSSAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC: $27,000 · EducationSAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATO…PROJECT DRAWDOWN: $15,000 · EducationROOM TO READ: $15,000 · EducationMEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA: $20,000 · Food & NutritionFeeding America: $20,000 · Food & NutritionREDWOOD EMPIRE FOOD BANK: $15,000 · Food & NutritionASIAN AMERICANS ADVANCING JUSTICE - AAJC INC: $50,000 · Civil RightsCHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: $30,000 · Arts & CultureCHILDREN NOW: $30,000 · Human Services
Other$612,500Environment$442,500Education$342,000Food & Nutrition$55,000Civil Rights$50,000Arts & Culture$30,000Human Services$30,000

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetEARTHJUSTICE: $150,000 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetEARTHJUSTICE ACTION: $140,000 over 2y, 3.4% of budgetTHE ASIAN AMERICAN EDUCATION PROJECT: $120,000 over 3y, 3.3% of budgetNATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN: $112,500 over 4y, 0.2% of budgetTHE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SAN FRANCISCO: $60,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetPOSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE: $55,000 over 3y, 0.2% of budgetASIAN AMERICANS ADVANCING JUSTICE - AAJC INC: $50,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetSPARK SF PUBLIC SCHOOLS: $50,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetSAN FRANCISCO FOOD BANK: $50,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP: $40,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetMEALS ON WHEELS OF SAN FRANCISCO INC: $40,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetCHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: $30,000 over 1y, 4.4% of budgetCHILDREN NOW: $30,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetSAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC: $27,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetAngel Island Immigration Station Foundation: $25,000 over 1y, 1.7% of budgetCALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION: $25,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetMEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA: $20,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetFeeding America: $20,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetPROJECT DRAWDOWN: $15,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetROOM TO READ: $15,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetREDWOOD EMPIRE FOOD BANK: $15,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetInternational Rescue Committee INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSILICON VALLEY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: $10,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetThe French-American Foundation: $10,000 over 1y, 0.9% of budgetGIRLS LEADING GIRLS: $10,000 over 1y, 2.7% of budgetRAINFOREST TRUST: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

Silicon Valley Commun…The San Francisco Fou…The James Irvine Foun…McKesson Foundation I…Rockefeller Philanthr…Gs Donor Advised Phil…National Philanthropi…Vanguard Charitable E…American Endowment Fo…American Online Givin…Donor Advised Charita…Fidelity Investments …
Silicon Valley Community FoundationCA15.2× affinity6 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: Silicon Valley Community Foundation · The San Francisco Foundation · The James Irvine Foundation · McKesson Foundation Inc · Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Inc · Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund for Wealth Management Inc · National Philanthropic Trust · Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program · American Endowment Foundation · American Online Giving Foundation Inc · Donor Advised Charitable Giving Inc · Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization The Robert I & Lien Q Chen Family Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from The Robert I & Lien Q Chen Family Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 00%0%1%3%5%funder's share of their income ↑0%10%20%30%40%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    0get no government money at all
    8report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    ⤢ axis zoomed · 0–40%
    typical government reliance, FY20–25
    How this is measured
    Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.

    On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 36 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

    How this is measured
    Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

    Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2024, released 2024. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

    Source object · view filing

    Play a game based on Robert I & Lien Q Chen Family’s filings →

    More from the funding graph

    The unnamed billions
    grants reported with no recipient in the public record
    The regranting layer
    51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
    The DAF merry-go-round
    $9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
    The endowment market
    who holds foundation money, and what just moved
    The camps
    funders cluster by geography, not ideology
    By state
    where grant money is based, and what stays home