Grants Awarded Main Page
2023 Grants
2023 Funding Focuses:
- Arts & Culture Focus: The Foundation will provide support for nonprofits that foster Asian art and culture. Examples include Asian cultural festivals, music and dance, Chinese and Japanese gardens, museums highlighting Asian art, and educational programs on Asian or Asian American history. Priority will be given to organizations that are inclusive to the general public and foster a greater understanding and appreciation for Asian art and culture. Grant awards may be for general operating support or for specific programs and will be in the range of $10,000-$15,000. Priority will be given to nonprofits serving communities in Oregon's Willamette Valley and in California's Bay Area.
- Environment: The Foundation is focused on creating wildfire resiliency by supporting work to build healthy and biodiverse forests. Examples include: advocacy & policy work, wildfire planning & adaptation, preserving & increasing wildlife biodiversity, and public engagement & outreach through education, communications, and messaging. The Foundation will award around five two-year $40,000 grants (Y1: $20,000, Y2: $20,000).
- Education: The Foundation intends to award grants for paid internships at nonprofits for college undergraduate and/or graduate students (grants distributed in calendar year 2023 may be utilized for calendar year 2024 internships as needed). These internships must provide an above minimum wage stipend. The internship experience should include enrichment opportunities which should include skill building, visibility into nonprofit management, peer networking, professional seminars, capstone project/report, etc. Priority will be given to internships that recruit using a DEI lens. Average size grants in this area of focus are $8,000-$12,000 per internship. You are welcome to request funding for more than one internship in an application if you have previously received funding from the Foundation. Please note that grant recipients who received awards from us in this focus area each year for the last 3 consecutive years (2020, 2021, 2022) are not eligible for a grant in 2023. You will be eligible to reapply in 2024.
- Health & Human Services: The Foundation is committed to supporting elders living in our communities by encouraging self-sufficiency and aging in place. In 2022, the Foundation awarded multi-year grants in the amount of $20,000 ($10,000 each year) over two years to a group of nonprofits. Funding was focused on housing specifically around aging in place: a) Home modifications for accessibility and home maintenance; b) Assistance with household tasks; c) Affordable permanent housing; d) Collaborative partnerships that advocate for age-friendly communities. The Foundation is not awarding any new grants in 2023, they are fulfilling 2022 existing multi-year commitments.
Grants Awarded in 2023
arts & culture
- ASIAN ART MUSEUM, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, $10,000. For general operating support. Inspiring new ways of thinking by connecting diverse communities to historical and contemporary Asian art and cultures through a world-class collection, exhibitions, and programs.
- CHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA, SAN FRANCISCO, CA $15,000. For general operating support. The Chinese Historical Society of America collects, preserves, and illuminates the history of Chinese in America by serving as a center for research, scholarship and learning to inspire a greater appreciation for, and knowledge of, their collective experience.
- LAN SU CHINESE GARDEN, PORTLAND, OR. $20,000. For general operating support. The Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of only 10 publicly open Chinese gardens in North America. Its mission is to cultivate an oasis of tranquil beauty and harmony to inspire, engage and educate our community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture.
- MUSIC WORKSHOP, PORTLAND, OR. $13,500. To create and expand the K-8 music education culture series "Music from the Continent of Asia." Music Workshop empowers teachers to engage, educate and inspire their students through high-quality, culturally responsive music education.
- PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN, PORTLAND, OR. $10,000. For general operating support. The Garden's mission is to bring the ideals of Asian gardens to the world: art of craft, connection to nature, experience of peace.
- TAKOHACHI, INC., PORTLAND, OR. $10,000. For capacity building support. Preserving traditional Japanese music and dance. Takohachi seeks to educate and entertain as they perform throughout the Portland area at schools, festivals and cultural events.
- TIGER TIGER (FISCALLY SPONSORED BY APANO COMMUNITIES UNITED FUND), PORTLAND, OR. $11,500. A presenting sponsor for Tiger Tiger PDX - A celebration of our AANHPI Community. A one day festival celebrating food, music, and community at Fernhill Park in NE Portland.
education
- CALIFORNIA OCEAN SCIENCE TRUST, SACRAMENTO, CA. $8,000. To support two summer graduate student Council on Ocean Affairs, Science and Technology (COAST) interns in partnership with the California State University system. This internship program is focused on training a diverse science-policy workplace. Interns will work directly on some of California’s most pressing coastal and ocean issues with real, tangible policy outcomes resulting from their efforts. With topical issues ranging from sea level rise to coastal climate resilience to plastic pollution, interns have the opportunity to engage on multiple issues and accelerate science-based governance.
- CRAG LAW CENTER, PORTLAND, OR. $8,000. To support one summer associate who is enrolled in law school. Summer associates assist one or more of our eight attorneys on litigation and advocacy projects involving federal and/or state environmental laws. The work involves conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, memoranda and/or correspondence, communicating with clients, and assisting the attorneys in preparing for argument in state and federal courts. Summer Associates may also be involved with organizing client campaigns, outreach and education activities, and site visits.
- FAMILY CONNECTIONS CENTERS, SAN FRANCISCO, CA. $20,000. To support two early childhood education fellowships for students enrolled in a certified program. The ECE Fellowship is a research-driven, explorative learning approach to early education workforce development. They utilize a cohort model of fellows working and learning alongside each other, to deepen connections and create a stronger network of early childhood educators within the Bay Area. ECE Fellows are current students or recent graduates from the Bay Area that will be aiding ECE programs at their preschools and multicultural family resource centers. In addition to paid wages for their time and work, fellows will gain hands-on experience in best practices for early childhood and family engagement.
- OIKONOS ECOSYSTEM KNOWLEDGE, KAILUA, HI. $10,000. To support two student internships. Oikonos employs university undergraduates as Student Stewards to participate in their seabird research and conservation program at Año Nuevo Island (ANI) in the state park. ANI is the largest seabird colony in the California State Parks system and home to rare breeding populations of Cassin's and Rhinoceros Auklets (relatives of the better-known puffins). This experience is a unique opportunity to learn hands-on science and conservation skills and receive one-on-one mentorship at a world-class wildlife reserve.
- POINT BLUE CONSERVATION SCIENCE, PETALUMA, CA. $15,000. To support two internships: a policy internship and a marine conservation internship. The policy intern will work with Point Blue’s policy team to help advance our climate change and biodiversity policy engagement strategies. The marine intern will work with Point Blue over the next two years to assess the incidence of microplastics in juvenile rockfish used as prey by seabirds on the Farallon Islands.
- PORTLAND PLAYHOUSE, PORTLAND, OR. $15,000. To support two diverse apprentices who will join the company for the second half of their 16th Season. Apprentices choose a primary creative focus including acting, directing, design, or stage management and develop their skills through classes, working alongside professionals, and immersing themselves in Portland’s performing arts community. At the culmination of the program, each member of Apprentice Company creates and produces an original solo performance at the Playhouse. Apprentices are enrolled in Florida's A&M University (FAMU), an historically Black college/university (HBCU).
- UPWARD SCHOLARS, REDWOOD CITY, CA. $12,000. Upward Scholars will hire an intern to provide capacity-building support for the second year of their expansion into Alameda County. Their mission is to provide adult immigrants, enrolled in community college, the boost they need to move up the economic ladder through education and career development support.
- WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY, SALEM, OR. $8,080. To support one MBA student summer internship who will work with the nonprofit Ecotrust Investments team in evaluating the feasibility of various business growth models, such as starting an investment fund to provide low-interest loans or launching a Green Bank (an entity that raises money from public capital, private foundations, and commercial investors to make below-market loans to businesses and projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions).
- WORLDOREGON, PORTLAND, OR. $9,000. To support one paid college student intern from the SINE Program to support the International Visitors Program, a program that enables cross-culture conversations and facilitates professional knowledge exchange between Oregon communities and the world.
environment
- PEPPERWOOD PRESERVE, SANTA ROSA, CA. 2023: $20,000; 2024; $20,000.1000 FRIENDS OF OREGON, PORTLAND, OR. 2023: $20,000; 2024: $20,000. For the wildfire resilience education and outreach program. 1000 Friends works with Oregonians to enhance quality of life by building livable urban and rural communities, protecting family farms and forests, and conserving natural areas. They are at the forefront of "conserving Oregon’s forest land for forest uses" and protecting Oregon and Oregonians from the ever-increasing risks of wildfires that threaten the state’s livability.
- FIREFIGHTERS UNITED FOR SAFETY, ETHICS, AND ECOLOGY, EUGENE, OR. 2023: $10,000; 2024: $10,000. For general operating support. FUSEE does public education and policy advocacy promoting safe, ethical, ecological wildland fire management.
- KLAMATH-SISKIYOU WILDLANDS CENTER, ASHLAND, OR. 2023: $20,000; 2024: $20,000. To support their wildlife campaign as part of their climate program. KS Wild protects and restores wild nature in northern California and southern Oregon.
- MID KLAMATH WATERSHED COUNCIL, ORLEANS, CA. 2023: $20,000; 2024: $20,000. For general operating support. The Mid Klamath Watershed Council collaboratively plans and implements ecosystem restoration, promotes community vitality, and involves people in land stewardship.
- PEPPERWOOD PRESERVE, SANTA ROSA, CA. 2023: $20,000; 2024; $20,000. For general operating support. A forest and fire resiliency science-based living laboratory research center.
health & human services
- COMMUNITY FOR POSITIVE AGING, PORTLAND, OR. Y2: $10,000. The second year of a two-year grant for general operating support. An age-positive hub that offers a multitude of no cost donation-based services, a devoted team enhanced by peer run programs, and resources that empower community members to learn, connect, and grow as they age. Seniors have access to a full spectrum of services, including social, emotional, educational, and recreational opportunities appropriate to their unique needs and interests.
- CURRY SENIOR CENTER, SAN FRANCISCO, CA. Y2: $10,000. The second year of a two-year grant for general operating support . Decreased health makes aging in one’s home difficult to maintain and afford, causing seniors to lose housing or be sent to institutional care. Curry Senior Center makes sure seniors stay in their homes and their communities. They offer integrated health care, housing, case management support, meals, and community activities for all seniors, especially our most vulnerable, low income or homeless.
- HOOD RIVER VALLEY ADULT CENTER, HOOD RIVER, OR. Y2: $10,000. The second year of a two-year grant for general operating support to enhance the lives of seniors in Hood River through services and activities. Services include a weekday hot lunch, medical loan closet, community garden, room rentals, cooling center, healthcare, and a lending library.
- OPENHOUSE SF, SAN FRANCISCO, CA. Y2: $10,000. The second year of a two-year grant for general operating support. Openhouse enables San Francisco Bay Area LGBTQ+ seniors to overcome the unique challenges they face as they age by providing housing, direct services and community programs.
- REBUILDING TOGETHER PENINSULA, REDWOOD CITY, CA. Y2; $5,000. The second year of a two-year grant for general operating support. Rebuilding believes that everyone deserves to live in a safe and healthy home. Through a vast network of volunteers, corporate sponsors, and sub-contractors, Rebuilding provides critical home repairs to over 600 clients per year. In addition, Rebuilding assists nonprofit organizations with facility maintenance and repairs so that they can dedicate their time and resources to helping our community.
- SAN FRANCISCO VILLAGE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA. Y2: $10,000. The second year of a two-year grant for general operating support. SF Village is a membership organization designed with, by and for older San Franciscans and the extended community that champions them. They operationalize love for elders in an ageist society by mobilizing the power of intergenerational relationships and mutual support.
- SHARE THE CARE NAPA VALLEY, NAPA, CA. Y2: $10,000. The second year of a two-year grant for general operating support. Share the Care positively impacts Napa County older adults with resources for health, well-being, independence, and quality of life. Programs include: Yvonne’s Front Porch Donation Center, Stop Falls Program, and Declutter Program.
- STORE TO DOOR, PORTLAND, OR. Y2: $10,000. The second year of a two-year grant for general operating support. Store to Door supports independent living for seniors and adults with disabilities by providing an affordable, personal, volunteer-based grocery shopping and delivery service in Portland, Oregon.
DISCRETIONARY
- AT HOME WITH GROWING OLDER, BERKELEY, CA. $1,000. For general operating support, designated by board member Joe Goodman. They educate, inspire and connect people across generations and disciplines to re‑envision and improve the experiences of later life in the context of their home. Their mission is put into practice within the community through the implementation of three rotating programs: Aging 360, At Home, On Air and the annual agin.
- CONFLUENCE WEST, SAUSALITO, CA. $1,000. For general operating support, designated by board member Michele Goodman. Their vision is to ensure resilient, thriving rivers and communities in the American West through science-based and equitable water use.
- HOOD RIVER VALLEY ADULT CENTER, HOOD RIVER, OR. $3,000. For general operating support, designated by board members Mariette Sawchuk, Alexander Sawchuk, and Pamela Hays. Their mission is to enhance the lives of seniors in Hood River with services & activities.
- NORTH COAST LAND CONSERVANCY, SEASIDE, OR. $1,000. For general operating support, designated by board member Susan Kenney. An accredited land trust helping to conserve Oregon’s coastal lands and waters forever to create a fully functioning coastal landscape where healthy communities of people, plants and wildlife all thrive.
- NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CONSERVANCY, PORTLAND, OR. $1,000. For general operating support, designated by board member Eric Wan. NWCC is a community initiative aimed at improving the lives of all who live, work, learn and play in the Pearl District thought increased public-private partnerships.
- SELF-HELP FOR THE ELDERLY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA. $1,000. For general operating support, designated by board member Honmai Goodman. Providing assistance and support to seniors in the San Francisco area. They provide trustworthy and devoted care for seniors to promote their independence, dignity and self-worth. Services and companionship help guide seniors to wellness and happiness. They want to contribute to longer, healthier, more purposeful lives for seniors.
JOHN LAM FUND
- AIDS LEGAL REFERRAL PANEL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA. $20,000. For general operating support. ALRP provides free and low-cost legal services to people with HIV/AIDS in the San Francisco Bay Area.