Ting Tsung & Wei Fong Chao Foundation
The Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation is a private independent foundation established in 2002 and based in Houston, Texas. Named after the parents of the Chao siblings who lead it, the foundation supports cultural, civic, and higher education institutions across the United States, with particular emphasis on Texas. The foundation is closely connected to Westlake Corporation, one of North America's largest producers of low-density polyethylene, through its leadership.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$29.2M
+6.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$28.8M
+7.9% YoY
Grant Count
169
-4.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$170K
+12.4% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation furthers cultural, civic, and higher education institutions across the United States. The foundation makes strategic investments across multiple areas without formally named grant programs, supporting organizations in education, philanthropy and grantmaking, and human services.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
** $100 to $3,000,000
Average Grant
$162,300
Invitation Only
** Invitation only; the foundation makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations. The foundation does not have a public website or publicly listed contact information for grant applications.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Texas, New York, and California. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 24 states, with Texas, New York, and Massachusetts accounting for approximately 60% of all grants. The foundation has supported 247 unique organizations.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets: $27.4–$30.0 million (as of 2023–2024)
Annual Giving:
- 2023: $26.7–$27.0 million
- 2024: $29.2–$51.3 million (reported figures vary by source)
Revenue (2023):
- Total grants and contributions: $27.0 million
- Investment income and dividends: $669,277
- Net gain from sale of non-inventory assets: $430,163
- Total revenues: $28.0 million
Expenses (2023): $27.1 million
Liabilities (2023): $0
Historical Growth: Total assets grew from $14.4 million in 2011 to approximately $29.2 million by 2024.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $29,163,219 | $27,445,259 | $26,510,503 |
| Revenue | $31,197,654 | $28,005,470 | $26,108,691 |
| Expenses | $29,462,717 | $27,070,714 | $25,999,033 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $29,198,229 | $26,935,643 | $25,806,232 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,477,756 | $878,661 | $1,946,075 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,542,540 | $1,641,354 | $1,574,816 |
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 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation is led by three Chao siblings who are prominent business leaders:
- Dorothy Jenkins – President
- Albert Chao – Vice President & Secretary
- James Chao – Vice President & Treasurer
- Nicole Ellis – Grants Officer
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALBERT CHAO | VICE PRESIDENT & SECRETARY | 5 | — |
| JAMES CHAO | VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURER | 5 | — |
| DOROTHY JENKINS | PRESIDENT | 5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Rice University announced the establishment of Chao College as its 12th residential college, reflecting the foundation's significant support for the institution.
Rice announces Chao College as 12th residential college\n - The Rice\The Ringling Center for Asian Art was renamed in honor of the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation, recognizing the foundation's commitment to Asian art and cultural programming.
Ringling Center for Asian Art Renamed for Chao Foundation - SRQ Daily OctThe foundation presented the Matter & Motion Chemistry and Physics Hall at an institution, supporting scientific education and research infrastructure.
The Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation presents The Matter & MotionSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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