Building the next generation of AAPI leaders since 1999.

Our Program Initatives

Leadership Development

Workforce Investment

Civic Engagement

Information Sharing

Capacity Building

Relationship Building

Our Impact

500+ participates in our programs since inception

Over 30,000 connected through our digital network

236 individuals placed into jobs/leadership roles after program participation

Over $50,000 granted to entrepreneurs and small business owners

Challenges to the AAPI Community

Between 2000 and 2019, the Asian American population in California grew by more than

2 million

the largest growth in the U.S. (Pew, 2021). With this growth comes unsolved challenges.

From 2020 to 2021, anti-AAPI hate crimes have increased by

342%

40% of those crimes have been reported in California, home to the nation’s largest AAPI population (CBS News, 2022).

In philanthropy, communities of AAPI have received less than

0.5%

of charitable giving (The Asian American Foundation, 2021).

More than

84%

of AAPI small businesses have reported negative business effects from the pandemic. Almost half have laid off staff (National Asian/Pacific Islander Asian Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship, 2020).

Even though AAPI’s on average have a high household income, because of certain struggling AAPI groups, AAPI’s actually have a

12.3%

higher poverty rate than non-Hispanic whites at 9.8%. Over 30% of Southeast Asians live on welfare, with 20% of Cambodians living below the poverty line (NPR, 2013).

AAPI’s are the most underrepresented in politics at

-85%

relative to their population in 2020 (Reflective Democracy Campaign, 2021).

Partner With Us

CalAsian Foundation is committed to providing pathways that will continue to advance AAPI leaders. Our programs have impacted the lives of many in accelerating careers, businesses and civic participation. Be a part of our journey in continuing our efforts by contributing to our cause.

It’s amazing to be part of the Node’s network. I’ve met many great individuals. The workshops are extremely helpful to the growth of Asian Creative Foundation. I’ve also learned how other non-profit grow their organizations.

Susana Chen

Node Founding Member, CEO of Asian Creative Network (50,000 members on Facebook)

As Asian American Women Political Initiative expands nationally this year, Node's trainings and being part of Node's community of AAPI leaders have been incredibly valuable in this critical moment for us. It's a space we needed to help us maximize our impact as we grow AAWPI.

Darlene Vu

COO, Asian American Women Political Initiative

Susana Chen

Node Founding Member, CEO of Asian Creative Network (50,000 members on Facebook)

The past three months have been very engaging, informative, and overall a great educational experience. I am grateful that I stepped out of my comfort zone and applied for this program because it definitely was well worth it. This program challenged me, my ways of thinking, my complacency, but most importantly it sparked new ideas in me that will go back with me to my community to continue to work and strive for change!”

Adam Allen

Participant, Catalyst
Leadership Program