Chinese Character a Day Foundation
Chinese Character a Day Foundation is a private foundation, based in Huntington Beach, CA. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2021. In 2021, it awarded 1 grant totaling $5.5M.
Chinese Character a Day Foundation at a glance
In short: Chinese Character a Day Foundation gave $5.5M across 1 grant in 2021 (avg $5.5M), mostly in California. Source: 2021 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2021)
- $5,500,000
- Grants made (2021)
- 1
- Average grant
- $5,500,000
- Median grant
- $5,500,000
- Primary geography
- California (100% of itemized 2021 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2021 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2021; updated September 2026.
Who Chinese Character a Day Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top recipient in 2021
The largest 2021 recipient was UCI Foundation ($5.5M).
Grant Size Distribution
1 grant across all recorded years
The most common grant size was $5M or more: 1 grant of 1 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of the 2021 grant dollars on its one itemized grant.
States
Cities
How Chinese Character a Day Foundation gives
- In 2021 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
In 2021 it made 1 grant totaling $5.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UCI Foundation Irvine, CA | Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building | $5,500,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | — | $31,765 | $5,792,222 | $5,500,000 | 1 | $5,696,138 | — | $200,315 |
| 2020 | $5,760,457 | $104,807 | $90,576 | — | — | — | $47,291 | $285,718 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Chinese Character a Day Foundation reported a distributable amount of $200K for 2021 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Chinese Character a Day Foundation is led by Adeline Yen Mah, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 4 officers listed in 2021 report compensation.
Officers on the 2021 filing
Adeline Yen Mah
President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jack Lew
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Larry Mar
Treasurer & Secretary
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Mah
Vice President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2021. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Chinese Character a Day Foundation
How much does Chinese Character a Day Foundation give each year?
Chinese Character a Day Foundation gave $5.5M across 1 grant in 2021, according to its 2021 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Chinese Character a Day Foundation operate?
Chinese Character a Day Foundation has awarded grants in California.
How much is Chinese Character a Day Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2021, Chinese Character a Day Foundation reported a distributable amount of $200K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Chinese Character a Day Foundation's EIN?
Chinese Character a Day Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-4414268. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2021.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 14, 2022)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2021
Live grants for the work Chinese Character a Day Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Chinese Character a Day Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Chinese Character a Day Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?