The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism
The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism is a private foundation based in Los Angeles, California, that supports the development of American Buddhism and the use of Buddhist meditation and mindfulness in American society. Its IRS filing lists it as a private foundation.
Key facts about The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism
In short: The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism gave $45K across 2 grants in 2025 (avg $23K), mostly in Colorado. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 13-4014022
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $45,333
- Grants made (2025)
- 2
- Average grant
- $22,667
- Median grant
- $22,667
- Total assets
- $15,112,241
- Primary geography
- Colorado (92% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The Foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$15.1M
+11.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$45K
-93.6% YoY
Grant Count
2
-96.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$23K
+91.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism reported a distributable amount of $693K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism gives
- Giving fell 85% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 89% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s stated long-range aim is to foster an authentic American Buddhism inspired by Eastern wisdom traditions and adapted to contemporary American society and culture. It seeks to strengthen American Buddhist organizations and promote wisdom, compassion, mindfulness, and meditation practice.
The Foundation says it has primarily funded Buddhist scholarship and studies, Buddhist media and technology, end-of-life care, BIPOC and underserved communities, prisons and the justice system, meditation and mindfulness in Buddhist and secular settings, K–12 schools, women in Buddhism, and ecodharma. Its meditation work includes grants and program-related investments for organizations and initiatives studying, applying, or disseminating Buddhist meditation and mindfulness in science, education, health care, and social services.
The Foundation makes grants to U.S.-based IRS tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charities for programs in the United States. As an example of a supported organization, Naropa University describes its mission as educating the whole person and nurturing learning, compassionate service, and insight.
Grantmaking
The 2025 IRS filing reports two grants totaling $45,333, ranging from $3,500 to $41,833, with a median grant of $22,666. The largest was an unrestricted $41,833 grant to Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. The other was an unrestricted $3,500 grant to The Boulder Mountain Zendo in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Foundation’s website reports that it made 90 grants and ten donations for 2026. It also lists recoverable grants of up to $100,000 for 2026 under its Pay it Forward Program. The 2027 grant theme is “Youth in the Dharma”; the website states that the application window is closed.
The Foundation does not fund individuals, capital-asset acquisition such as land or buildings, facility remodeling, film projects, self-published books, programs outside the United States, related transportation costs, or fiscally sponsored organizations. It favors innovative programs with potential for broad benefit and that rely in some manner on other financing with potential for sustainability.
How to Apply
The Foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s policy limits grants to programs in the United States. In the 2025 filing, 92% of grant dollars went to recipients in Colorado and 8% to recipients in Utah.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 2 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $45K (2025) to $710K (2024). In 2025 it made 2 grants totaling $45K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 2 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Naropa University ($42K). Together the top 2 received $45K.
Grant Size Distribution
155 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 152 grants of 155 (98%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Naropa University Boulder, CO | Unrestricted | $41,833 |
| The Boulder Mountain Zendo Salt Lake City, UT | Unrestricted | $3,500 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $15,112,241 | $819,027 | $793,421 | $45,333 |
| 2024 | $13,590,942 | $3,340,960 | $1,521,263 | $710,333 |
| 2023 | $11,729,247 | $995,022 | $818,597 | $339,333 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $15,112,241 | $13,590,942 | $11,729,247 |
| Revenue | $819,027 | $3,340,960 | $995,022 |
| Expenses | $793,421 | $1,521,263 | $818,597 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $617,301 | $1,353,096 | $705,176 |
| Net Investment Income | $630,920 | $837,232 | $449,196 |
| Distributable Amount | $692,831 | $653,353 | $541,575 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 16, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Liz Lewinson as CEO and Treasurer, Norman Oberstein as Vice President and Secretary, and Rob Francais as Director.
The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism is led by Liz Lewinson, CEO & Treasurer on the 2025 filing; all 3 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Liz Lewinson
CEO & Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
$105K (2025)
Rob Francais
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$16K (2020) → $29K (2025)
Norman Oberstein
Vice President & Secretary
Director, CEO, Secretary & Chairman → Director, CEO & Chairman, 2021
Director, CEO & Chairman → Vice President & Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$21K (2020) → $82K (2025)
Former officers (1)
- Former: Lisa Lewinson (2020–2024) — CEO & Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $105K, to Liz Lewinson (CEO, Treasurer). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 11100 Santa Monica Blvd 500, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: (310) 201-6577
Website: https://fredericklenzfoundation.org
Frequently asked questions about The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism
How much does The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism give each year?
The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism gave $45K across 2 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $710K across 60 grants.
How large is The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism?
The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism reported $15.1M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $617K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $693K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism fund?
The Foundation’s stated long-range aim is to foster an authentic American Buddhism inspired by Eastern wisdom traditions and adapted to contemporary American society and culture. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism?
The Foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
Where does The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism make grants?
The Foundation’s policy limits grants to programs in the United States. In the 2025 filing, 92% of grant dollars went to recipients in Colorado and 8% to recipients in Utah.
What is The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism's EIN?
The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-4014022. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in California
BESS Family Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The BESS Family Foundation funds organizations combining mindfulness and meditation with responses to climate change, biodiversity loss, ecological crisis, and environmental justice. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $100,000, with a median of $25,000, and went to organizations across the U.S., including in California, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Wisconsin. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.
Assets
$2.0M
Grants
52
Total Given
$1.3M
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
The Ford Foundation
New York, NY
The Ford Foundation funds organizations and initiatives working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work on civic engagement, civil rights, climate justice, disability rights, and technology and society. In 2024, its grants ranged from $45 to $15 million, with a median of $100,000, supporting work in the U.S. and internationally. It says most grants are identified by the foundation and it does not accept unsolicited proposals by mail, email, or phone; limited opportunities may be offered separately.
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Princeton, NJ
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds efforts to improve health and health equity in the United States, including systems change addressing structural barriers to health. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000. It typically funds through targeted programs and partnerships; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$13.4B
Grants
3,093
Total Given
$622.6M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
California Community Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
The California Community Foundation supports nonprofits through discretionary and donor-directed grants, with discretionary priorities including education, health, housing and immigration, alongside other areas such as arts, civic engagement and economic opportunity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, and its work is focused on Los Angeles County; prospective discretionary applicants are asked to contact the relevant program officer before submitting a letter of intent.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
2,174
Total Given
$326.6M
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, democracy, gender equity, racial justice, and efforts to strengthen nonprofits and philanthropy, with work spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, and locations including East and West Africa and Mexico. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $150,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but sometimes invites proposals through open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds work in affordable housing and homelessness, community resilience and power, as well as social services, education, arts and conservation, with a focus on marginalized Marin County residents and some broader U.S. and international grantmaking. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
Direct Relief
Santa Barbara, CA
Direct Relief supports healthcare providers serving people affected by poverty or emergencies, including community health centers, clinics, and grassroots organizations, with medicines, supplies, and funding for health access and equity. In 2025, its grants had a median award of about $65,000, and its work spans all 50 U.S. states and countries around the world; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,367
Total Given
$337.4M
Conrad N Hilton Foundation
Westlake Village, CA
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation funds nonprofits working to improve lives and alleviate poverty, with initiatives including early childhood development, homelessness, refugees, safe water, and support for foster and opportunity youth. Its work is global, and its 2024 grants had a median award of $76,000. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, except through its Good Neighbor Program for eligible local nonprofits and Title 1 schools.
Assets
$7.4B
Grants
1,339
Total Given
$287.7M
The San Diego Foundation
San Diego, CA
The San Diego Foundation funds nonprofit work in family well-being, education, the environment, and housing, including projects, capacity building, and general support that advance equity and resilient communities. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; applicants generally must be located in San Diego County and primarily serve county residents. It offers competitive grant opportunities through its online portal, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,158
Total Given
$94.3M
The California Endowment
Los Angeles, CA
The California Endowment funds nonprofit, government, and eligible faith-based organizations working to advance health and racial equity, strengthen community power, and improve health systems and communities, primarily in California. Its 2024 median grant was $100,000, and funding is by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,125
Total Given
$215.9M
More Funders in California
The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism down — hundreds of funders to go?