Ying Cai and Wann S Lee
YING CAI AND WANN S LEE is a private foundation based in Walnut, California. In 2024, it made 27 grants totaling $179,090 to charitable organizations, including arts and cultural organizations, public media, educational institutions, and aquariums.
Key facts about Ying Cai and Wann S Lee
In short: Ying Cai and Wann S Lee gave $179K across 27 grants in 2024 (avg $7K), mostly in California. 35% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 81-4551982
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $179,090
- Grants made (2024)
- 27
- Average grant
- $6,633
- Median grant
- $2,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 35% first-time grantees (9 of 26, 2024)
- Total assets
- $4,376,346
- Primary geography
- California (68% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$4.4M
+11.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$179K
-0.5% YoY
Grant Count
27
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$7K
-0.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Ying Cai and Wann S Lee reported a distributable amount of $209K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Ying Cai and Wann S Lee open to new grantees?
35%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 9 of 26 grantees (35%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $2K; repeat grants $10K. How we count
Medians: $1K first-time, $2K repeat.
- 62% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+7%). Method
- In 2024 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
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF 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.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for organizations working in arts and music, public media, education, and ocean conservation. For example, Muse/Ique describes its work as creating live music events and outreach programs, while the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation says its mission is to inspire ocean conservation.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 27 grants totaling $179,090. Grants ranged from $90 to $40,000, with a median of $2,000. Its largest awards included $40,000 to the University of Illinois Foundation, $36,000 to The Huntington, $25,000 to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, $20,000 to Southern California Public Radio, and $12,000 each to Muse/Ique and Public Media Group of Southern.
Ready to take the next step with Ying Cai and Wann S Lee?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, California recipients received 68% of grant dollars and Illinois recipients received 24%. Smaller shares went to recipients in New York (3%), Arizona (1%), and Maryland (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 27 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $167K (2021) to $209K (2022). In 2024 it made 27 grants totaling $179K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was University of Illinois Foundation ($40K). Together the top 10 received $159K.
Grant Size Distribution
113 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 113 grants of 113 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Foundation Urbana, IL | Public Support of Org. Mission | $40,000 |
| The Huntington San Marino, CA | Public Support of Org. Mission | $36,000 |
| Los Angeles Philarmonic Los Angeles, CA | Public Support of Org. Mission | $25,000 |
| Southern California Public Radio Pasadena, CA | Public Support of Org. Mission | $20,000 |
| Museique Pasadena, CA | Public Support of Org. Mission | $12,000 |
| Public Media Group of Southern Burbank, CA | Public Support of Org. Mission | $12,000 |
| San Diego Korean American Center San Deigo, CA | Public Support of Org. Mission | $5,000 |
| Asian American Arts Alliance New York, NY | Public Support of Org. Mission | $3,500 |
| Western Illinois University Macomb, IL | Public Support of Org. Mission | $3,000 |
| Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach, CA | Public Support of Org. Mission | $2,500 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grant sum | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4,376,346 | $81,135 | $215,894 | $179,090 | 27 |
| 2023 | $3,917,078 | $48,036 | $216,537 | $180,000 | 27 |
| 2022 | $3,465,820 | $14,905 | $245,401 | $208,500 | 21 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $4,376,346 | $3,917,078 | $3,465,820 |
| Revenue | $81,135 | $48,036 | $14,905 |
| Expenses | $215,894 | $216,537 | $245,401 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $186,104 | $185,486 | $213,538 |
| Net Investment Income | $90,580 | $54,803 | $47,309 |
| Distributable Amount | $208,870 | $182,473 | $188,613 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Ying Cai is president, and Wann S Lee is director, according to the 2024 filing.
Ying Cai and Wann S Lee is led by Ying Cai, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 2 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Ying Cai
President
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Wann S. Lee
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
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.
Contact
Mailing address: 1501 Walnut Vista Way, Walnut, CA 91789
Phone: (909) 451-1219
Frequently asked questions about Ying Cai and Wann S Lee
How much does Ying Cai and Wann S Lee give each year?
Ying Cai and Wann S Lee gave $179K across 27 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $180K across 27 grants.
What is Ying Cai and Wann S Lee's typical grant size?
Ying Cai and Wann S Lee's median grant in 2024 was $2,000, and its average grant was $6,633, across 27 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Ying Cai and Wann S Lee that year got $2K on average.
Where does Ying Cai and Wann S Lee give grants?
Ying Cai and Wann S Lee gives mostly in California: 68% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Illinois (24%). The most frequent recipient cities were Los Angeles, CA (3 grants), New York, NY (3 grants), Pasadena, CA (2 grants) and Riverside, CA (2 grants).
Does Ying Cai and Wann S Lee give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 27 grants with a stated purpose on Ying Cai and Wann S Lee's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Public Support of Org. Mission" (27 grants).
Who are Ying Cai and Wann S Lee's largest grantees?
Ying Cai and Wann S Lee's largest 2024 grantees include University of Illinois Foundation ($40,000), The Huntington ($36,000) and Los Angeles Philarmonic ($25,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 56% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Ying Cai and Wann S Lee?
Ying Cai and Wann S Lee reported $4.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $186K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $209K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Ying Cai and Wann S Lee fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for organizations working in arts and music, public media, education, and ocean conservation. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Ying Cai and Wann S Lee?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Ying Cai and Wann S Lee's EIN?
Ying Cai and Wann S Lee's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-4551982. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Ying Cai and Wann S Lee accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Ying Cai and Wann S Lee by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Ying Cai and Wann S Lee's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
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 funds work in education, health, housing, immigration, and other community needs, primarily in Los Angeles County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
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, gender equity, governance, democracy, and philanthropy, with work in the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, nationally, and internationally. Its 2024 grants had a median of $150,000, though awards ranged from $50 to more than $11 million; it often provides long-term general operating support. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, except through invited open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds equity-focused work, including affordable housing, homelessness, community resilience and power, and arts; its Buck Family Fund supports organizations serving Marin County, including those based elsewhere. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000 and ranged from $5,050 to $10 million; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
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 supports nonprofits advancing racial and social justice, equity of opportunity, and resilient communities, with grants for projects, capacity building, or general support. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $25,000, with awards ranging from $5,100 to nearly $5 million; it generally funds organizations serving San Diego County residents, though some grants reach beyond the county. Applications are made through posted funding opportunities, and the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,158
Total Given
$94.3M
The California Endowment
Los Angeles, CA
The California Endowment funds health and racial equity, including health care access, community health, organizing, and policy change, primarily in California. Its 2024 grants had a median of $100,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations only.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,125
Total Given
$215.9M
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
Oakland, CA
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals supports community health, health-care access, and efforts addressing health inequities, including mental and behavioral health, housing, and employment. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, with most grant dollars going to California; Southern California grants focus on its 14 service areas. For Southern California regional grants, unsolicited letters of inquiry and proposals are not accepted; other application routes described include invited inquiries and open event sponsorship applications.
Assets
$87.4B
Grants
1,122
Total Given
$225.4M
Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles supports human services, health, education, Jewish life, arts and culture, and nonprofit capacity and facilities, with grants in Los Angeles, Israel, and beyond. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. General Community grants are invitation-only and do not accept unsolicited requests; all 2025 grantmaking is by invitation only.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,063
Total Given
$142.2M
Jewish Community Federation of San
San Francisco, CA
Jewish Federation Bay Area funds programs that strengthen Jewish life, combat antisemitism, respond to crises, support people in need, and advance justice and inclusion. Its work focuses on the Bay Area, Israel, and beyond; 2025 grants had a median of $22,750, though amounts varied widely. It frequently issues requests for proposals and welcomes inquiries about its process, but no current opportunities are listed.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
1,032
Total Given
$94.5M
More Funders in California
Ying Cai and Wann S Lee down — hundreds of funders to go?