Syl Foundation

Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation operates two funds to address emerging challenges faced by immigrant and refugee communities. The emergent needs fund supported 26 community based organizations working on the following: 1) providing basic needs support (including food,housing, and income security) 2) legal representation and assistance 3) immigrant rights advocacy (including anti-racism advocacy and education) and 4) trusted advocate/community navigator programs. A total of 9 additional grants were made from the rapid response fundto address critical time-sensitive needs for work such as assistance for newly arriving afghan refugees, and unanticipated equipment and security needs.

Other grantmaking activity: Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation sponsored community events held by 34 partner organizations in 2022.every year, Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation dedicates a portion of its annual funding towards special projects. 100% of funds raised for disaster relief efforts go towards rebuilding the lives of those affected by disasters. In 2022, two organizations received funding for emergency response and aid work in ukraine. Additionally, nine organizations received inflation relief grants in 2022 to support frontline nonprofit staff. Two other special projects grants were also distributed in 2022, which supported a sabbatical fund for bipoc leaders in Washington state and a capital campaign for aging in pace Washington.

Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation made 15 health care grants in 2022. All grant recipients work to reduce health disparities by reaching out to underserved populations offering medical, mental and/or behavioral health, and dental care services to many who would otherwise be without. Grant recipients advocate for health equity and offer services that are culturally and linguistically accessible.

Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation operates the lotus scholarship program to benefit immigrant and refugee students who are graduating high school and wish to pursue a college degree. The scholarship helps these students who are often the first in their families to attend college and who face tremendous language, cultural, and financial barriers. A total of 48 individual scholarships were awarded in 2022 to assist with the cost of post-secondary education. In addition to scholarship assistance, lotus scholars attend a 3-day college prep workshop to learn skills such as time management, financial aid, and budgeting. This workshop is offered in partnership with college possible Washington.

Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation made 13 education grants in 2022 to support early childhood education, high school completion, and access to higher education for many students of color and first generation college students.