The mission of the Asian American Giving Circle of Greater Houston is to encourage philanthropy in the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, to contribute to the community in a strategic and meaningful way and to bring a new source of funding to nonprofit organizations serving APAs throughout the Greater Houston area.
Our strength lies in our collective giving; by pooling our funds, we make a more effective, powerful impact together than we could through individual contributions. The Giving Circle provides the opportunity to learn about issues, organizations and giving opportunities in the APA community.
Representing over 4% of the nation’s population, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (APAs) are one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States. Increasing by more than 70% in the past decade, the 12 million strong APAs also face growing challenges, including rising poverty rates and the unavailability of culturally competent services such as physical and mental health care. This diverse population includes over 47 distinct ethnic groups that speak over 100 languages and dialects.
While the needs of these diverse communities are great, support for nonprofit organizations working to address their challenges is scant, with less than 1% of funding from mainstream sources reaching such groups throughout the country. The purpose of the Asian American Giving Circle is to shed light on the needs within the APA community, while bringing a new source of funding to nonprofits serving Asian Pacific Americans in the Greater Houston area.
The Circle will distribute up to $10,000 in grants to support Asian Pacific American focused organizations, projects, and activities throughout the Greater Houston area. Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organizations are eligible to apply. Organizations with a fiscal sponsor meeting this designation are also welcome to apply. Applicants must meet the Circle’s mission in that the proposed activity or project serves APAs in the Greater Houston area.
If you are a nonprofit or community organization interested in applying for a grant, please download a copy of our 2010 Request for Proposals for more information.