Our Work
/
Belonging

TAAF is ensuring AAPIs are seen in our full humanity on the biggest stages, in classrooms, and through authentic storytelling.

Our Approach
We’re increasing representation and shifting culture through authentic storytelling—​ensuring AAPIs are seen and see themselves as central to the American story in classrooms, on screens, and in everyday life.
TAAF does this by:
Building confidence and pride in AAPI identity, and establishing a cultural narrative that resonates nationally.
Developing talent pipelines that support AAPI decision-makers and creatives, so that our stories can be seen and shared for generations to come.
Advocating for the teaching of AAPI history in K-12 schools, and expanding access to high-quality resources training opportunities for students and teachers.
Uplifting AAPI visibility and representation, breaking down barriers across media, corporate boardrooms, professional sports, and in government.
Projects & Initiatives
Our partners leading the way in belonging
Grantees
Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)
Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)
Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)
Asian American Voices for Education
Asian American Voices for Education
Asian American Voices for Education
Asia Society Texas Center
Asia Society Texas Center
Asia Society Texas Center
Center for Asian American Media (CAAM)
Center for Asian American Media (CAAM)
Center for Asian American Media (CAAM)
Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE)
Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE)
Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE)
Minnesota Ethnic Studies Coalition
Minnesota Ethnic Studies Coalition
Minnesota Ethnic Studies Coalition
National Equity Project
National Equity Project
National Equity Project
New York University
New York University
New York University
Rideback Ranch
Rideback Ranch
Rideback Ranch
South Asian American Digital Archive
South Asian American Digital Archive
South Asian American Digital Archive
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center
Teach AAPI
Teach AAPI
Teach AAPI
The Asian American Education Project
The Asian American Education Project
The Asian American Education Project
The Sikh Coalition
The Sikh Coalition
The Sikh Coalition
UCLA – Asian American Studies Center (AASC)
UCLA – Asian American Studies Center (AASC)
UCLA – Asian American Studies Center (AASC)
Wing Luke Museum
Wing Luke Museum
Wing Luke Museum

“This is a proud moment for AAPIs everywhere, particularly Korean Americans, as Ji-Young and the See Us Coming Together special demonstrate that Asian Americans are part of the very fabric of American society and culture. At TAAF, we are striving to help create a permanent and irrevocable sense of belonging for AAPIs in this country, and supporting Sesame Workshop’s introduction of the first-ever Asian American Sesame Street Muppet brings us one step closer toward making that vision a reality.” 

Sheila
Marcelo
Board Member, The Asian American Foundation

"CAPE has long championed the critical importance of creative executives - the greenlighters and story shepherds - in the narrative change movement. With TAAF's support, we're excited to double down on this crucial segment of the entertainment industry by surveying the barriers to career advancement and sustainability and by building bridges for collective success."

Michelle K.
Sugihara, Esq.
Executive Director, CAPE

"For over 43 years, CAAM's work has been premised on the belief that “representation matters,” and that unless we tell our own stories, they will be told for us. TAAF’s recognition of our work, along with generous funding to support our core work in talent development, production, and exhibition, is greatly appreciated. We will continue to create and champion stories that reflect the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences."

Stephen
Gong
Executive DIrector, CAAM

“As an American-born company founded by Chinese immigrants, we recognize the value of corporate engagement in philanthropic activities to make strategic investments in our communities. We are particularly passionate about fostering greater cultural understanding and appreciation through the power of storytelling of AAPI communities through education and the arts. We are proud to support TAAF’s program with the Sundance Institute, as it drives necessary resources toward strengthening and empowering AAPI artists to share their distinct voices and further diversify the American entertainment industry.”

Andrea
Cherng
Chief Brand Officer, Panda Express
For too long, AAPIs have remained supporting acts in media.
40% | 90%
Films exclude AAPIs
In a study of 1,300 films from 2017-2019, 40% and 90% of them excluded Asian American and Pacific Islander characters respectively.

Source: USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative
1 out of 4
News stations
In the top 20 designated media markets, 1 in 4 stations didn't have AAPI news anchors on air.

Source: AAJA
8.4%
AAPI studio executives
Within major entertainment studios, only 8.4% of top executives are AAPI.

Source: USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative
Grant Applications
Thank you for your interest in The Asian American Foundation.
At this time, we are not accepting new proposal submissions. Please subscribe to our newsletter to hear about upcoming funding opportunities.