The Asian American Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $11 million (2023)
• Total Assets: $80.5 million (2023)
• Grant Range: Varies widely; includes $500,000 Action Center grants and $1 million awards to major organizations
• Geographic Focus: National, with concentrated efforts in 14 key metropolitan areas covering 50% of AAPI population
• Application Method: Invitation only
• Portfolio Strategy: $65 million committed over five years (2023-2028)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.taaf.org

Email Addresses:

• General Inquiries: info@taaf.org
• Grants: grants@taaf.org
• Partnerships: partnerships@taaf.org
• Press: press@taaf.org

Location: Washington, DC 20009

Social Media:

• LinkedIn: @taaforg
• Instagram: @taaforg
• Twitter/X: @taaforg

Overview

The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) was founded in 2021 in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and violence, launching with $250 million—described as the largest-ever philanthropic effort to support the AAPI community in history. With $80.5 million in total assets (2023) and annual grant distributions of $11 million, TAAF serves Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in their pursuit of safety, belonging, and prosperity. Since 2021, TAAF has directly distributed $25 million in grants, awards, and sponsorships to over 150 AAPI organizations. In 2023, TAAF launched its Portfolio Strategy, committing $65 million over five years across four core areas: Anti-Hate, Education, Narrative Change, and Resources & Representation. The TAAF Board covers all operating costs, ensuring 100% of funds raised go directly to programming and initiatives. In 2024, TAAF received the Asia Game Changer Award from the Asia Society for its transformational impact on AAPI communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

TAAF provides both one-time grants for specific programs and multi-year grants aimed at capacity-building to deepen impact and ensure long-term sustainability. The foundation operates through four core portfolios:

1. Anti-Hate & Safety

• TAAF's Anti-Hate National Network comprises 56 grantee partners across 14 key metropolitan areas, serving over 50% of the AANHPI community
• Initial Action Center grants: $500,000 each to organizations in Oakland, Chicago, and New York City
• Notable grantees: Chinese American Service League (Chicago), Asian American Federation (NYC), Asian Health Services (Oakland)
• Collaborative partnership: $35 million commitment with Robin Hood Foundation, Surdna Foundation, and others for NYC AAPI safety initiatives

2. Education

• Focus on promoting AAPI history curriculum for K-12 schools
• Major grantees: Asian American Education Project, Make Us Visible, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Chicago, UCLA's Asian American Studies Center
• Support for educational programming that addresses AAPI representation and historical accuracy

3. Narrative Change & Representation

• Funding for accurate and diverse AAPI representation free from stereotypes
• Major grantees: Asian American Journalists Association, Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment
• Sundance Institute Fellowship partnership for AAPI filmmakers and artists

4. Resources & Representation

• Economic equity and prosperity initiatives
• Support for AAPI businesses and financial resource access
• Focus on developing talent pipelines for decision-makers and creatives
• Efforts to increase AAPI representation on corporate boards

Priority Areas

• Combating anti-Asian hate and violence
• Building community safety infrastructure
• Data and research on AAPI communities
• Cross-racial solidarity initiatives
• Unlocking federal and philanthropic resources for AAPI organizations
• Mental health support for AAPI youth
• Economic opportunities and equity

Grant Amounts

• Action Center grants: $500,000
• Major institutional grants: $1 million+ (e.g., Asian Americans Advancing Justice Coalition, Stop AAPI Hate)
• Average grant size (2023): Approximately $110,000 (based on $11M distributed to 100+ organizations)

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. TAAF focuses exclusively on supporting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and organizations.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Co-Chairs:

• Joseph Bae, Co-CEO of KKR
• Peng Zhao, CEO of Citadel Securities

Board Members:

• Li Lu, Founder of Himalaya Capital
• Joe Tsai, Co-Founder of Alibaba Group, Governor of NBA Brooklyn Nets and WNBA New York Liberty
• Jerry Yang, Founder of AME Cloud Ventures
• Sheila Lirio Marcelo, Co-Founder of Ohai.ai
• Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF
• Dr. Rushika Fernandopulle, Physician and Co-Founder of Iora Health
• Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine, CEO of Khan Academy Philippines
• Shamina Singh, President of Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

Founding Advisory Council includes: Daniel Dae Kim, Lisa Ling, Condoleezza Rice, Jeremy Lin

CEO

Norman Chen brings a thirty-year career in entrepreneurship, healthcare, and community leadership in the United States and Asia. Prior to TAAF, he co-founded and served as CEO of LAAUNCH, an organization dedicated to engaging and empowering Asian Americans to fight racism, increase representation, and share community resources.

Key Quote from Norman Chen: "I am deeply honored and grateful to join the visionary founders and leaders of TAAF to help to create a better future for Asian American and Pacific Islanders, who are facing record levels of hate, discrimination and prejudice in our country. We look forward to working closely with other AAPI organizations, allies and partners to build the infrastructure that can promote a greater sense of belonging and prosperity across our communities."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

TAAF does not have a public application process. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis for grant opportunities. According to their official guidance, TAAF "does not offer public open calls, as this approach allows them to equitably manage their resources and honor the time and efforts of their future partners."

For invited prospective grantees, applicants receive a private link via Submittable to submit their grant application.

Current Status: As of the most recent updates, TAAF is not accepting new proposal submissions. Organizations interested in TAAF's grant opportunities are encouraged to:

• Subscribe to their newsletter for updates on funding opportunities
• Contact their Programs Team at grants@taaf.org with questions about pillar strategies or to explore potential partnerships
• Reach out to partnerships@taaf.org to discuss collaborative opportunities

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly documented. Grant announcements appear to be made on a rolling basis as part of strategic portfolio development.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. In 2023, TAAF supported 100+ organizations with grants and sponsorships totaling $11 million.

Reapplication Policy

Given the invitation-only nature of TAAF's grantmaking, there is no formal reapplication policy. Partnerships appear to be developed through ongoing strategic relationships and portfolio management.

Application Success Factors

What TAAF Values in Partners

1. Collaborative Ecosystem Approach Norman Chen emphasized that "some of our grantees draw on decades of experience and so we wanted to help them share best practices with one another regarding their multi-pronged approaches to combating hate—so that together we can all help foster lasting change." TAAF seeks partners who can contribute to and benefit from a coordinated ecosystem approach.

2. Local Community Connections with National Impact TAAF's approach "seeks to stitch together a coordinated ecosystem of partners advancing anti-hate measures at the national level while also taking action locally in the communities where hate incidents are actually occurring." Organizations with strong local roots that can contribute to broader systemic change are valued.

3. Capacity for Multi-Pronged Solutions TAAF supports organizations that address AAPI challenges through comprehensive, multi-faceted approaches rather than single-issue interventions.

4. Alignment with Strategic Pillars Projects must clearly align with one or more of TAAF's four core areas: Anti-Hate, Education, Narrative Change, or Resources & Representation.

5. Experience and Track Record Many TAAF grantees "draw on decades of experience," suggesting the foundation values established organizations with proven impact in AAPI communities.

6. Cross-Sector Partnership Potential As stated in their strategic approach, TAAF is "committed to accelerating prosperity and creating a greater sense of belonging for all AAPIs by bringing to bear more cross-sector support from partners who are also committed to these efforts."

Recent Grantee Examples

Anti-Hate National Network partners include:

• Asian American Federation (NYC) - $500,000 for AAPI Action Center
• Chinese American Service League (Chicago) - $500,000 for AAPI Action Center
• Asian Health Services (Oakland) - $500,000 for AAPI Action Center
• Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Multiple chapters
• Sikh Coalition, SALDEF, NAPABA
• Act to Change, Interfaith Youth Core
• Asian Americans for Equality, Caribbean Equality Project

Education partners include:

• Asian American Education Project
• Make Us Visible
• UCLA's Asian American Studies Center

Narrative Change partners include:

• Asian American Journalists Association
• Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment
• Sundance Institute (fellowship partnership)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Invitation-Only Process: TAAF does not accept unsolicited applications. Building relationships with the foundation and staying connected through their newsletter is essential for future opportunities.

• Strategic Portfolio Alignment: With a $65 million, five-year commitment across four specific pillars, TAAF has clearly defined priorities. Organizations must demonstrate strong alignment with Anti-Hate, Education, Narrative Change, or Resources & Representation.

• Ecosystem Mindset Required: TAAF values collaborative partners who can both share and learn best practices. Organizations should demonstrate capacity to participate in coordinated networks, not just operate in isolation.

• Scale and Experience Matter: Many grantees are well-established organizations with proven track records. TAAF appears to favor organizations with demonstrated capacity and experience in AAPI communities.

• Local-National Connection: The ideal partner can deliver local community impact while contributing to national systemic change. TAAF's geographic focus on 14 metropolitan areas suggests location matters.

• 100% Program Funding: Because the board covers operating costs, every dollar raised goes to programs—making TAAF an attractive partner for organizations seeking maximum impact from philanthropic dollars.

• Multi-Year Relationship Potential: TAAF offers both one-time grants and multi-year capacity-building grants. Organizations should be prepared to articulate both immediate program needs and long-term organizational development goals.

References

1. The Asian American Foundation official website. https://www.taaf.org. Accessed January 2025.

2. "TAAF Announces Its Anti-Hate National Network, Including The Launch of AAPI Action Centers in Chicago, New York City, and Oakland." PR Newswire, September 28, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/taaf-announces-its-anti-hate-national-network-including-the-launch-of-aapi-action-centers-in-chicago-new-york-city-and-oakland-301386534.html. Accessed January 2025.

3. "The Asian American Foundation Announces First Year Success of its $1.1 Billion AAPI Giving Challenge and Commits $65M Over Five Years Through Launch of new Portfolio Strategy." PR Newswire, May 3, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-asian-american-foundation-announces-first-year-success-of-its-1-1-billion-aapi-giving-challenge-and-commits-65m-over-five-years-through-launch-of-new-portfolio-strategy-301813993.html. Accessed January 2025.

4. "Norman Chen, CEO, The Asian American Foundation: Creating a greater sense of belonging for all AAPIs." Philanthropy News Digest, Newsmakers. https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/features/newsmakers/norman-chen-ceo-the-asian-american-foundation-creating-a-greater-sense-of-belonging-for-all-aapis. Accessed January 2025.

5. "The Asian American Foundation." ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, EIN: 85-2050585. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/852050585. Accessed January 2025.

6. "The Asian American Foundation." Charity Navigator. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/852050585. Accessed January 2025.

7. "Two Years on, The Asian American Foundation Celebrates Wins and Embarks on a New Strategy." Inside Philanthropy, May 31, 2023. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2023-5-31-two-years-after-its-launch-the-asian-american-foundation-pledges-additional-65-million-for-aapi-communities. Accessed January 2025.

8. "The Asian American Foundation." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Asian_American_Foundation. Accessed January 2025.

9. "The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) Accepts 2024 Asia Game Changer Award." Asia Society, October 2024. https://asiasociety.org/video/asian-american-foundation-taaf-accepts-2024-asia-game-changer-award. Accessed January 2025.

10. TAAF Contact Page. https://www.taaf.org/about-us/contact. Accessed January 2025.

11. TAAF About Us Page. https://www.taaf.org/about-us/home. Accessed January 2025.