OVERVIEW: The Raman Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to Indian causes, education and human services. Grantmaking mainly stays in Washington.
IP TAKE: The Raman Family foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. Seattle-area human services and Indian cultural organizations may gain this funder’s attention by networking with past grantees.
PROFILE: Established in 2002, the Mercer Island-based Raman Family Foundation was established by tech veteran Suri Raman and his wife, Mala, a health and fitness entrepreneur. Suri Raman graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in 1988. He joined Microsoft Corporation in 1988 and held titles such as software design engineer, software architect and distinguished engineer. Raman was also a VP and distinguished engineer at Amazon. He’s currently a technical fellow at Microsoft.
The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax records, the Raman Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to U.S.-based Indian causes, education and human services.
Grants for Education
The Raman Family Foundation does not name priorities for its education giving and gives for both K-12 and higher education. Grantees include the Overlake School in Redmond, Seattle’s Society of Women Engineers, Brown University and Santa Clara College.
Grants for Community Development, Housing, Homelessness and Mental Health
A significant portion of Raman’s giving supports community, housing and mental health services prioritizing vulnerable people in Washington.
- Several grants have supported Indian social and cultural organizations like Bellevue’s Indian American Community Services and Api Chaya, which works provides “culturally relevant service provider for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.”
- Mala Raman is involved with United Way of King County, which the family steadily supports.
- Other grantees include the Sophia Way, Food Lifeline, the Children’s Alliance and Mary’s Place.
Grants for Religious Causes
Via their foundation, the Ramans steadily support the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of Bothell, Washington.
Important Grant Details:
Grants range from $1,000 to $110,000.
- This funder mainly gives in the state of Washington. The only exceptions are colleges and universities located outside of the state.
- Human services is its largest giving area, a significant portion of this funding supporting Indian social and cultural organizations.
- The foundation does not accept proposals for funding.
- For information about its past giving, see the Raman Family Foundation’s tax filings.
The foundation does not provide a direct way to get in touch. Its phone number is listed as (206) 236-6299. A mailing address is provided below.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
Raman Family Foundation
8212 Avalon Dr.
Mercer Island, WA 98040
(206) 236-6299
