Arya Family Foundation

## Approach Strategy

The Arya Family Foundation is a Long Island, New York private foundation founded and led by Dr. Yash Pal Arya and Urmilesh Arya of Old Westbury, NY. Based in Jericho, NY and established in 1997, this foundation serves as the charitable vehicle for the Arya family's philanthropic giving within the Hindu and Indian-American diaspora community on Long Island and nationally.

The "Arya" name and grantee portfolio (Arya Samaj of Long Island, Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, Vidya Bharati Foundation) signal a connection to the Arya Samaj tradition — a 19th-century Hindu reform movement founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati emphasizing Vedic education, social equality, and anti-idolatry monotheism. The Arya Samaj has a strong presence in South Asian diaspora communities in the New York metro area.

This foundation does accept applications. The process is simple: submit a written request to Dr. Yashpal Arya describing the amount needed, project details, and how funds will be used. No formal deadlines. Phone: (516) 663-5990. Address: 2 Debra Court, Old Westbury, NY 11568.

However, the practical reality is that the foundation overwhelmingly funds Arya Samaj, Hindu cultural, and Indian-American community organizations. Organizations outside this ecosystem have limited realistic prospects without a personal introduction to Dr. Arya.

## Funding Patterns

The Arya Family Foundation has distributed $55,000-$276,000 annually over its 25+ year history, with significant variability based on investment performance and family giving priorities.

Historical giving: - 2024: $171,954 (23 grants) - 2023: $178,519 - 2021: $154,923 (no 2022 data available) - 2020: $179,391 - 2019: $276,591 — peak year - 2018: $81,905 - 2017: $162,953 - 2016: $59,896 - 2015: $226,585

The foundation received significant annual contributions from the Arya family ($200-315K/year from 2012-2017) but contributions have declined sharply ($20K-55K since 2019), suggesting the family is now distributing from accumulated assets rather than making new contributions.

Grant structure (FY2024): 23 grants. Maximum $65,000 (likely Arya Samaj or Vidya Bharati). Median $1,500 — many small symbolic grants ($100-1,500) to Hindu organizations alongside several larger strategic gifts. The 367 total grants since inception suggests a very consistent, multi-decade pattern of giving to the same community organizations.

Assets have been declining: $4.2M (2019) → $4.1M (2020) → $4.0M (2021) → $3.4M (2023) → $3.5M (2024). With $20K/year in new contributions and $170K in distributions, the foundation will likely draw down further in coming years.

## Peer Comparison

The Long Island Indian-American community is large and philanthropically active. The Arya Family Foundation operates within the more conservative, Arya Samaj stream of Hindu philanthropy (as distinct from BAPS/Swaminarayan or devotional temple traditions). Organizations working in Indian-American education, Vedic culture, Hindu advocacy, or social services in Long Island and the New York metro area are the strongest prospects.

## Recent Activity

FY2024 grantees include: Vikalp Foundation Inc, Vidya Bharati Foundation of America (Vedic education), Arya Pratinidhi Sabha (Arya Samaj representative body), IDP USA Inc, Indie Film Festival Awards Inc, Hindu Center, World Hindu Council Inc (VHP of America), Arya Samaj of Long Island, RANA (relief organization), American Center for Wellness, Indo-American Arts Council Inc, OM Yogsansthan (yoga), Association of Indians in America, Hindu American Foundation, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (notable: secular research institution), India Association of Long Island, Indus Education and Empowerment Fund, Arts for All Inc, Dharmansh USA Inc, NIAASC, and others.

The Icahn School of Medicine grant stands out as a secular exception — Dr. Arya may have a medical research interest or personal connection to Mount Sinai.

Assets FY2024: $3,457,171. New contributions: $20,000. Total distributions: $171,954.

## Application Tips

The Arya Family Foundation accepts applications. Here is the process:

1. Write directly to Dr. Yashpal Arya — the application is an informal written request 2. Include: Amount requested, project description, how funds will be used, any project reports from prior grants (if applicable) 3. Contact: Dr. Yashpal Arya, 2 Debra Court, Old Westbury, NY 11568; Phone: (516) 663-5990 4. No deadlines — submissions accepted on a rolling basis 5. No formal restrictions stated

Best-fit organizations:

1. Arya Samaj institutions: The Arya Samaj of Long Island and affiliated organizations are the core constituency. If you operate a Vedic school, Arya Samaj center, or study circle, a written request is highly appropriate.

2. Vidya Bharati-affiliated schools and organizations: Vidya Bharati Foundation of America supports Saraswati schools (RSS-affiliated Hindu education). Schools in this network may receive consideration.

3. Hindu American advocacy and community: Hindu American Foundation, World Hindu Council (VHP), and similar national Hindu advocacy organizations appear in the portfolio. Well-established organizations in this ecosystem may be eligible.

4. Indian-American arts and culture on Long Island: Indo-American Arts Council and India Association of Long Island are grantees. Cultural organizations serving the Long Island or NYC South Asian community may be considered.

5. Medical research with Indian-American connection: The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai grant suggests openness to medical philanthropy. Healthcare organizations serving the Indian-American community or with research programs connecting to India may be in scope.

Grant size expectations: Most grants are $100-$5,000 range. Organizations requesting $1,000-$3,000 are most likely to receive a favorable response from a first-time relationship.