News
July 21, 2026
Expansion of the Student Athlete Ambassador Program
The Lalaji Foundation welcomes Kijan Robinson and Laiya Ebo as its newest Student Athlete Ambassadors, expanding the program across two universities and multiple sports.
Welcome to the Lalaji Foundation
Expanding opportunity. Advancing health. Empowering the next generation.
The Lalaji Foundation supports research, education, and community programs helping people live healthier, more hopeful lives. From advancing medical breakthroughs to investing in young athletes and students, our work focuses on one simple goal: helping individuals reach their full potential.
Our mission: their future
The Lalaji Foundation exists to support initiatives for improving health, expanding educational opportunities, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
We invest in life-changing causes, from pediatric disease research to programs helping young athletes grow into confident leaders. We strongly believe progress happens when communities are supported, curiosity is funded, and the next generation is given the tools to thrive.
A little bit about us
The Lalaji Foundation is a philanthropic organization founded by Drs. Anand and Tejal Lalaji.
Rooted in a lifelong commitment to healthcare and education, the foundation provides philanthropic resources to causes reflecting the Lalaji family's personal and professional values. Those values show up in many forms: supporting young female athletes, funding research for pediatric illnesses, and investing in programs for better mental health and human wellbeing.
At the core, we’re here to create opportunities where it’s needed most and to help turn meaningful ideas into measurable impact. As a registered private foundation, we operate in full compliance with IRS regulations governing philanthropic grant-making.
Our drivers
Since 2018, the Lalaji Foundation has issued 29 grants to 25 organizations. Every grant represents more than funding. It represents trust, partnership, and belief in the people working to make their communities stronger.
Total amount donated = $300,000+
56% Health
Supporting research in pediatric diseases and neurodegenerative conditions such as ALS and Alzheimer’s.
23% Education
Helping institutions and programs whose mission is providing learning opportunities and student support.
8% Sports + Recreation
Empowering young athletes — especially female athletes — through training, safety initiatives, and leadership development.
9% Human Services
Supporting programs that strengthen communities and help those with life-changing illnesses.
4% International Relations
This work extends our impact beyond borders, helping expand access to care, education, and opportunity worldwide.
Organizations we’ve proudly supported
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Our impact in their words
Being named the first-ever Brand Ambassador for the Lalaji Foundation has been very special. From the beginning, I felt a strong connection to Lalaji Foundation’s mission of empowering young individuals to grow, lead, and reach their full potential. Balancing academics and athletics has taught me discipline, resilience, and purpose, values that the Lalaji Foundation represents every day. This partnership has not only supported my path but has also inspired me to think beyond myself and focus on making a positive impact on others.
I’m proud to be part of a community that encourages growth and ambition. My hope is that others are inspired to stay dedicated, believe in themselves, and keep pushing toward their goals. We had previously practiced radiology the same way for years, however, since we became a part of The Radiology Group, more efficiency in reads and processes have been implemented and we feel we are helping shape the future of radiology through these programs.
Sanaa W.
Brand Ambassador
The Lalaji Foundation has been an extraordinary partner to Wake Forest University, bringing together visionary philanthropy and a deeply personal commitment to our community. Their generosity has meaningfully enriched both the student and student-athlete experience, with transformative investments in women's volleyball, the WE are Wake mental health initiative, and broader wellbeing efforts that will shape lives for years to come.
Drs. Anand and Tejal Lalaji are not only remarkably generous supporters, but also thoughtful and engaged collaborators. They lead with both heart and insight, elevating every effort they touch and inspiring all of us to think more boldly about what is possible in service of our students and our institution.
Dustie Lanier
Associate Vice President
Individual Giving and National Engagement,
University Advancement Wake Forest University
Individual Giving and National Engagement,
University Advancement Wake Forest University
Follow the latest
Follow along for updates on the initiatives we’re supporting, the research we’re helping advance, and the communities we’re proud to partner with.
Start your journey with us
Connect with our team to explore partnership opportunities.
