Izumi Foundation

What Izumi Foundation does

IZUMI Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) charitable foundation established in 1998 and headquartered at One Financial Center in Boston, Massachusetts. It is one of several foundations created and supported by the Japanese Buddhist Order Shinnyo-en, and its mission is to alleviate suffering through the development and support of programs that improve health and healthcare in neglected regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The Foundation does not develop technology products; its core 'product' is a grantmaking portfolio organized around five health priority areas: Maternal & Neonatal Health, Nutrition, Neglected Tropical Diseases (including schistosomiasis, trachoma, intestinal worms, and lymphatic filariasis), Infectious Diseases, and Healthcare System Infrastructure.

The Foundation operates a selective, relationship-driven grantmaking model. It does not accept unsolicited proposals and instead cultivates long-term partnerships through regular communication, in-person and virtual meetings, and site visits, onboarding only 3-4 new grantee organizations per year. Standard grants range from $50,000 to $100,000 over two years, rarely exceeding 50% of a grantee's operating budget, with the Foundation practicing flexible funding that allows adaptation during the grant period. Larger multi-year commitments of up to $450,000 have been issued to flagship partners including The Carter Center, Lwala Community Alliance, Foundation for African Medicine & Education, and Footwork.

Since inception, IZUMI has supported over 300 initiatives across 32 countries. Its geographic footprint spans 10 Sub-Saharan African countries (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Mali, DRC, plus Nigeria) and 5 Latin American/Caribbean countries (Haiti, Guatemala, Bolivia, El Salvador, Honduras). Revenue is not publicly disclosed; the Foundation is funded by charitable contributions from its parent organization, Shinnyo-en, and operates with a small staff under a board that convenes three times annually (April, June, November) to review proposals.

Name

Izumi Foundation

Legal name

IZUMI Foundation

Website

https://izumi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

IZUMI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private charitable foundation established in 1998 and funded by Japanese Buddhist Order Shinnyo-en. It awards multi-year grants averaging $50,000-$450,000 to roughly 30 nonprofit partners addressing maternal health, nutrition, neglected tropical diseases, infectious diseases, and health system infrastructure across 32 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Philanthropic Grantmaking

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors) (BPADAOAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

International & Global Public Health Aid Administration (Government Donors) (HLAJALAO), Public Health Financing, Budgeting & Grants Management (HLAJAMAC), Maternal, Child & Family Health Program Funding (HLAJALAG), Infectious Disease & Immunization Program Funding (HLAJALAH), Community Health & Prevention Program Funding (HLAJALAF)

Keywords

• Health grantmaking
• Maternal health programs
• Neglected tropical diseases
• Nutrition programs
• Healthcare infrastructure grants

Headquarters

HQ city

Boston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Foundation Funding: IZUMI Foundation receives support from the Japanese Buddhist Order Shinnyo-en, which created the foundation in 1998. As a philanthropic organization, revenue comes from the parent organization's charitable contributions rather than commercial revenue streams.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

IZUMI Foundation is a private charitable foundation that provides multi-year grant funding to nonprofit organizations implementing health programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Its grantmaking focuses on five health priority areas: Maternal & Neonatal Health, Nutrition, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases, and Healthcare System Infrastructure. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 over two years, with the Foundation funding only 3-4 new organizations per year through a selective, relationship-driven process.

Product overview

Izumi Foundation is a charitable grantmaking organization, not a technology company. It operates as a single unified grantmaking program supporting health initiatives in neglected regions of Africa and Latin America. The Foundation provides financial grants and partnership support to organizations working in five health priority areas: Maternal & Neonatal Health, Nutrition, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases, and Healthcare System Infrastructure. The organization's core 'product' is its grant program portfolio, through which it funds over 300 initiatives across 32 countries. The Foundation does not offer software products, APIs, or technology platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Health Program Grants Multi-year grant funding program for nonprofit organizations implementing health programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 over two years, with the Foundation funding only 3-4 new organizations per year through a selective, relationship-driven process. Supports five health priority areas: Maternal & Neonatal Health, Nutrition, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases, and Healthcare System Infrastructure.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 300 initiatives supported across 32 countries
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

41 partnerships are on record, tiered current and past.

• ACCESS UgandacurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner using a community health-worker centered model to strengthen and integrate management of anemia and micronutrient deficiency in mothers and children under five in Nakaseke district, Uganda. Grant: $100,000 over 2 years.
• ACODEVcurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner for Integrated Maternal, Newborn & Child Health Project (I-MNCH) in Uganda. Grant: $100,000 over 2 years. Goal: Contribute to accelerated reduction of maternal-newborn and child health related deaths.
• Asociación K'aslimaalcurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Guatemala implementing Expanding Nutrition Education and Intervention in Rural Sololá. Grant: $150,000 over 3 years. Goal: Improve health of women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and children under five.
• Care 2 CommunitiescurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Haiti providing safe pregnancy care and supporting healthy mothers and newborns in Northern Haiti. Grant: $150,000 over 3 years.
• CBM Christian Blind MissioncurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in DRC for lymphatic filariasis and disability inclusion pilot project in Mbuji-Mayi, Kasai-Oriental Province. Grant: $120,000 over 2 years.
• CFK AfricacurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Kenya implementing Vizazi Afya (Healthy Generations) program to increase enrollment of pregnant women in continuum of pregnancy and newborn care. Grant: $150,000 over 3 years.
• Cure Blindness ProjectcurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Ethiopia implementing TT+ approach to reduce curable blindness. Grant: $130,000 over 2 years.
• Dandelion AfricacurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Kenya implementing Health Through Advocacy program to reduce maternal, perinatal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Grant: $100,000 over 2 years.
• EarthEnablecurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Rwanda and Uganda eliminating dirt floors in Early Childhood Development Centers to improve child health. Grant: $100,000 over 2 years.
• Focus Area for Compassion and EthicscurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner across Africa implementing Nurturing Compassion Programming Among IZUMI Foundation Grantees. Grant: $150,000 over 2 years.
• Foundation for African Medicine & Education (FAME)currentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Tanzania strengthening surgery, emergency services, and growing pediatric care. Grant: $250,000 over 3 years.
• Footwork: The International Podoconiosis InitiativecurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Ethiopia and Rwanda for podoconiosis elimination through training, healthcare provision, and advocacy. Grant: $250,000 over 3 years.
• Gardens for Health InternationalcurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Rwanda empowering families to grow and eat nutritious food. Grant: $150,000 over 3 years.
• Health BuilderscurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Rwanda training and mentoring nurses and midwives on Helping Mothers and Babies Survive. Grant: $75,000 over 2 years.
• Health Equity InternationalcurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Haiti increasing access to maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare. Operates St. Boniface Hospital's Maternal and Neonatal Health Center.
• Kajo Keji Health Training InstitutecurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Uganda improving neonatal and maternal health among refugees in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement. Grant: $100,000 over 3 years.
• Lesotho-Boston Health Alliance (LeBoHA)currentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Lesotho creating a Center of Excellence in Team-Based, Community-Oriented Primary Health Care. Grant: $100,000 over 2 years.
• LifeboxcurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Bolivia strengthening surgical and anesthesia safety. Grant: $150,000 over 3 years.
• Lwala Community AlliancecurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Kenya expanding community-led health model across Migori County (population 1.1m). Grant: $225,000 over 3 years.
• Mali HealthcurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Mali implementing Participatory Quality Improvement to support community-led health systems. Grant: $150,000 over 3 years.
• Mano a ManocurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Bolivia providing base support of comprehensive health programs. Grant: $150,000 over 3 years.
• Massachusetts General Hospital, Family Treatment FundcurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Uganda improving pediatric inpatient morbidity and mortality (Phase VI). Grant: $150,000 over 3 years.
• Nama Wellness Community CentrecurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Uganda implementing Nama Community Health Action Program (NCHAP). Grant: $100,000 over 2 years.
• Nurture AfricacurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Uganda decreasing maternal and child mortality by scaling up MCH and SRH services. Grant: $150,000 over 3 years.
• PivotcurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Madagascar improving access to maternal and reproductive health services in Ifanadiana District. Grant: $150,000 over 3 years.
• Reach a Hand UgandacurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner implementing Youth Connect program to increase access to sexual and reproductive health information for young people 15-30 years.
• Safari DoctorscurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Kenya improving maternal health through Youth Health Ambassadors to the last mile in Lamu County. Grant: $100,000 over 2 years.
• Seed Global HealthcurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Malawi scaling the Midwifery-Led Ward as a model training facility. Grant: $100,000 over 2 years.
• Seeding LabscurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Malawi piloting support for scientific infrastructure to strengthen health system by equipping research institute for virology. Grant: $75,000 over 2 years.
• Solid'AfricacurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Rwanda implementing public private partnership to ensure patients receive medically tailored meals to boost recovery.
• The Carter CentercurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Nigeria for lymphatic filariasis elimination program including morbidity management and disability prevention. Grant: $450,000 over 3 years.
• The Fred Hollows FoundationcurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Latin America addressing neglected infectious diseases by convening stakeholders and providing technical advice.
• TIP Global HealthcurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Rwanda establishing best practice training and demonstration sites for E-Heza in health centers, with pilot expansions to Burundi and Somalia.
• WEEMA InternationalcurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Ethiopia expanding eCHIS clinical support tool for Health Extension Workers to reduce under-five child mortality. Grant: $150,000 over 3 years.
• Wuqu' Kawoq | Maya Health AlliancecurrentStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent grantee partner in Guatemala curbing chronic malnutrition in Central Highlands. Grant: $75,000 over 3 years.
• African Medical & Research Foundation (AMREF)pastStrategic or Co-development PartnerPast grantee partner (2000-2026)
• ALIMA (The Alliance for International Medical Action)pastStrategic or Co-development PartnerPast grantee partner (2000-2026)
• Build Health InternationalpastStrategic or Co-development PartnerPast grantee partner (2000-2026)
• Partners In HealthpastStrategic or Co-development PartnerPast grantee partner (2000-2026)
• PATHpastStrategic or Co-development PartnerPast grantee partner (2000-2026)
• Village ReachpastStrategic or Co-development PartnerPast grantee partner (2000-2026)

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Wellcome Trust: Major UK-based charitable foundation funding global health research and infectious disease programs. Comparable as a large institutional funder with similar health verticals and long-term partnership models.
• The Rockefeller Foundation: Historic philanthropic foundation with significant global health grantmaking, including health systems, infectious disease, and equity initiatives. Comparable as a US-based private foundation funding health programs in Africa and Latin America.
• Mastercard Foundation: Large private foundation with significant Sub-Saharan Africa health and education programs. Comparable as a values-driven institutional funder with sustained presence in the same regions IZUMI serves.
• Bloomberg Philanthropies: Large philanthropic organization funding global health initiatives including maternal health and infectious disease control. Comparable as a high-profile grantmaker operating across multiple health verticals.
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: The largest philanthropic foundation focused on global health, with substantial grantmaking in maternal/child health, infectious disease, and health systems in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Most directly comparable as a grantmaking institution addressing the same priority areas at much larger scale.

Direct peers

• Comic Relief: UK charitable foundation funding health and poverty programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Comparable as a grantmaking organization targeting similar geographies and populations with multi-year flexible grants.
• ELMA Philanthropies: US-based private foundation funding health, education, and livelihoods programs in Africa, with similar focus on maternal/child health and infectious disease. Closely aligned in scope, geography, and grant size to IZUMI.
• Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF): UK-based foundation focused on child health, nutrition, and infectious disease in low-income countries. Closely comparable in programmatic focus (MCH, nutrition, NTDs) and target geographies.
• Conrad N. Hilton Foundation: Private charitable foundation funding health programs including safe water and NTDs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Comparable as a US-based private foundation with similar grant sizes and target geographies.

Emerging players

• The Carter Center: Nonprofit implementing NTD elimination (including LF and schistosomiasis) programs in Nigeria and Latin America. Directly comparable as a current IZUMI grantee and a peer funder/implementer in NTD verticals.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/izumi-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Izumi Foundation