About Us

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, 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.

  • Our Mission

    Masto Foundation is a family foundation rooted in the Japanese-American community and committed to promoting diversity, equity, and justice by investing in grassroots social change.

  • Our Vision

    We envision a world - free of violence, discrimination, and hate - where all individuals and communities have the power, resources, and opportunity to determine their own futures.

  • Our Values

    We value diversity and inclusion; equity and social justice; community-based leadership; courage; authenticity; humility; compassion; and solidarity.

  • Our Commitment

    We commit to honesty and transparency; acknowledging and addressing both current and historical injustice; supporting diverse leadership; and leveraging our access/privilege to open doors for others.