Sikh Foundation

Verified
Address

580 College Avenue

Palo Alto, California 94306

8 programs

About Sikh Foundation

The Sikh Foundation, established in 1967 by Dr. Narinder S. Kapany and his wife, Mrs. Satinder Kaur Kapany, is a non-profit, non-political charitable organization dedicated to promoting the heritage and future of Sikhism. For over five decades, the Foundation has championed Sikh art, thought, and values across academic, artistic, and community spaces. Its mission is to share the stories, art, and wisdom of Sikhism across generations and cultures by creating inclusive and engaging programs guided by Sikh ideals. The Foundation offers a range of services and initiatives, including a rich blog featuring inspiring stories and timely updates, and the esteemed Kapany Collection, which showcases decades of Sikh art and history. It also publishes the Sikh Research Journal, a peer-reviewed platform for advancing global understanding of Sikh and Punjabi history, art, and culture, and has established endowed Sikh Studies chairs and programs at various universities. The Sikh Foundation plays a significant role in the community by fostering Sikh culture through critical and creative thinking, safeguarding Sikh stories and art, and providing intergenerational spaces for knowledge sharing. It upholds Sikh values of equality, resilience, and seva (selfless service), and offers welcoming experiences for people of all backgrounds, contributing a Sikh perspective to shared human concerns and building bridges across communities. Unique features include its deep commitment to preserving Sikh art, exemplified by the Satinder Kaur Kapany Gallery of Sikh Art at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, and its foundational work in establishing Sikh Studies programs in North American universities.

Services offered at Sikh Foundation

Programs & Services at Sikh Foundation

8 programs available

Classes

Sikh Studies

Learn how we advance Sikh Studies worldwide through endowed chairs, fellowships, and university partnerships.

Publications

Explore our books and catalogs that deepen understanding of Sikh culture, heritage, and scholarship.

Blog

Catch fresh stories, interviews, and reflections celebrating Sikh art, history, and community voices.

The Kapany Collection

Journey through Dr. N.S. Kapany’s groundbreaking Sikh art collection, showcasing five centuries of creativity and devotion.

Volunteering

Offer your seva by volunteering; opportunities change with each event, so follow us on Instagram and our other social channels for the latest sign-ups.

Sikhs in America: Why History Matters Now

This conversation, a part of our Sikhs in Action series, will reflect on early Sikh migration and settlement in the United States and consider how these histories continue to shape Sikh American identity today. Why does history feel especially urgent in the current moment? What role do archives, public memory, education, and storytelling play in...

Sikhs in Action: Beyond Seva- Trust, Mentorship, and the Next Generation

This conversation brings together Sunny Gurpreet Singh and Sampreet S. Goraya to explore how seva can build trust, strengthen communities, and shape the next generation of leadership in Punjab and the global Sikh community. The discussion will touch on mentorship, youth engagement, and what it takes to create lasting systems of care and community.

Apr 9, 2026 12:00 PM in Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Nirbhau Nirvair: Courage, Compassion, and Sikh Women’s Leadership

Join us for a special session in the Sikhs in Action webinar series featuring Washington State Senator Manka Dhingra, Kiran Kaur Gill, and Mallika Kaur. This one-hour conversation explores how the Sikh principles of Nirbhau (fearlessness) and Nirvair (compassion without enmity) shape Sikh women’s leadership in public life. From policy and advocacy to community care and justice work, our speakers will reflect on how these values become lived seva within institutions and public spaces.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 • 12:00 pm PST / 3:00 pm EST

Gurdwara Details

History

Founded in 1967 by Dr. Narinder S. Kapany and his wife, Mrs. Satinder Kaur Kapany, the Sikh Foundation is a non-profit, non-political charitable organization dedicated to promoting the heritage and future of Sikhism. For over five decades, we have championed Sikh art, thought, and values across academic, artistic, and community spaces.

Unique Features

The Sikh Foundation has been instrumental in promoting Sikh art and culture through various initiatives, including exhibitions, publications, and the establishment of academic chairs in Sikh Studies at universities. The Kapany Collection, built by the founders, is a significant collection of Sikh art.


Community Updates

Sikhs in Action: Beyond Seva- Trust, Mentorship, and the Next Generation

4/9/2026

This conversation brings together Sunny Gurpreet Singh and Sampreet S. Goraya to explore how seva can build trust, strengthen communities, and shape the next generation of leadership in Punjab and the global Sikh community. The discussion will touch on mentorship, youth engagement, and what it takes to create lasting systems of care and community.


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact Sikh Foundation?

Call Sikh Foundation at (650) 496-2222 or visit https://www.sikhfoundation.org/.

Does Sikh Foundation have an official website?

Yes, you can visit https://www.sikhfoundation.org/ for official updates.

Which city and state is Sikh Foundation in?

Sikh Foundation is in Palo Alto, California.

What services or programs are available at Sikh Foundation?

Sikh Foundation offers programs such as Sikh Studies, Publications, Blog, The Kapany Collection, Volunteering.

Can I call Sikh Foundation before visiting?

Yes. You can contact Sikh Foundation at (650) 496-2222 to confirm schedules and services.