Masto Foundation is a Japanese-American family foundation that gives resources to support marginalized communities, particularly those who have or are currently experiencing systemic institutionalized discrimination, to build leadership, power, and strength. Our approach to this giving is heavily influenced by our history, culture, and community.

We recognize and acknowledge that the system of philanthropy itself is built on a historically inequitable system of wealth accumulation and the extraction of land, labor, and resources from communities of color. In addition, the long and continued history of racism in America has created barriers to financial and legal systems for marginalized communities and perpetuates a white-dominant culture in philanthropy. 

To address these issues we incorporate a lens of race, class, gender, immigration status, and sexual orientation into our giving. We work to deploy all of our resources, including financial and otherwise, to promote a more equitable world. We recognize that we too have benefited from the privileges awarded to the wealthy. As such, it is our obligation to advocate for those who have been excluded and fight to change the status quo. Our work is guided by compassion, trust, listening, taking risks, and a commitment to lead by example.