The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation
The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation is a private foundation, based in Las Vegas, NV. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2026. As of 2026, the organization holds $7.5M in total assets. In 2026, it awarded 1 grant totaling $420K. Net investment income was $311K.
The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation at a glance
In short: The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation gave $420K across 1 grant in 2026 (avg $420K), mostly in New York. Source: 2026 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2026)
- $420,100
- +15.1% vs 2025
- Grants made (2026)
- 1
- +0.0% vs 2025
- Average grant
- $420,100
- +15.1% vs 2025
- Median grant
- $420,100
- Total assets
- $7,483,188
- -2.2% vs 2025
- Primary geography
- New York (100% of itemized 2026 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2026 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2026; updated September 2026.
Who The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Grant Size Distribution
5 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $250–500K range: 5 grants of 5 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of the 2026 grant dollars on its one itemized grant.
States
Cities
How The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation gives
- Giving held roughly steady from 2023 to 2026 (+15%). Method
- In 2026 it paid out 114% of 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
From 2020 to 2026, annual grant giving ranged from $356K (2024) to $420K (2026). In 2026 it made 1 grant totaling $420K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| See Schedule 7 New York, NY | The purpose of the contributions is to aid each donee organization in carrying out its exempt function. | $420,100 |
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $7,483,188 | $296,186 | $465,233 | $420,100 | 1 | $422,900 | $310,677 | $371,981 |
| 2025 | $7,652,235 | $334,180 | $410,837 | $365,000 | 1 | $367,600 | $320,177 | $367,330 |
| 2024 | $7,728,892 | $306,339 | $407,090 | $356,100 | 1 | $359,200 | $316,260 | $359,105 |
| 2023 | $7,829,643 | $263,890 | $410,133 | $364,000 | 1 | $366,875 | $318,496 | $363,153 |
| 2022 | $7,975,886 | $322,329 | $446,353 | $390,000 | 1 | $395,175 | $308,458 | $411,797 |
| 2021 | $8,099,910 | $466,871 | $414,579 | $370,055 | 1 | — | $424,747 | $419,879 |
| 2020 | $8,066,908 | $272,522 | $471,595 | $414,255 | 1 | — | $332,332 | $416,089 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation reported a distributable amount of $372K for 2026 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation's 2026 filing lists 4 officers; none of the 4 officers listed in 2026 report compensation.
Officers on the 2026 filing
Adrienne M. Liu
Trustee
Trustee & Part-Time → Trustee, 2021
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Dana M. Liu
Trustee
Trustee & Part-Time → Trustee, 2021
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Erica L. Chan
Trustee
Trustee & Part-Time → Trustee, 2021
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Joan S. Liu
Trustee
Trustee & Part-Time → Trustee, 2021
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Ernest S. Liu (2020–2025) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2026. "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 The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation
How much does The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation give each year?
The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation gave $420K across 1 grant in 2026, according to its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2025 it gave $365K across 1 grant.
How large is The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation?
The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation reported $7.5M in total assets on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $423K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $372K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
Where does The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation operate?
The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation has awarded grants in New York.
What is The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation's EIN?
The Ernest and Joan Liu Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-3531987. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2026.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2026 (received by the IRS July 13, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
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