2020 - 2023

Foundational investments and field-building work that shaped AAF's long-term strategy for civic and narrative power.

Activate CA Investments

Activate CA Investments support grassroots organizations serving under-resourced and often overlooked AAPI communities across California, including Hmong, Sikh, and Pacific Islander communities. Beginning with $100,000 in initial grants in 2022, AAF awarded renewal grants of $50,000 to ten organizations in 2024–2025. Grantees shared plans for civic and voter engagement around upcoming elections and participated in post-election reflections to strengthen collaboration, strategy, and long-term community power.

Activate NHPI Grants

In 2023, AAF invested an unprecedented $1 million to strengthen the youth organizing capacity of ten Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI)–serving organizations across California. Since receiving funding, grantees have expanded programs and capacity in alignment with their community priorities. As part of this work, AAF also launched a research project focused specifically on NHPI communities, with a report completed in 2025.

Gold Futures Challenge

AAF's inaugural program, the Gold Futures Challenge, launched in partnership with Gold House, is an online philanthropic model designed to democratize giving and direct resources to AAPI-serving nonprofits nationwide. Each year, AAF awarded ten prizes ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, alongside leadership development and community-building opportunities. Winners were selected through a public vote, empowering communities to support the organizations and solutions driving civic engagement, volunteerism, and social innovation.

NHPI Initiative

The NHPI Initiative responds to a clear need identified by grantees and community leaders to build stronger NHPI community and narrative power. Building on AAF's longstanding relationships and grantmaking within NHPI communities, the initiative focuses on strengthening nonprofit leadership, fostering collaboration, and advancing shared strategies for long-term impact.

Catalyst Lab

Catalyst Lab supports grassroots organizations working to advance AAPI rights and issues through strategic advocacy, base building, and innovative storytelling. The program equips organizations to shape public policy at the state and local levels while strengthening their capacity to build power and drive lasting change in their communities. Catalyst Lab has partnered with organizations like One APIA Nevada, OPAWL, NCAAT, and CACF.

NextGen Philanthropy

In a commitment to cultivating the next generation of Asian American donors and philanthropists to invest in AAPI communities and organizations, AAF hosted several gatherings of Asian American donors, with our co-host and partner, Gold House. Participants had an opportunity to connect with one another, hear from guest speakers, and share thoughts about their philanthropic goals.