Giving University is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Anaheim, California, established in 2002. Rather than operating as a traditional grantmaking foundation, Giving University functions as an educational organization that teaches individuals how to give effectively and strategically. The organization focuses on human services and support for special populations, operating with a pro bono leadership team.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$606K
+2.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$410K
+42.4% YoY
Grant Count
23
+9.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$18K
+30.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Giving University reported a distributable amount of $8K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
Giving University's core mission addresses a fundamental problem: most giving fails not due to lack of good intentions, but due to lack of good process. The organization teaches people how to identify nonprofits that are truly changing lives and avoid those that are ineffective or wasteful.
The organization's primary focus areas include:
- Human services
- Special population support
Grantmaking
Giving University operates a unique model centered on education and direct funding rather than traditional grant applications:
Grant Range
$125
Average Grant
$125
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Giving University funds initiatives across multiple U.S. states and internationally. Domestic funding areas include:
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
International funding locations include London and Taipei.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent (2024):
- Total Assets: $590,000
- Total Liabilities: $324,000
- Annual Revenue: $1.05 million
- Annual Expenses: $1.28 million
- Total Awarded This Year: $796,000
Asset Growth: Assets increased 2.6% from the previous year.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $606,300 | $590,195 | $712,637 |
| Revenue | $1,639,281 | $1,052,459 | $1,682,625 |
| Expenses | $1,409,502 | $1,278,670 | $1,518,330 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,366,128 | $1,239,056 | $1,490,492 |
| Net Investment Income | $42 | $61 | $74 |
| Distributable Amount | $7,766 | $4,482 | $5,269 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
164 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest include Kathmandu Vineyard ($65,000), PMCA - New Life ($55,645), Every Nations Church Bhutan ($35,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New Day for Children Alamo, CA | General grant | $30,000 |
| Every Nations Church Bhutan | General grant | $35,000 |
| Friends Lanka Child Foundation | General grant | $14,000 |
| Coast Hills Church Aliso Viejo, CA | General grant | $12,000 |
| Surf n' Turf San Juan Capistrano, CA | General grant | $11,000 |
| Youth for Christ International Englewood, CO | General grant | $11,000 |
| Influence Church Anaheim, CA | General grant | $10,000 |
| Celebrate Recovery Santa Ana, CA | General grant | $10,000 |
| Northeast Track Club Washington, DC | General grant | $10,000 |
| Warriors of Hope Orange, CA | General grant | $10,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The organization's leadership team serves without compensation:
- Sam Cerny (President)
- Mike Lang (Secretary)
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAM CERNY | President | 2 | — |
| MIKE LANG | Secretary | 2 | — |
| STEVEN E NAMEROFF | Treasurer | 3 | — |
| STEVE BRAY | Director | 2 | — |
| DAN DYK | Director | 2 | — |
| NANCY J BRAY | Director | 2 | — |
| ANNA BRAY | Director | 2 | — |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Giving University fund?
Giving University's core mission addresses a fundamental problem: most giving fails not due to lack of good intentions, but due to lack of good process. The organization teaches people how to identify nonprofits that are truly changing lives and avoid those that are ineffective or wasteful. The organization's primary focus areas include: • Human services • Special population support
How do I apply for a grant from Giving University?
Giving University operates a unique model centered on education and direct funding rather than traditional grant applications: **Educational Program:** • 16-hour class format (2 hours per week for 8 weeks) • Available in-person or via live webcast • No prerequisites required; open to anyone with an open mind and willingness to learn • No tuition or hidden costs **Funding Component:** • Upon graduation, each participant receives $1,000 to donate to a local charity that meets Giving University's …
Where does Giving University make grants?
Giving University funds initiatives across multiple U.S. states and internationally. Domestic funding areas include: • California • Colorado • Florida • Illinois • Kentucky • Louisiana • Minnesota • Missouri • Montana • Nevada • New York • Pennsylvania • Tennessee • Texas • Washington International funding locations include London and Taipei.
What size grants does Giving University award?
In 2025, Giving University awarded 23 grants totaling $410K — an average of about $18K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Giving University required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2025, Giving University reported a distributable amount of $8K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Giving University's EIN?
Giving University's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 91-2168191. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Giving University's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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