Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) encompass many ethnic groups with distinct histories and challenges. For example, many Vietnamese Americans arrived as refugees to the U.S. in the 1970s and 1980s because of the American war in Southeast Asia. Today, 59 percent of Vietnamese renters in the Bay Area are rent burdened compared to 40 percent of AAPI renters (Bay Area Equity Atlas, 2022). Disaggregating data is critical to understanding the diverse needs of each sub-population. AAPIs are the fastest growing racial group in the U.S., with over two million living in the Bay Area, but only 0.20 percent of grantmaking in the U.S. goes to AAPI communities (AAPIP).
In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month, the staff-led AAPI Affinity Group at SFF prepared this give guide, which highlights the work of AAPI-led organizations that are working towards racial equity and economic inclusion.
Alliance of South Asians Taking Action (ASATA)
ASATA is an all-volunteer grassroots group working to educate, organize, and empower Bay Area South Asian communities to end violence, oppression, racism and exploitation within and against South Asian communities. ASATA’s work is member organized and member driven and grounded in collective leadership and deep relationships. ASATA works on issues of anti-war, anti-Hindutva, community building, accountability and transparency, and climate justice. ASATA envisions a future in which all people are free, safe to live, and where people have the tools to dismantle the systems that isolate them and create solutions to meet their needs.
Donor Center Specifics:
Grantee: Alliance of South Asians Taking Action
Fiscal Sponsor: Chinese for Affirmative Action
Short purpose: For general support of Alliance of South Asians Taking Action.
Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI)
CERI serves refugees and immigrants affected by war, torture, genocide or other extreme traumas to improve their emotional, physical, social and economic wellbeing. CERI was founded in 2006 by members of the Cambodian community and Dr. Mona Afary to serve survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide living with PTSD. CERI is a prevention and early intervention service center for Southeast Asian immigrants and refugees, specializing in providing mental health and social services, training, education and activities. They engage over 1,200 diverse refugees and immigrants annually, including Cambodian, Vietnamese, Burmese, Afghan, Tibetan, Nepali, Indian, Rwandan, Filipinx, Iranian and Latinx communities.
Donor Center Specifics:
Grantee: Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants
Short purpose: For general support.
Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC)
CCDC works to build community and enhance the quality of life for San Francisco residents. CCDC is a place-based organization serving the Chinatown neighborhood, North Beach and the Tenderloin. CCDC provides affordable housing to over 5,000 San Franciscans – low-income families, adults, and seniors. This work aligns with CCDC’s vision for neighborhoods that celebrate empowerment, neighborhood improvement, and positive community change.
Donor Center Specifics:
Grantee: Chinatown Community Development Center
Short purpose: For general support.
Filipino Advocates for Justice (FAJ)
FAJ nurtures leadership development among Filipinos to enhance their civic capacity, organize constituents, and help them build a strong and empowered community. FAJ supports immigrant and civil rights by providing services such as free naturalization assistance and supporting policies that promote social and economic justice and equity. FAJ’s work is guided by its vision to realize democratic and human rights for everyone. Its programs are rooted in Bayanihan principles, a Filipino demonstration of social justice values where a community comes together to help those in need.
Donor Center Specifics:
Grantee: Filipino Advocates for Justice
Short purpose: For general support.
Kearny Street Workshop (KSW)
KSW is the first AAPI multidisciplinary arts organization in the country. Their mission is to present, produce, and promote art that empowers AAPI artists and communities. KSW offers arts classes and workshops, professionally curated and produced exhibitions, performances, readings, and screenings. For the past 50 years, KSW has nurtured the creative spirit, offered an important platform for new voices to be heard, and connected artists with community.
Donor Center Specifics:
Grantee: Kearny Street Workshop
Short purpose: For general support.
Lavender Phoenix
Lavender Phoenix builds queer and transgender AAPI power to amplify their voices and increase the visibility of their communities. The organization’s work is rooted in the many legacies of queer and trans AAPI people who have fought isolation, battled for rights, and created communities of care. Through organizing in the Bay Area, Lavender Phoenix inspires and trains grassroots leaders and partners with organizations to sustain a vibrant movement ecosystem.
Donor Center Specifics:
Grantee: Lavender Phoenix
Fiscal Sponsor: Chinese for Affirmative Action
Short purpose: For general support of Lavender Phoenix.
Samoan Community Development Center (SCDC)
SCDC is committed to providing an inclusive environment in the San Francisco Bay Area, where Samoan and Pacific Islander voices are heard, and the community is served and thriving. SCDC’s vision is to build a viable community of Samoan professionals and scholars through support for students from kindergarten to college. The organization also provides services and resources to support grassroots survival strategies and educate other groups about Samoan and Pacific Islanders contributions to society.
Donor Center Specifics:
Grantee: Samoan Community Development Center
Short purpose: For general support.
