Tom Yoda—Chairman and CEO of T.Y. Limited, Inc.—has long been a steadfast supporter of the AFI Conservatory and its mission to educate the next generation of storytellers. For over 20 years, his belief in the power of cinema took tangible form with the establishment of the Tom Yoda Scholarship. Since its inception, the scholarship has provided critical support to over 70 AFI Fellows, helping to cover tuition and related expenses as they pursue their creative ambitions. Today, we are honored to share that his generosity has grown even further with the creation of the Tom Yoda Term Endowment Fund, ensuring sustained support for AFI Fellows for years to come.

Tom’s connection to American film is deeply personal. As a teenager in Japan, Hollywood movies sparked his admiration for the United States and helped shape the person he would become. That inspiration was reinforced during a decade spent living and working in the U.S.—experiences that ultimately motivated his decision to give back through AFI. As Tom reflects:

“The person I am today was shaped by the admiration I felt for the United States as a teenager watching Hollywood films, and by the many experiences I gained during a decade living there. In gratitude for all that I received, I established the Tom Yoda Scholarship at the AFI Conservatory in 2005.”

Building on that legacy, the Tom Yoda Term Endowment Fund reflects a forward-looking belief in continuity, collaboration and global exchange. By providing sustainable support, the fund empowers emerging filmmakers to pursue artistic excellence at AFI.

“As the world becomes increasingly connected, I’ve launched the Tom Yoda Term Endowment Fund to sustainably empower emerging filmmakers in their pursuit of excellence and collaboration at the AFI Conservatory—an iconic institution at the heart of Hollywood, renowned for cultivating generations of distinguished filmmakers,” Tom shares. “I truly believe in the power of continuity. I’m deeply grateful that this fund can continue to support the next generation of filmmakers as they grow and succeed in Japan, the U.S. and across the globe.”

Through annual support, the Tom Yoda Term Endowment Fund provides meaningful assistance to multiple AFI Fellows each year. When a Fellow whose work centers on telling Japanese stories is selected, the fund honors that focus while continuing to support additional Fellows across the Conservatory. All first year Fellows are automatically considered through the scholarship application process.

This endowment ensures that Tom’s generosity will have lasting impact—supporting Fellows not just today, but for generations to come. If this story inspires you, we invite you to make a gift to AFI and help sustain the future of filmmaking.