Tibet Fund Inc
Tibet Fund Inc is a New York, New York–based public charity, founded in 1981. It supports Tibetan communities and cultural heritage through work that includes education, health care, livelihoods, community development, and emergency relief.
Tibet Fund Inc at a glance
In short: Tibet Fund Inc gave $601K across 22 grants in 2024 (avg $27K), top state New York. 43% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $600,705
- +18.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 22
- +10.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $27,305
- +7.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $23,695
- Total assets
- $14,429,768
- +49.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 43% first-time grantees (9 of 21, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- New York (35% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Tibet Fund Inc
- How to Apply
-
The website’s published application instructions are for specific programs and cycles; the 2025 cycles described above are closed.
- Contact
Mailing address: 241 East 32Nd Street, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 213-5011
Website: https://tibetfund.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Tibet Fund Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was University of Delaware ($57K). Together the top 10 received $423K.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($29,052), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
85 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 75 grants of 85 (88%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization describes programs serving Tibetan communities in India and Nepal, and says its work benefits Tibetan communities in exile and inside Tibet. In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state were reported for New York (35%), Washington, DC (16%), Delaware (9%), Illinois (9%), and Montana (8%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 22 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Tibet Fund Inc open to new grantees?
43%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 9 of 21 grantees (43%) were first-time recipients. With only 21 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $25K; repeat grants $32K. How we count
Medians: $24K first-time, $30K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $209K (2020) to $1.1M (2022). In 2024 it made 22 grants totaling $601K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware Newark, DE | Students Support | $56,883 |
| Tibetan Community Development Fund Washington, DC | Religion and Culture | $50,000 |
| Plateanx LLC Bozeman, MT | Religion and Culture | $48,500 |
| The office of Tibet Washington, DC | Community Development | $47,205 |
| Wild Neko Pictures Inc New York, NY | Religion and Culture | $46,766 |
| Tibetan Community of NYNJ Woodside, NY | Community Development | $45,000 |
| Indiana University Bloomington, IN | Students Support | $38,823 |
| North Western University Evanston, IL | Students Support | $34,237 |
| University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY | Students Support | $31,048 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA | Students Support | $24,436 |
Ready to take the next step with Tibet Fund Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $14,429,768 | $17,473,538 | $13,174,832 | $600,705 | 22 | $358,157 |
| 2023 | $9,682,601 | $12,389,267 | $11,803,727 | $508,457 | 20 | $264,435 |
| 2022 | $7,932,663 | $11,646,812 | $10,606,932 | $1,136,720 | 16 | $818,419 |
| 2021 | $8,176,885 | $9,507,647 | $9,806,596 | $413,465 | 16 | $145,145 |
| 2020 | $9,064,675 | $8,374,681 | $8,659,805 | $209,172 | 11 | $210,270 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Tibet Fund states that its mission is to preserve the distinct cultural identity of the Tibetan people. Its programs include scholarships, health and livelihood support, cultural preservation, emergency assistance, and support for Tibetan-led civil society organizations.
The organization describes its Tibetan Civil Society Empowerment Program as supporting Tibetan-led nonprofits in South Asia working in areas including education, health, livelihoods, community development, women and girls’ empowerment, language preservation, and the arts. Its website says more than 30 civil society organizations in India and Nepal have received multi-year support since 2017.
The 2024 filing describes work in cultural heritage, community empowerment, education, and health care. It reports that, in 2024, the organization supported 864 individuals across more than 80 partner institutions, including through sponsorships and professional and girls’ scholarships. The filing also describes livelihood work such as microenterprise financing, vocational training, and support for farmers.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, Tibet Fund reported 22 grants totaling $600,705. Grants ranged from $5,823 to $56,883, with a median of $23,695.
Among its largest reported grants were $56,883 to the University of Delaware for student support; $50,000 to Tibetan Community Development Fund for religion and culture; $48,500 to Plateanx LLC for religion and culture; $47,205 to The Office of Tibet for community development; and $46,766 to Wild Neko Pictures Inc for religion and culture. Other grants included $45,000 to Tibetan Community of NYNJ for community development and student-support grants to Indiana University ($38,823), Northwestern University ($34,237), and the University at Buffalo ($31,048).
The grantee descriptions offer examples of recipient types. Tibetan Community Development Fund says its mission is to help Tibetan refugees establish themselves economically and culturally. International House describes itself as a living-and-learning residence program for graduate students and young professionals from around the world. Nabu Global says it works to address literacy through culturally relevant bilingual storybooks.
The organization’s Tibetan Civil Society Empowerment Program offers grants to eligible Tibetan-led nonprofits in South Asia. Its 2025 submission period is closed; the published 2025 deadline was November 17, 2025. For that cycle, the website listed awards of $5,000–$40,000 for continuing partners and up to $10,000 for new applicants. It required the organization’s proposal form and excluded, among other things, scholarships, stipends, public events, advocacy, political activities, and one-time activities.
The Tibetan Settlement Matching Grants Program’s 2025 submission period is also closed. It invited overseas settlement support organizations to propose community-identified projects in settlements in India and Nepal. For that program, Tibet Fund and the CTA Department of Home each offered matching grants of up to $10,000; the website listed eligibility and project restrictions for the 2025 cycle.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Michael Lemle as chairman and Geoffrey Menin as vice chairman. Trustees listed are Champa N Weinreb, Ethan David Goldings, Jigme Shingsar, Nima R T Binara, Nina Schroeder, Rinchen Dhาร์lo, Tenzin C Wangyal, and Tenzing T Lama.
Tibet Fund Inc is led by Robert Ankerson, President since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 3 of 14 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Robert Ankerson
President
Vice President → President, 2023
On filings since 2020
35 hrs/week
$130K (2020) → $167K (2024)
Michael Lemle
Chairman
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lhakpa Jhangowa
Director of Finance & Grants
Grants & Finance Officer → Director of Finance & Grants, 2022
On filings since 2020
35 hrs/week
$53K (2020) → $80K (2024)
Yangzom Shawa
Director of Sponsorship & Administration
New on the 2024 filing
35 hrs/week
$79K (2024)
Champa N. Weinreb
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ethan David Goldings
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jigme Shingsar
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nima R. T. Binara
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rinchen Dharlo
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tsewang Namgyal
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nina Schroeder
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tenzin C. Wangyal
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tenzing T. Lama
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Geoffrey Menin
Vice Chairman
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: Tenzing Tekan (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Tom Nazario (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Tenzing Choephel (2023) — Scholarship Coordinator
- Former: Lobsang Nyandak (2020–2022) — President
- Former: Jane Wells (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Joe Wood (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $167K, to Robert Ankerson (President). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Tibet Fund Inc
How much does Tibet Fund Inc give each year?
Tibet Fund Inc gave $601K across 22 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $508K across 20 grants.
What is Tibet Fund Inc's typical grant size?
Tibet Fund Inc's median grant in 2024 was $23,695, and its average grant was $27,305, across 22 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Tibet Fund Inc that year got $25K on average.
Where does Tibet Fund Inc give grants?
Tibet Fund Inc's top state is New York, with 35% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were District of Columbia (16%) and Delaware (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (4 grants), Washington, DC (2 grants) and Woodside, NY (2 grants).
Does Tibet Fund Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 22 grants with a stated purpose on Tibet Fund Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Students Support" (16 grants) and "Religion and Culture" (3 grants).
Who are Tibet Fund Inc's largest grantees?
Tibet Fund Inc's largest 2024 grantees include University of Delaware ($56,883), Tibetan Community Development Fund ($50,000) and Plateanx LLC ($48,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($29,052), which are not listed by name. Together they received 26% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Tibet Fund Inc?
Tibet Fund Inc reported $14.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $17.5M.
What does Tibet Fund Inc fund?
The Tibet Fund states that its mission is to preserve the distinct cultural identity of the Tibetan people. Its programs include scholarships, health and livelihood support, cultural preservation, emergency assistance, and support for Tibetan-led civil society organizations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Tibet Fund Inc?
The website’s published application instructions are for specific programs and cycles; the 2025 cycles described above are closed. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Tibet Fund Inc's EIN?
Tibet Fund Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-3115145. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 1, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS September 20, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 9, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 8, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 31, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Tibet Fund Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation supports health access and stronger health systems, with a focus on adult and pediatric cancers, blood disorders, brain health, and clinical-trial participation in the United States, Brazil, India, and ten Sub-Saharan African countries. In 2024, its median grant was about $134,000, though awards varied widely; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests, and advises prospective applicants to contact the Foundation about its process.
Assets
$83.3M
Grants
144
Total Given
$67.7M
United Way Worldwide
Alexandria, VA
United Way Worldwide funds community programs focused on youth opportunity, health, financial security, education, and disaster relief, with 2024 grants made across multiple U.S. states and internationally. Its 209 reported grants ranged from $5,100 to $736,333, with a median of $22,675. It does not state whether it accepts unsolicited grant requests.
Assets
$68.0M
Grants
209
Total Given
$11.4M
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
Drexel University’s reported grants primarily support research at universities, research organizations, and other institutions. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,125 to $2.21 million, with a median of about $63,000; recipients were concentrated in Pennsylvania, followed by California, Texas, Maryland, and New Jersey, with no stated geographic restriction. Its funding materials describe support for Drexel faculty and staff proposals, and do not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.9B
Grants
120
Total Given
$16.9M
American Chemical Society
Washington, DC
The American Chemical Society funds chemistry research, education, scholarships, fellowships, student activities, and related projects through programs for researchers, institutions, educators, students, and ACS groups. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,200 to $504,691, with a median of $31,252; funding supports U.S. and international research, though some programs are limited to U.S.-based applicants. The profile does not state whether ACS accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.2B
Grants
341
Total Given
$22.4M
Trustees of Boston University
Boston, MA
The Trustees of Boston University funds university research and related academic, health, and campus programs, including work in neuroscience, clean energy, sustainability, health care delivery, and global health. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,092 to $5.34 million, with a median of $125,223; funding was concentrated in Massachusetts and California. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$9.3B
Grants
268
Total Given
$109.8M
KPMG US Foundation Inc
Montvale, NJ
KPMG US Foundation supports education, mental health, community vitality, and community relief and resilience, with grants distributed across the United States. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts ranged from about $5,000 to $2.2 million. The available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$12.4M
Grants
387
Total Given
$33.5M
More similar funders
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Tibet Fund Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/tibet-fund-inc-morg_f8403d0ba4b04031b54f633e2b77676d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_133115145_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Tibet Fund Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/tibet-fund-inc-morg_f8403d0ba4b04031b54f633e2b77676d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Tibet Fund Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Tibet Fund Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?