The Low Foundation
The Low Foundation is a private foundation, based in Calabasas, CA. IRS filing data is available for 2020. As of 2020, the organization holds $2K in total assets. In 2020, it awarded 6 grants totaling $8K.
The Low Foundation at a glance
In short: The Low Foundation gave $8K across 6 grants in 2020 (avg $1K), mostly in California. Source: 2020 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2020)
- $8,055
- Grants made (2020)
- 6
- Average grant
- $1,343
- Median grant
- $1,103
- Total assets
- $1,625
- Primary geography
- California (97% of itemized 2020 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2020 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2020; updated September 2026.
Who The Low Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 6 recipients in 2020
The largest 2020 recipient was Order of Malta ($4K). Together the top 6 received $8K.
Grant Size Distribution
6 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 6 grants of 6 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2020 grant dollars across all 6 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
In 2020 it made 6 grants totaling $8K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Order of Malta Oakland, CA | Public Support of Organization Mission | $3,600 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA | Public Support of Organization Mission | $1,800 |
| California Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums Los Angeles, CA | Public Support of Organization Mission | $1,235 |
| University of Souther California Los Angeles, CA | Uniforms for Men's Crew | $970 |
| Sudan Relief Fund Washington, DC | Public Support of Organization Mission | $250 |
| Immaculate Conception School Los Angeles, CA | Public Support of Organization Mission | $200 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,625 | $10,000 | $8,375 | $8,055 | 6 | $18 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Low Foundation reported a distributable amount of $18 for 2020 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The Low Foundation is led by James Er Low, Chairman & CEO on the 2020 filing; none of the 3 officers listed in 2020 report compensation.
Officers on the 2020 filing
James Er Low
Chairman & CEO
New on the 2020 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bryan Roach
Secretary
New on the 2020 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gunnar Gundersen
Treasurer
New on the 2020 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020. "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 Low Foundation
How much does The Low Foundation give each year?
The Low Foundation gave $8K across 6 grants in 2020, according to its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF.
What is The Low Foundation's typical grant size?
The Low Foundation's median grant in 2020 was $1,103, and its average grant was $1,343, across 6 grants on its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Low Foundation give grants?
The Low Foundation gives mostly in California: 97% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Los Angeles, CA (4 grants).
Does The Low Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2020: none of the 6 grants with a stated purpose on The Low Foundation's 2020 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Public Support of Organization Mission" (5 grants).
Who are The Low Foundation's largest grantees?
The Low Foundation's largest 2020 grantees include Order of Malta ($3,600), University of Southern California ($1,800) and California Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums ($1,235), according to its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 82% of its itemized 2020 grant dollars.
How large is The Low Foundation?
The Low Foundation reported $2K in total assets on its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF. Its revenue that year was $10K.
How much is The Low Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2020, The Low Foundation reported a distributable amount of $18 on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Low Foundation's EIN?
The Low Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 85-2489103. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal year 2020
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