The Asian American Foundation
The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) is a public charity located in Washington, DC. It serves the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community, working to advance safety, belonging, and prosperity through research, partnerships, programs, and grantmaking.
The Asian American Foundation at a glance
In short: The Asian American Foundation gave $9.1M across 68 grants in 2024 (avg $133K), top state California. 31% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $9,062,000
- -0.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 68
- +4.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $133,265
- -4.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $100,000
- Total assets
- $77,888,045
- -3.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 31% first-time grantees (21 of 68, 2024)
- Primary geography
- California (36% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Asian American Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 21749, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (617) 697-1590
Website: https://taaf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Asian American Foundation
Who The Asian American Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Asian Health Services ($500K). Together the top 10 received $3.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
181 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 92 grants of 181 (51%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
TAAF describes its work as serving AAPI communities across the country. Its 2024 grant dollars were concentrated in California (36%), New York (24%), Illinois (10%), Washington, DC (7%), and Texas (5%). The AAPI Emergency Relief Fund’s stated geographic scope is all U.S. states.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 68 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Asian American Foundation open to new grantees?
31%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 21 of 68 grantees (31%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $85K; repeat grants $155K. How we count
Medians: $50K first-time, $100K repeat.
- 63% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−2%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $4.7M (2022) to $9.2M (2021). In 2024 it made 68 grants totaling $9.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Health Services Oakland, CA | Anti - Hate Initiative | $500,000 |
| Chinese American Service League Chicago, IL | Anti - Hate Initiative | $400,000 |
| Community Youth Center of San Francisco San Francisco, CA | Anti - Hate Initiative | $400,000 |
| Sikh Coalition New York, NY | Anti - Hate Initiative | $360,000 |
| Asian American Futures Irvine, CA | Education Initiative | $300,000 |
| New York University New York, NY | Education Initiative | $300,000 |
| Cisc-Chinese Information & Service Center Seattle, WA | Education Initiative | $250,000 |
| Center for Asian American Media San Francisco, CA | Narrative Change Initiative | $250,000 |
| Asian American Resource Workshop Dorchester, MA | Anti - Hate Initiative | $250,000 |
| Asian American Journalists Association Martinez, CA | Narrative Change Initiative | $250,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
In 2024, TAAF reported 68 grants; in 2023, 65; and in 2022, 29.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $77,888,045 | $18,869,269 | $26,082,793 | $9,062,000 | 68 | $1,978,994 |
| 2023 | $80,525,812 | $16,595,322 | $22,909,834 | $9,062,446 | 65 | $1,369,823 |
| 2022 | $88,971,313 | $16,757,627 | $14,111,697 | $4,670,168 | 29 | $20,285 |
| 2021 | $89,049,217 | $100,728,075 | $20,454,010 | $9,239,750 | 19 | $29,331 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
TAAF’s stated mission is to serve the AAPI community in its pursuit of belonging and prosperity free from discrimination, slander, and violence. Its broader work focuses on safety, belonging, and prosperity. The organization describes safety efforts aimed at preventing and reducing bias-driven harm; belonging efforts that address misrepresentation and misinformation through education and narrative change; and prosperity efforts focused on leadership development, job opportunities, and support for AAPI small businesses.
Its 2024 grant purposes included anti-hate, education, and narrative change initiatives. TAAF says its narrative-change work elevates stories and storytellers that combat stereotypes, invests in debut filmmakers and underrepresented AAPI voices, and supports mentorship, training, and research related to AAPI creatives and leaders in media, entertainment, and journalism.
The grantees listed for 2024 illustrate the range of organizations supported. Asian Health Services describes its work as providing medical, mental health, dental, and other healthcare services. The Community Youth Center of San Francisco says it supports young people through academic, career, family, and community programming. The Center for Asian American Media presents Asian American stories through film, television, live performance, and digital media. Asian American Resource Workshop describes its work as community organizing, leadership development, and community building for pan-Asian communities in Greater Boston.
Grantmaking
In 2024, TAAF reported 68 grants totaling $9,062,000. Grant amounts ranged from $10,000 to $500,000, with a median grant of $100,000.
Among the largest grants were $500,000 to Asian Health Services for an anti-hate initiative; $400,000 each to Chinese American Service League and Community Youth Center of San Francisco for anti-hate initiatives; and $360,000 to the Sikh Coalition for an anti-hate initiative. Education grants included $300,000 to Asian American Futures and $300,000 to New York University. Narrative-change grants included $250,000 each to the Center for Asian American Media and the Asian American Journalists Association, and $250,000 to Rideback Rise.
TAAF’s AAPI Emergency Relief Fund is listed as active and is available across the United States. It provides direct support to AAPI survivors or families of AAPI victims affected by hate-motivated or violent crimes. Individuals and small businesses are eligible. An existing GoFundMe fundraiser must be in place to support the victim or family. Support may cover medical or funeral expenses, mental health services, lost wages, transportation, and other expenses that help with financial burdens, healing, recovery, and safety. Requests are vetted and require management approval; submission does not guarantee acceptance. TAAF says to allow 10–14 days for funding decisions.
TAAF says grants are documented through gift agreements. Grantees are usually required to provide periodic reports on progress, activities, challenges, plans for the next reporting period, and expenses against the budget. They may also be asked for informal updates and final reports as specified in the grant agreement.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Norman Chen as CEO and director. It lists Joseph Bae and Peng Zhao as co-chairmen; Jerry Yang as director and treasurer; and Geraldine Acuna-Sunshine, Joe Tsai, Li Lu, Rushika Fernandopulle, Shamina Singh, and Sheila Marcelo as directors.
The Asian American Foundation is led by Norman Chen, CEO & Director on every filing since 2021; 6 of 15 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Norman Chen
CEO & Director
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$72K (2021) → $90K (2024)
Joseph Bae
Co-Chairman
Director → Co-Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2021
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Peng Zhao
Co-Chairman
Director & Treasurer → Co-Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2021
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jerry Yang
Director & Treasurer
Director → Director & Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2021
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joe Tsai
Director
On filings since 2021
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Li Lu
Director
Chairman → Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sheila Marcelo
Director
On filings since 2021
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Geraldine Acuna-Sunshine
Director
New on the 2024 filing
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rushika Fernandopulle
Director
New on the 2024 filing
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shamina Singh
Director
New on the 2024 filing
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Prisca Bae
Chief Partnerships Officer
Vice President → Chief Partnerships Officer, 2022
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$247K (2021) → $340K (2024)
Isabel Kim
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$257K (2022) → $305K (2024)
Joy Moh
Head of Communications & Marketing
Head of Communications → Head of Communications & Marketing, 2023
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$116K (2022) → $242K (2024)
Rohit Paul
Chief People & Culture Officer
Head of People → Head of People, Talent & Culture, 2023
Head of People, Talent & Culture → Chief People & Culture Officer, 2024
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$123K (2022) → $278K (2024)
Georgette Bhathena
Chief Program Officer
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$242K (2023) → $313K (2024)
Former officers (7)
- Former: Jonathan Greenblatt (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Audrey Yamamoto (2022–2023) — Chief Operating Officer
- Former: Eugena Oh (2023) — Regional Director & Greater New York City Area
- Former: Sruthi Chandrasekaran (2023) — Director of Data & Research
- Former: Terry Park (2023) — Education & Narrative Change Program Officer
- Former: Bernadette Cruz (2022) — Director of Operations
- Former: Sonal Shah (2021) — Director & President
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $340K, to Prisca Bae (Chief Partnerships Officer). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Asian American Foundation
How much does The Asian American Foundation give each year?
The Asian American Foundation gave $9.1M across 68 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $9.1M across 65 grants.
What is The Asian American Foundation's typical grant size?
The Asian American Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $100,000, and its average grant was $133,265, across 68 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Asian American Foundation that year got $85K on average.
Where does The Asian American Foundation give grants?
The Asian American Foundation's top state is California, with 36% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were New York (24%) and Illinois (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (10 grants), Los Angeles, CA (7 grants), Chicago, IL (6 grants) and Washington, DC (6 grants).
Does The Asian American Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 68 grants with a stated purpose on The Asian American Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Anti - Hate Initiative" (52 grants), "Education Initiative" (9 grants) and "Narrative Change Initiative" (6 grants).
Who are The Asian American Foundation's largest grantees?
The Asian American Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Asian Health Services ($500,000), Chinese American Service League ($400,000) and Community Youth Center of San Francisco ($400,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 14% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Asian American Foundation?
The Asian American Foundation reported $77.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $18.9M.
What does The Asian American Foundation fund?
TAAF’s stated mission is to serve the AAPI community in its pursuit of belonging and prosperity free from discrimination, slander, and violence. Its broader work focuses on safety, belonging, and prosperity. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Asian American Foundation?
The Asian American Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check taaf.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Asian American Foundation's EIN?
The Asian American Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 85-2050585. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(5)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Asian American Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-asian-american-foundation-morg_dbd04c80d0a54125ab3c77cb6dec8c02
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_852050585_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Asian American Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-asian-american-foundation-morg_dbd04c80d0a54125ab3c77cb6dec8c02},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Asian American Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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