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The Asia Foundation

Annual Giving
$20.6M
Grant Range
$20K - $3.0M
Decision Time
3mo

The Asia Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $20.6 million (FY2023)
  • Grant Range: $20,000 - several million USD
  • Geographic Focus: Asia and Pacific Islands (18+ countries)
  • Application Method: Rolling basis via Letter of Inquiry
  • Decision Time: Varies by country office and program

Contact Details

Headquarters: The Asia Foundation 465 California Street, 9th Floor San Francisco, CA 94104 United States

Phone: 415-982-4640

Website: https://asiafoundation.org

Contact Page: https://asiafoundation.org/about/contact/

Note: Applicants should contact the appropriate country office based on where their organization is located and where the project will be implemented. The Foundation operates 17 permanent country offices across Asia and the Pacific.

Overview

Founded in 1954, The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization headquartered in San Francisco with operations across more than 18 countries in Asia and the Pacific Islands. In FY2024, the Foundation reported approximately $114 million in total revenue, with 87% coming from government grants, and distributed $20.6 million in grants to organizations throughout Asia. The Foundation's mission is "improving lives, expanding opportunities, and helping societies flourish" across the region. Led by President & CEO Laurel E. Miller since February 2023, the Foundation operates through 17 permanent country offices and focuses on locally-driven solutions to development challenges. The organization receives funding from bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals, which it then re-grants to Asian organizations working on development priorities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Asia Foundation operates multiple grant streams, though specific program names and amounts vary by country office and current initiatives. Grant sizes range from $20,000 to several million USD depending on the scope and nature of the project.

Application Method: Rolling basis through Letter of Inquiry to the relevant country office

Priority Areas

The Foundation's core portfolio centers around six key priorities:

  1. Governance: Programs that catalyze inclusive decision-making by promoting collaborative, transparent, and participatory systems that represent the needs of their communities

  2. Climate Action: Working with businesses, governments, NGOs, and community leaders to develop participatory approaches to managing natural resources, reducing disaster risk, and protecting environments. Thematic interests include:

    • Natural resource management and use
    • Water resource management and transboundary water sharing
    • Climate change adaptation and resilience
    • Disaster preparedness and risk reduction
    • Urban environmental issues
    • Women and the environment

  3. Women's Empowerment and Gender Equality: Programs focused on advancing women's rights and opportunities across Asia

  4. Education and Leadership: Investing in people to develop the skills and leadership needed to tackle critical development challenges, including programs like the Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program

  5. Inclusive Growth: Ensuring all people have access to future skills and that governments craft policies fostering inclusive economic growth

  6. International Cooperation: Strengthening cooperation and collaboration between nations to foster peace, stability, and prosperity, and to catalyze regional solutions to regional challenges

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals: The Foundation does not make grants to individuals
  • U.S.-based organizations: Grants are only made to organizations located in Asia and the Pacific Islands
  • Projects outside current program areas: Projects must align with the Foundation's current strategic priorities and country-specific program focus areas

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership

President & CEO: Laurel E. Miller (since February 1, 2023)

  • Previously served as Director of the Asia Program for the International Crisis Group
  • Former senior foreign policy expert at the RAND Corporation
  • Former deputy and special representative for the U.S. State Department

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer: Suzanne Siskel

Board of Trustees: The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees. Recent trustees include Debra Knopman, Frank Lavin, and Ted Osius (appointed in 2020).

Leadership Philosophy

Former President David D. Arnold stated: "The Asia Foundation's mission, people, and programs are defined by our commitment to equality, particularly for women, minorities, people with disabilities, and other marginalized populations." He emphasized that all members are committed to the mission of "improving lives, expanding opportunities, and helping societies flourish."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Asia Foundation follows a three-phase process for prospective grantees:

Phase 1 - Research:

  • Review The Asia Foundation's program areas and country-specific priorities at https://asiafoundation.org/programs/
  • Review current projects and highlights for the specific country office where you plan to apply
  • Ensure your project aligns with current interests and geographic focus

Phase 2 - Letter of Inquiry:

  • Submit a brief Letter of Inquiry to the relevant country office (based on where your organization is located and where the project will be implemented)
  • The inquiry should include:
    • Very brief introduction of your organization
    • Brief project description
    • Rough budget estimate

Phase 3 - Response:

  • Foundation staff will respond with feedback on whether the project fits within The Asia Foundation's scope
  • If the inquiry aligns with funding interests, applicants may be invited to submit a formal proposal or answer clarifying questions

Important Notes:

  • The Foundation does not have a standardized grant application form, emphasizing flexibility in their grantmaking process
  • Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis
  • Contact information for country offices can be found through the main website

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary by country office and program, as most grants are managed at the local country level. The Foundation issues calls for proposals at the country level with varying timelines. Based on the Development Fellows Program, review processes typically span 2-3 months from submission to final decision.

Success Rates

The Foundation does not publish specific success rates for grant applications. However, the application process is described as competitive, with staff thoroughly evaluating each inquiry to determine fit with current priorities and available funding. In FY2023, the Foundation made 423 grant awards totaling $20.6 million.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to reapply in future rounds. There are no documented restrictions or mandatory waiting periods between applications. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate feedback from Foundation staff when reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Based on The Asia Foundation's documented guidance and priorities:

Alignment with Current Programs:

  • Projects must fall within the Foundation's current program areas and country-specific priorities
  • Review country program highlights and current project lists before applying to ensure fit
  • The Foundation directs support to activities "within its current interests and are likely to have a wide effect"

Geographic Eligibility:

  • Organizations must be based in Asia or the Pacific Islands
  • Projects must be implemented in one of the Foundation's target countries
  • Letters of Inquiry must be directed to the country office where the applicant is based and where the project will be implemented

Strategic Impact:

  • The Foundation seeks projects likely to have wide-reaching effects
  • Focus on locally-driven solutions to development challenges
  • Emphasis on collaborative, transparent, and participatory approaches

Clear Communication:

  • Keep the Letter of Inquiry succinct and focused
  • Clearly introduce your organization's credibility and track record
  • Provide a clear project description with measurable outcomes
  • Include a realistic budget estimate

Recent Funding Examples: The Foundation has recently supported projects including:

  • Strengthening IT and computer literacy skills for disadvantaged youth in Vietnam and Indonesia
  • Introducing STEM education to disadvantaged migrant children near the Thailand-Myanmar border
  • Criminal justice training in Pakistan to address gender-based violence cases
  • Local governance initiatives funded through USAID partnerships

Partnership Approach:

  • The Foundation often works through partnerships with government agencies, other foundations, and corporations
  • Many grants are part of larger programmatic initiatives funded by bilateral/multilateral donors
  • Understanding the Foundation's role as an intermediary organization can help frame proposals effectively

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic specificity matters: Direct your Letter of Inquiry to the correct country office where your organization operates and where the project will be implemented
  • Alignment is critical: Thoroughly research the Foundation's current priorities for your specific country before applying; projects outside current focus areas are unlikely to be considered
  • No U.S. organizations: Only organizations based in Asia and Pacific Islands are eligible - U.S.-based organizations cannot apply regardless of project location
  • Flexible application process: The Foundation emphasizes flexibility with no standardized forms, but clarity and conciseness in the Letter of Inquiry are essential
  • Emphasize broad impact: Highlight how your project will have wide-reaching effects and contribute to systemic change
  • Rolling basis advantage: Applications accepted year-round means you can apply when your project is ready rather than waiting for specific deadlines
  • Relationship building: The Foundation values local partnerships and understanding of regional context - demonstrating deep community connections strengthens applications

References

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