The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) has announced a five-year, $65 million philanthropic portfolio strategy dedicated to the core initiatives of anti-hate, education, narrative change, and representation and resources.

Established in 2021, the foundation initially catalyzed capital and attention to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations and initiatives through the AAPI Giving Challenge. As part of the foundation’s portfolio approach, nonprofits will be awarded multiyear grants with capacity-building support or one-time grants to deepen impact and ensure long-term sustainability. Grant recipients in the anti-hate category include a New York City-based collaborative with 14 grantees; in the education category, recipients include the Asian American Education Project and Make Us Visible; and in the narrative change category, recipients include the Asian American Journalists Association and Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment. In the resources and representation category, TAAF will support greater AAPI representation on corporate boards and additional resources for AAPI small businesses.

According to TAAF’s third annual report, STAATUS Index 2023: Attitudes towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (54 pages, PDF), Asian Americans are the least likely demographic group in the United States to feel they completely belong and are accepted, (22 percent vs. 24 percent for Black Americans, 25 percent for Hispanic Americans, and 57 percent for white Americans); with racial discrimination the top reason cited (57 percent), followed by a lack of representation in positions of power (43 percent). Across all respondents, a majority indicated that in the last five years, relationships between racial groups in the U.S. have gotten worse (57 percent), with 23 percent indicating they have stayed the same, and 16 percent indicating relationships have improved.

“Our community is galvanized to work together and find solutions for fighting anti-Asian hate, bringing education to schools and reclaiming our narratives on screen. That’s why TAAF’s portfolio strategy focuses on four core initiatives: anti-hate, education, narrative change, and resources and representation,” said TAAF chief executive Norman Chen. “We are excited to commit $65 million of direct funding over five years and invite our partners to co-invest and multiply this investment to create unprecedented change. We are grateful to our inaugural nonprofit partners for the incredible work they continue to do on the frontlines. Together we are building a better future for all AAPIs.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/maroke)