AAPI Heritage Month: Donate to These Nonprofits

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM) is a month-long celebration of the history, culture, and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). It is observed every May in the United States and is a time to recognize the contributions of AAPIs to American society.
AAPIs are a diverse group of people, with roots in over 50 countries and territories in Asia and the Pacific. They come from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds and speak over 100 languages. AAPIs are the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the United States and makeup over 7% of the population.
AAPIs have a long and rich history in the United States. Asian Americans have played a vital role in the development of the country. AAPIs have served in the military, founded businesses, and made significant contributions to the arts, sciences, and humanities.
AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of AAPIs and to learn more about their history and culture. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that AAPIs have faced, and to recommit to the fight for equality and justice for all.
Here are some ways to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month:
- Attend a cultural event or festival.
- Read a book or watch a movie about Asian American or Pacific Islander culture.
- Learn about the history of AAPIs in the United States.
- Talk to your friends and family about AAPI Heritage Month.
- Get involved in your community and advocate for the rights of AAPIs.
- Donate to the nonprofits supporting AAPIs
This list of nonprofits supports Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders:
Asian Arts Initiative
The Asian Arts Initiative (AAI) is a community-based arts center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1993 by a group of artists and community leaders who were concerned about the lack of opportunities for Asian American artists in the city.
AAI's mission is to "engage artists and everyday people to create art that explores the diverse experiences of Asian Americans, addresses our social context, and imagines and effects positive community change."
The organization offers a variety of programs and services, including:
- Exhibitions of visual art, photography, and film
- Performances of theater, dance, and music
- Educational programs for youth and adults
- Artist residencies and fellowships
- Community-building initiatives
AAI's programs are designed to provide opportunities for Asian American artists to create, exhibit, and perform their work. The organization also works to promote understanding and appreciation of Asian American culture through its educational and community-building initiatives.
AAI is located in the Chinatown North neighborhood of Philadelphia. The organization's headquarters is a former Warner Bros. theater that was renovated in 2005. AAI also has a satellite gallery in the Logan Square neighborhood.
AAI is a non-profit organization that receives funding from a variety of sources, including the city of Philadelphia, the state of Pennsylvania, and private foundations. The organization also relies on the support of its members and donors.
AAI is a vital part of the Asian American community in Philadelphia. The organization provides opportunities for artists to create and share their work, and it works to promote understanding and appreciation of Asian American culture. AAI is a valuable resource for the city of Philadelphia and the region as a whole.
AAPI Equity Alliance
AAPI Equity Alliance (AAPI Equity) is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in Los Angeles County. The organization was founded in 1973 as the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (APPPC), and changed its name to AAPI Equity in 2022.
AAPI Equity's mission is to "advance racial and economic justice for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through policy advocacy, civic engagement, and capacity building."
The organization works on a variety of issues, including:
- Anti-Asian hate
- Education
- Economic opportunity
- Health
- Housing
- Immigration
- Voting rights
AAPI Equity has a long history of advocacy for AAPIs in Los Angeles County. The organization has played a key role in securing funding for AAPI-serving organizations, passing legislation to protect AAPIs from discrimination, and raising awareness of AAPI issues.
Here are some of AAPI Equity's recent accomplishments:
- In 2021, AAPI Equity played a key role in passing a law that requires the Los Angeles Police Department to collect data on hate crimes against AAPIs.
- In 2022, AAPI Equity helped to secure $10 million in funding for AAPI-serving organizations from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
- AAPI Equity is currently working on a campaign to raise awareness of the rising rates of anti-Asian hate in Los Angeles County.
AAPI Equity is a vital part of the AAPI community in Los Angeles County.
National Asian Pacific Women’s Forum
The National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF) is a national non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women and girls. The organization was founded in 1996 by a group of AAPI women who recognized the need for an organization that would amplify their voices and experiences.
NAPAWF's mission is to "build power with AAPI women and girls to influence critical decisions that affect our lives, our families, and our communities."
The organization works on a variety of issues, including:
- Economic justice
- Education
- Health
- Immigrant and refugee rights
- Reproductive justice
- Violence against women
NAPAWF has a long history of advocacy for AAPI women and girls. The organization has played a key role in passing legislation to protect AAPI women from violence, securing funding for AAPI-serving organizations, and raising awareness of AAPI issues.
NAPAWF is a valuable resource for AAPI women and girls. The organization provides information and resources on a variety of issues, and it works to build power and unity within the AAPI community.
Here are some of NAPAWF's recent accomplishments:
- In 2021, NAPAWF played a key role in passing the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, which includes important protections for AAPI women.
- In 2022, NAPAWF helped to secure $10 million in funding for AAPI-serving organizations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- NAPAWF is currently working on a campaign to raise awareness of the rising rates of anti-Asian hate in the United States.
NAPAWF is a vital part of the AAPI community in the United States.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) is a national non-profit organization that advocates for the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). The organization was founded in 1982 by a group of AAPI activists and lawyers who recognized the need for an organization that would fight for the rights of AAPIs.
AAJC's mission is to "promote a fair and equitable society for all by working for civil and human rights that empower Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities."
The organization works on a variety of issues, including:
- Anti-Asian hate
- Civil rights
- Criminal justice reform
- Education
- Economic opportunity
- Immigration
- Voting rights
AAJC has a long history of advocacy for AAPIs. The organization has played a key role in passing legislation to protect AAPIs from discrimination, securing funding for AAPI-serving organizations, and raising awareness of AAPI issues.
Here are some of AAJC's recent accomplishments:
- In 2021, AAJC played a key role in passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which provides funding to law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute hate crimes against AAPIs.
- In 2022, AAJC helped to secure $10 million in funding for AAPI-serving organizations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- AAJC is currently working on a campaign to raise awareness of the rising rates of anti-Asian hate in the United States.
Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco (AAM) is a museum in San Francisco, California that specializes in Asian art. It is one of the largest Asian art museums in the United States, with a collection of over 18,000 works of art from all major Asian countries and traditions. The museum's collection spans over 6,000 years of history and includes a wide range of art forms, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and metalwork.
The AAM was founded in 1966 by a group of local philanthropists and art lovers. The museum's first home was in the War Memorial Opera House, but it moved to its current location on Larkin Street in 1989. The new building, designed by architect Gae Aulenti, was praised for its innovative design and its integration of traditional Asian and modern Western architectural elements.
The AAM is a major cultural institution in San Francisco, and it attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. The museum offers a variety of public programs, including lectures, films, and family activities. It also has a robust educational program that reaches out to schools and community groups throughout the Bay Area.
The AAM is committed to making Asian art accessible to everyone. The museum offers free admission to all visitors on the first Tuesday of every month, and it has a variety of programs and resources for people with disabilities. The museum also has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and it is working to make its collection and programs more representative of the diversity of the Asian community.
The AAM is a vital part of the cultural landscape of San Francisco, and it is playing an important role in promoting understanding and appreciation of Asian art and culture.
Asian Pacific Fund
The Asian Pacific Fund (APF) is a community development financial institution (CDFI) that invests in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. APF was founded in 1984 by a group of API leaders who recognized the need for a financial institution that would provide capital and other resources to API businesses and organizations.
APF is a non-profit organization that is governed by a board of directors that is composed of API leaders from the Bay Area. APF's staff is also majority API. APF is committed to using its resources to support API communities and to promote economic development and opportunity for API individuals and families.
APF offers a variety of financial products and services to API businesses and organizations, including:
- Loans: APF provides loans to API businesses and organizations for a variety of purposes, including working capital, equipment purchases, and real estate development.
- Investments: APF invests in API businesses and organizations through a variety of vehicles, including venture capital, private equity, and debt investments.
- Technical assistance: APF provides technical assistance to API businesses and organizations on a variety of topics, including business planning, marketing, and financial management.
- Education and training: APF provides education and training to API businesses and organizations on a variety of topics, including financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
APF has invested over $1 billion in API communities in the Bay Area. APF's investments have helped to create and support thousands of jobs, and they have helped to revitalize API neighborhoods and communities. APF is a vital part of the economic development and opportunity for API individuals and families in the Bay Area.
Search to Involve Filipino Americans
Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) is a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California.
They provide a variety of services to Filipino Americans, including:
- Health and human services, such as case management, counseling, and health education
- Community economic development, such as small business assistance and job training
- Arts and culture programming, such as dance, music, and theater performances
- Civic engagement and advocacy, such as voter registration and voter education
SIPA was founded in 1973 by a group of Filipino American community leaders who were concerned about the lack of resources and services available to Filipino Americans in Los Angeles. SIPA has since grown into a major provider of services to Filipino Americans, and it is one of the largest and most respected Filipino American organizations in the United States.
SIPA's mission is to "enrich the lives of Pilipino Americans and others by providing health and human services, community economic development, arts and culture, and a place where people of all backgrounds can come together to strengthen community." SIPA's vision is to be "a leading force in the empowerment of Pilipino Americans and others, and to create a more just and equitable society for all."
Chinese for Affirmative Action
Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) is a community-based civil rights organization located in San Francisco Chinatown. We fight for social justice for Chinese Americans and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in California.
CAA was founded in 1969 by a group of Chinese American community leaders who were concerned about the lack of opportunities for Chinese Americans in education, employment, and housing. CAA has since grown into one of the leading civil rights organizations in the United States.
CAA's mission is to "defend and promote the civil and political rights of Chinese and Asian Americans within the context of and in the interest of, advancing multiracial democracy in the United States."
CAA works on a variety of issues, including:
- Education: CAA advocates for equal access to quality education for all students, regardless of race or ethnicity. CAA also works to close the achievement gap between Asian American and Pacific Islander students and other students.
- Employment: CAA advocates for fair and equal employment opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. CAA also works to address the issue of wage discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
- Housing: CAA advocates for fair and affordable housing for all Californians, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. CAA also works to address the issue of housing discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
- Immigration: CAA advocates for comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. CAA also works to protect the rights of immigrants, including Asian American and Pacific Islander immigrants.
- Voting rights: CAA advocates for the right to vote for all Californians, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. CAA also works to register Asian American and Pacific Islander voters and to educate them about their voting rights.
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Unlocking Philanthropy: A Ready-to-Use Corporate Giving Policy for Modern Businesses
Sample Corporate Giving Policy You Can Use Today
In today’s socially conscious environment, more companies than ever are recognizing the value of corporate philanthropy. Not only can a robust giving policy boost a brand’s image and reputation, but it can also play a pivotal role in community development and global betterment. If your company is considering the establishment of a formal corporate giving policy or refining its existing strategy, this sample policy might be the perfect starting point for you.
Pillars of a Strong Corporate Giving Policy
Corporate giving programs range from employer donation matching programs to full blown corporate social responsibility programs with grantmaking and volunteerism. Many companies find somewhere in the middle that aligns with their size, budget, geographic presence and most importantly company values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. But what truly makes a corporate giving policy stand out? Let’s delve into the key features, from donation matching to the strategic use of platforms like Groundswell.
1. Donation Matching: Doubling the Impact
One of the most effective tools in a giving policy is donation matching. This is where companies match employee donations to eligible non-profits, effectively doubling the contribution. Such programs not only amplify the impact but also motivate employees to participate, knowing their chosen cause will receive twice the support.
2. Charitable Stipends: Encouraging Employee Choice
Charitable stipends are allowances given to employees to donate to a non-profit of their choice. This not only encourages a culture of giving but also empowers employees to support causes they’re passionate about. The stipends can be a fixed amount annually or can vary based on the employee’s role or tenure.
3. Dollars for Doers: Volunteering Translated to Contributions
“Dollars for Doers” programs convert volunteer hours into monetary donations. When employees volunteer their time for a cause, the company makes a donation equivalent to the hours spent. This fosters a culture of hands-on involvement and ensures that both time and money are being donated to valuable initiatives.
4. Corporate Grants: Sowing Seeds for Bigger Change
Beyond individual employee contributions, companies can set aside a dedicated fund for corporate grants. These grants can be given to non-profits, research initiatives, or community projects that align with the company’s CSR objectives. Such grants can lead to substantial, long-term changes and foster strong partnerships with community leaders and organizations.
Why Choose Groundswell for Your Giving Initiatives?
Incorporating these elements into a giving policy requires streamlined management, transparency, and ease of execution. This is where platforms like Groundswell come into the picture.
Groundswell offers an efficient and affordable solution for companies aiming to elevate their philanthropic endeavors. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice:
- User-Friendly Interface: Groundswell’s platform is designed for both companies and employees, ensuring smooth navigation and straightforward donation processes.
- Versatility: Whether it’s donation matching, handling charitable stipends, or managing corporate grants, Groundswell offers solutions tailored to each company’s unique needs.
- Cost-Effective: Groundswell provides a comprehensive suite of tools at competitive prices, ensuring that more of your money goes towards the cause rather than platform fees.
- Transparency: Track donations, monitor employee involvement, and generate detailed reports to measure the impact—all in one place.
Conclusion
An effective corporate giving policy is a blend of structure, employee engagement, and impactful contributions. By incorporating elements like donation matching, charitable stipends, “Dollars for Doers,” and corporate grants, businesses can create a ripple effect of positive change. And with platforms like Groundswell, executing these initiatives becomes not just feasible but also highly efficient and cost-effective.

5 Tips to Boost Engagement & Impact on Giving Tuesday
Leverage GivingTuesday to boost generosity
Every November, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as GivingTuesday, which often serves as the unofficial start of end-of-year giving campaigns. This comes on the heels of holiday shopping deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It is a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring millions to lean into the end-of-year holiday spirit with generosity and compassion. For many charities, GivingTuesday has become their biggest day for donations – and can help resource their ability to have an even greater impact in the year ahead.
For companies, GivingTuesday and the end-of-year giving season offers an opportunity to double down on their commitment to social responsibility, strengthen relationships with employees, and boost their impact in the community and broader world.
At Groundswell, we partner with companies all across the country to design and launch GivingTuesday campaigns – leveraging our easy-to-use platform that makes it easy for employees to participate and send donations to the causes and charities that they care most about. Below are some best practices to boost engagement and inspire generosity during the giving season.
1. Make Giving Easy:
A lot of giving platforms out there make it incredibly hard to donate. Some don’t have all 1.5 million IRS-approved charities listed. Others require employees to navigate through a web of intranet or sharepoint sites to find the giving program landing page. And others require that HR is notified of any donations an employee wants to make. At Groundswell – we are committed to removing all of the friction, and ensuring that employees can find charities easily, through a platform that is accessible from the palm of their hand, so they can give whenever they want to.
2. Launch a GivingTuesday Match Campaign:
Through Groundswell you can customize and launch a special GivingTuesday match campaign in a matter of minutes. Simply pick the nonprofits to include in the special campaign, select the start and end-date for the campaign, and then determine the match – 2x, 3x – along with any overall budget limits, then you’re done!
3. Boost engagement by involving ERGs:
Share nonprofit recommendations from Employee Resource Groups to provide inspiration around causes and nonprofits that matter to your employees. You can feature these nonprofits on dedicated ERG Corporate Spotlights and Campaigns that will be visible to all employees on their Groundswell dashboard.
4. Surprise (and Delight) Employees With A Gift to Give:
Consider sending a surprise “gift to give” to reward those already participating in your giving program (and to incentivize others to enroll). These gifts might be used to further maximize impact through the existing campaign, or to donate to other nonprofits your employees care about. Groundswell’s custom gift feature allows companies to easily schedule and send gifts with little to no administrative burden.
5. Level up with Volunteer Matching:
Groundswell’s Volunteer Matching program – sometimes known as Dollars for Doers – recognizes that some employees may not have funds to contribute, but have time – and rewards them in the same way. It’s an inclusive approach that invites everyone to participate in GivingTuesday, even those who may not be able to donate their own funds.

12 Employee Benefits Survey Questions Modern Companies Should Ask
In today's business environment, having the right and highest performing talent is more critical than ever. With benefits packages playing a vital role in these decisions, how can companies truly gauge their effectiveness? By initiating regular employee benefits surveys.
Scroll down for a free survey template below.
Let's dive in to the importance of asking the following questions.
Is our workforce satisfied with the current employee benefits package?
Gaining insights from "how satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?" can offer companies a quick pulse on the effectiveness of their benefits. A dip in satisfaction might signal a need for re-evaluation, especially if you're looking to maximize your budget.
How comprehensive are the employee benefits we offer?
Do employees feel that the organization covers a wide range of their needs? Asking, "do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?" can shed light on any potential gaps in coverage.
Are we showing true commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion through our benefits?
Are the company's efforts in promoting DE&I resonating? This can be gauged by asking if the benefits genuinely support diversity and inclusion. If they aren't, here's an opportunity to collect ideas directly from your employees.
Read more about how to make sure your giving program is equitable and inclusive.
Do our benefits reflect our company culture and values?
The question, "do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?" will highlight any potential discrepancies in practicing what you're preaching.
Did you know? Two-thirds of employees say it’s important for a company to align to their values.
Are we catering to the needs of a remote or multi-location workforce?
With remote work on the rise, is the company adapting its benefits accordingly? It's essential to find out if employees feel supported, regardless of their work setting.
Would employees recommend the company based on our benefits?
This is an easy one to skip, but it's a great question to ask. See how influential your benefits package is for employee referrals. Determining if employees would advocate for the company based on its benefits can be a key metric for recruitment.
How do specific benefit categories fare?
By querying satisfaction levels across various benefits – physical health, social impact, mental health, financial health, and fringe benefits – can companies discern which areas are thriving and which need enhancement?
What additional benefits do employees desire?
Is there a particular benefit that could make a difference in employee satisfaction and retention? Discovering this can be as straightforward as asking, "if you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?"
If your workforce desires a more meaningful benefit, see why decentralizing your corporate philanthropy strategy can achieve greater impact at scale.
How often should I send an employee survey about our benefits?
While every business has their own set of unique needs, conducing a quarterly employee survey at minimum can help you get a pulse check.
There will be some natural and unplanned peaks in valleys throughout the year that can drastically affect employee morale and company culture. By proactively seeking feedback through surveys, companies can foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring they remain at the forefront of employee satisfaction.
What are some affordable benefit options we can provide employees?
Corporate matching or giving programs can be a low-cost addition to your benefit offering that supports your employees’ unique passions and perspectives through charitable giving and boosts your company’s commitment to social impact. Groundswell offers a comprehensive solution with a simple implementation and nearly zero administration burden.
- How satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?
- Do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our remote or multi-location workforce?
- How likely are you to recommend applying based on our benefits package?
- How satisfied are you with our physical health benefits (i.e. health care, sick leave, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our social impact benefits (i.e. corporate matching, volunteering, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our mental health benefits (i.e. vacation time, EAP, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our financial health benefits? (i.e. retirement, student loan assistance, etc)
- How satisfied are you with our fringe benefits and perks? (i.e. fitness subsidies, stipends, etc)
- If you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?