In Community: May 2023 Newsletter #1

Dear Friends,

Two years ago this week, we launched The Asian American Foundation with the ambition to create a future where the 23 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. not only belong, but prosper. TAAF set out to reverse the longstanding under-investment in our community and address the root causes of hate and discrimination.

Since our launch, we’ve applied an entrepreneurial approach to both fund existing organizations as well as develop new initiatives to create transformational change. Through our power to convene, we harness the collective efforts of corporate partners, media/culture leaders, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and policymakers to develop solutions to some of our community’s most pressing issues. This approach allows TAAF to bring AAPI communities together to mobilize against hate and violence, while promoting AAPI belonging and prosperity across the country.  

On our two year anniversary, we are excited to announce our five-year Portfolio Strategy and invite partners to co-invest with us to support leaders and organizations working on the front lines in anti-hate, education, and narrative change. In addition, this week we released findings from our third annual 2023 STAATUS Index, launched a new website, and will be holding the TAAF Heritage Month Summit later this week. Thank you for your dedication, energy, and commitment on this journey. Together We Build a better future for AAPIs everywhere.

In solidarity,

Norman Chen‍
CEO, The Asian American Foundation

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PROGRAMS

Announcing our Portfolio Strategy to create transformational impact to the lives of AAPIs and their communities

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The Portfolio Strategy builds on the momentum from the AAPI Giving Challenge, which has catalyzed attention and unlocked resources for AAPI organizations and initiatives: 130 corporations, foundations, and individual donors have committed $1.1 billion in funding and in-kind resources over five years to AAPI communities, organizations, and relevant causes.

TAAF makes $65 million pledge over five years and invites partners to co-invest to create transformational impact.

TAAF is announcing a pledge of $65 million in direct funding over five years and plans to invite co-investments from new and existing partners towards TAAF’s four core portfolios to significantly multiply the funding and catalyze the impact.

• With the TAAF Board covering all of TAAF’s operating costs, 100% of all funds raised via this new strategy will go directly to  programming and initiatives.
• In addition, TAAF will continue to execute its own initiatives and events to meet the evolving needs of the community.

TAAF's Portfolio Strategy focuses on four core initiatives:

In each portfolio, TAAF will provide nonprofits one-time grants for specific programs or multi-year grants aimed at capacity-building to deepen impact and ensure long-term sustainability.

• Anti-Hate Initiative: To root out hate and violence targeted towards AAPIs, TAAF provides critical infrastructure, resources, and support to address anti-Asian hate and violence across the country. We will expand our Anti-hate National Network to nine cities in 2023 with the goal to expand to a network of over 25 cities covering over 90% of AAPIs in five years.
• Education Initiative: Over the next five years, TAAF will accelerate the teaching of AAPI studies as part of inclusive history in K-12 in all 50 states and expand AAPI studies in higher education.
• Narrative Change Initiative: To improve AAPI representation in media, entertainment, and journalism to reclaim our narratives, TAAF will work alongside partners to develop pipelines of future AAPI creatives and executives to elevate authentic reporting and stories that combat harmful stereotypes and celebrate AAPI narratives.
• Resources & Representation Initiative: To ensure greater representation and resources for all AAPIs, especially those from the most under-resourced communities, TAAF removes barriers to create access to a future where everyone can not only belong, but prosper.

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DATA AND RESEARCH

1 in 2 Asian Americans feel unsafe in the U.S. and nearly 80% of Asian Americans do not fully feel they belong and are accepted

The annual  Social Tracking of Asian Americans in the U.S. (STAATUS) Index is the leading study on perceptions and attitudes towards the AAPI community. Findings from STAATUS over the last three years show that we cannot attribute the anti-Asian sentiment in our country to political rhetoric and the COVID-19 pandemic alone.

There is a continued trend of feeling unsafe and a lack of belonging among Asian Americans.

• Asian Americans – especially young and female Asian Americans – are among the least likely of all racial groups surveyed to feel belonging and acceptance in America.

This year’s survey shows Americans’ openness to improving their relationship with and understanding of AAPIs signals room for progress, cross-racial solidarity, and representation.

• 1 in 4 respondents think they share “a lot” of core values with Asian Americans.
• More than 60% of Americans would like more opportunities to interact with AANHPIs and learn about their experience and history.
  • 3 out of 5 Americans think that incorporating the Asian American experience into the teaching of American history is important.

Learn more about the latest recommendations and findings from the 2023 STAATUS Index.