Community Grants

KACF invests in programs that strengthen the economic security of low-income Korean Americans. This is a multi-year grant for 3 years with the maximum annual grant amount of $100,000. The foundation provides general operating and program-specific support.

Economic Security Definition: Having the resources to realize the full economic potential of individuals and families through:

• Educational attainment
• Meaningful employment
• Financial education
• Public benefits access
• Affordable housing and home-ownership
• Other pathways to immediate and long-term economic stability

For youth, economic security may begin with access to quality education, mentorship, leadership development, and early exposure to career pathways and financial literacy.

Funding Strategies

KACF funds:

• Direct service
• Leadership development
• Community organizing
• Advocacy
• Research
• Other strategies that effectively lead to change

Geographic Scope

National: All eligible organizations across the country apply through the same unified process.

Note: Organizations based in the San Francisco Bay Area are encouraged to apply through KACF San Francisco's separate Community Grants program instead.

Eligibility Requirements

Organizational Requirements:

• Registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization OR have a fiscal sponsor that is 501(c)3
• Operational history of at least 6 months
• Established and working Board of Directors
• Filed IRS Form 990 and/or audited financials

Program Focus Priorities:
KACF prioritizes organizations that:

• Work with Korean Americans as a target population or within the larger group of constituents served by the program
• Are engaging in partnerships with other community organizations and stakeholders
• Have the intention of providing comprehensive support to constituents
• Are measuring and documenting quantitative and qualitative outcomes
• Can clearly articulate how KACF's grant will advance their work

Grant Type Note:
General operating grants are only available to organizations with a budget of $3 million or less.

Funding Restrictions

KACF does NOT fund:

• Individuals
• Capital fund projects
• Endowments
• Fundraising events
• Feasibility studies
• Real estate purchases
• Public or private schools, colleges or universities
• Political causes or campaigns to elect candidates to public office
• Programs that do not comply with federal, state, or local equal employment statutes

Key Dates (2025-2026 Cycle)

• RFP Briefing (Virtual): July 23, 2025
• Initial Review Notification: September 2025
• Site Visits: September 2025 – November 2025
• Grant Award Notifications: December 2025
• Grant Period: December 15, 2025 – December 15, 2028

Application Process

Current Status: KACF is no longer accepting proposals for the 2025 Community Grants cycle.

To Be Notified of Future Opportunities:
Subscribe to the foundation's mailing list at kacfny.org to receive email notifications of future funding opportunities.

Application Materials Required:
Specific application materials and detailed submission instructions are available in the Eligibility Requirements document (referenced as ↗ on the grants page).

Pre-Application Support:
Organizations are encouraged to schedule a conversation with KACF staff before submitting an application, particularly:

• Organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area (to determine if KACF San Francisco program is better fit)
• Organizations with questions about program alignment