Grants Awarded Main Page
2022 Grants
2022 Funding Focuses:
- Arts & Culture: The Foundation provided 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 was given to organizations that are inclusive to the general public and foster a greater understanding and appreciation for Asian art and culture. Grant awards were for general operating support or for specific programs and grants made were in the range of $10,000-$15,000. Priority was given to nonprofits serving communities in Oregon's Willamette Valley and in California's Bay Area.
- Environment: Fulfilled second year (Year 2) multi-year commitments made in 2021. The Foundation focused on supporting forest resiliency to mitigate the effects of climate change through a small number of two-year grants for wildfire recovery and prevention. Priority was given to forest management, restoration, and planning efforts that increase biodiversity or protect our water sources in geographies that have been hit or are at a high risk of being impacted by wildfires. Grant awards were in the range of $10,000 to $15,000 per year.
- Education: The Foundation awarded grants for paid internships at nonprofits for college undergraduate and/or graduate students (grants distributed in calendar year 2022 may be utilized for calendar year 2023 internships as needed). These internships must provide an above minimum wage stipend. The internship experience includes enrichment opportunities which should include skill building, visibility into nonprofit management, peer networking, professional seminars, capstone project/report, etc. Priority was given to internships that recruit using a DEI lens. Average size grants in this area of focus are $8,000 per internship. Applicants could request funding for more than one internship in an application. Please note that grant recipients who received awards from us in this focus area each year for the last 3 consecutive years (2019, 2020, 2021) are not eligible for a grant in 2022. You are eligible to reapply in 2023.
- Health & Human Services: The Foundation continued its commitment to supporting our elders by encouraging self-sufficiency and aging in place. By invitation only, we are awarding multi-year grants in the amount of $20,000 ($10,000 each year) over two years. Funding will be focused on housing specifically around aging in place, examples include: Home modifications for accessibility and home maintenance; Assistance with household tasks; Affordable permanent housing; Collaborative partnerships that advocate for age-friendly communities.
42 gifts were made in 2022
A total of $379,266 was distributed
A total of $379,266 was distributed
AGC of California Construction Education Foundation, W. Sacramento, CA. $10,000. (education)
A stipend for one paid internship for a woman or minority construction student to help build the “E-cademy,” a free, online learning platform for young people interested in construction. Build California’s E-cademy is a virtual construction jobsite and classroom for Californians aged 12-24. Its purpose is to cultivate interest and prepare students for construction careers among the next generation.
AIDS Legal Referral Panel, San Francisco, CA. $10,000. (Education)
To support two law clerk internship stipends for students enrolled in law school. ALRP provides legal services and advocacy for people with HIV/AIDS.
Asian Art Museum of S.F., San Francisco, CA. $10,000. (arts & Culture)
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. $12,500. (arts & culture)
For general operating support of re-opening of the museum and the newly opened Bruce Lee exhibit. The Chinese Historical Society of America collects, preserves, and illuminates the history of Chinese in America by serving as a center for community, education, and cultural engagement.
Columbia Land Trust, Vancouver, WA. $10,000. (environment)
The second year of a two-year general operating support grant for Summit Creek and East Cascade Oaks Partnership work.
Columbia Riverkeeper, Hood River, OR. $1,000. (discretionary)
An unrestricted discretionary grant selected by board member Eric Wan.
Community for Positive Aging, Portland, OR. $10,000. (Health & human services)
A two-year grant for general operating support (2022: $10,000; 2023: $10,000). 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.
Compass Family Services, San Francisco, CA. $16,266. (Health & Human Services)
For an internship stipend to fund a graduate student trainee in Compass Behavioral Health Services to build a diverse pipeline of therapists addressing disparities to create more equitable and high-quality mental health services for underserved Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) – in particular, Black and Latinx communities.
Curry Senior Center, San Francisco, CA. $10,000. (health & Human Services)
A two-year grant for general operating support (2022: $10,000; 2023: $10,000). 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.
Ecotrust, Portland, OR. $10,000. (environment)
The second year of a two-year general operating support grant for forest and ecosystem services work. Ecotrust’s mission is to inspire fresh thinking that creates economic opportunity, social equity, and environmental well-being. Their goal is to foster a natural model of development that creates more resilient communities, economies, and ecosystems here and around the world.
Environmental Action Committee of West Marin, Point Reyes, CA. $10,000. (education)
Intern stipends to support two paid internships for law students. EAC’s mission is to work on a diverse set of environmental issues, and they run a multidisciplinary internship program in two main programs: Marin Marine Protected Area (MPA) Watch/Coastal Advocate and the Legal & Policy.
Hood River Valley Adult Center, Hood River, OR. $10,000. (Health & human services)
A two-year grant (2022: $10,000; 2023: $10,000) 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.
Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland, OR. $20,000. (arts & culture)
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.
Meals on Wheels People, Portland, OR. $20,000. (Health & Human Services)
A John Lam Fund discretionary grant recipient. To support the eastside expansion project with a naming opportunity in the volunteer space. The eastside expansion project will expand their capacity to provide meals during a large community emergency with more freezer and kitchen space. It will also serve as a hub for technology needs and space for community dining.
National Forest Foundation, Missoula, MT. $10,000. (environment)
The second year of a two-year general operating support grant for the Ladybug forest health and fuels reduction project in Sierra Nevada.
North Coast Land Conservancy, Seaside, OR. $1,000. (discretionary)
An unrestricted discretionary grant selected by board member Susan Kenney. This organization has conserved thousands of acres of land on the Oregon coast in Clatsop, Tillamook, and Lincoln counties, mainly by acquiring land outright or by acquiring conservation easements on private land. They have helped transfer hundreds of acres of land to public ownership. The Rainforest Reserve is North Coast Land Conservancy’s largest habitat reserve and one of the largest privately conserved properties in Oregon.
Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Oakland, CA. $7,500. (arts & culture)
For general operating support. The center's mission is to build vibrant communities through Asian and Pacific Islander (API) arts and cultural programs by fostering intergenerational and cross-cultural dialogue and understanding, community collaboration, and social impact.
OpenHouse SF, San Francisco, CA. $10,000. (Health & Human Services)
A two-year grant (2022: $10,000; 2023: $10,000) 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.
Oregon MESA/Portland State University Foundation, Portland, OR. $8,000. (EDUCATION)
To support one paid student intern in the Curriculum and Training Internship position. Oregon MESA is a school-based invention education program - the only adaptable, prototype-driven math, engineering, and science program for traditionally underrepresented students that uses an ecosystems approach to education. Every year, MESA schools, families, businesses, and mentors work together to empower the technology-based workforce of the future.
Pacific Forest Trust, San Francisco, CA. $5,000. (environment)
The second year of a two-year general operating support grant for the Mt. Ashland demonstration forest project.
Pepperwood Foundation, Santa Rosa, CA. $10,000. (environment)
The second year of a two-year general operating support grant for Pepperwood Preserve, a forest and fire resiliency science-based living laboratory research center.
Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette, Portland, OR. $1,000. (discretionary)
Unrestricted discretionary grant in honor of Foundation volunteer Patricia (Pat) Rau selected by Michele Goodman. They are dedicated to providing expert sexual and reproductive health care to people in Oregon & SW Washington serving more than 73,000 people annually.
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, San Jose, CA. $1,000. (discretionary)
Unrestricted discretionary grant selected by board member Joe Goodman. Operating 34 health centers throughout mid-California and northern Nevada. They are the largest Planned Parenthood affiliate in the U.S., providing medical and education services to more than 220,000 people annually.
Point Blue Conservation Science, Petaluma, CA. $16,000. (education)
Support for two paid graduate student interns from underrepresented backgrounds in learning experiences that contribute important knowledge for marine wildlife conservation. Their mission is to advance the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and ecosystems through science, partnerships, and outreach.
Portland Chinatown Museum, Portland, OR. $10,000. (arts & culture)
For general operating support. The museum presents exhibitions about the immigrant experience, systemic racism and community; outstanding art by contemporary AAPI artists; and stimulating public programs. It collects oral histories, photos and artifacts. Programs range from theatrical, music and spoken word performances; lectures; roundtable discussions; films; book discussions; and workshops.
Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, OR. $10,000. (arts & culture)
For general operating support. The Garden's mission is to bring the ideals of Portland Japanese Garden to the world: art of craft, connection to nature, experience of peace.
Portland Playhouse, Portland, OR. $12,000. (education)
To support two paid production apprenticeships in 2023, which will provide hands-on professional development and a living wage to early-career technical theatre artists who identify as Black, Indigenous or persons of color (BIPOC).
Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP), Redwood City, CA. $15,000. (health & Human services)
A two-year grant (2022: $15,000; 2023: $5,000) 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.
Rebuilding Together Peninsula, Redwood City, CA. $2,000. (discretionary)
An unrestricted discretionary grant selected by board members Mariette & Sandy Sawchuk. Rebuilding provides critical home repairs for our elders.
San Francisco Village, San Francisco, CA. $10,000. (health & Human services)
A two-year grant (2022: $10,000; 2023: $10,000) 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.
Self Help for the Elderly, San Francisco, CA. $1,000. (discretionary)
Unrestricted discretionary grant selected by board member Honmai Goodman. This organization provides assistance and support to seniors in the San Francisco area. It provides trustworthy and devoted care for seniors to promote their independence, dignity and self-worth.
Share the Care Napa Valley (STCNV), Napa, CA. $10,000. (health & Human Services)
A two-year grant (2022: $10,000; 2023: $10,000) for general operating support. STCNV 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. $10,000. (health & Human Services)
A two-year grant (2022: $10,000; 2023: $10,000) 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.
Sustainable Northwest, Portland, Portland, OR. $10,000. (environment)
The second year of a two-year general operating support grant for work in Southern Oregon around forest and wildfire resiliency.
Takohachi Inc., Portland, OR. $7,500. (arts & culture)
For program and staffing expansion. Takohachi aims to educate, entertain, and introduce Japanese culture in the greater Portland Metro area and to online audiences worldwide. "Onkochishin" is a philosophy of embracing and studying from the past to guide thought and action into the future, and it is the primary guiding philosophy of the organization.
The Contingent, Portland, OR. $1,000. (discretionary)
A discretionary grant for the Sine Project in honor of Foundation volunteer Andrea Vanessa Castillo selected by board member Pamela Hays. SINE empowers college graduates from communities of color and rural areas in Oregon. SINE is a membership network of Oregon professionals committed to leading in their vocation, building wealth, and changing the world for good.
The Nature Conservancy in California, Sacramento, CA. $10,000. (environment)
The second year of a two-year general operating support grant for the North Yuba Partnership project in the Sierra Nevada region.
Upward Scholars. Redwood City, CA. $8,000. (education)
To support one paid student intern who will work on the organization’s expansion into Alameda County’s Peralta Community College District by conducting outreach to the district’s adult immigrant student population. Upward Scholars is a Latinx-led organization that provides adult immigrants the boost they need to move up the economic ladder through education and career development support.
Western Environmental Law Center, Eugene, OR. $8,000. (education)
A stipend to support a summer law student paid internship. WELC uses the power of the law to safeguard public lands, wildlife, and communities of the western U.S. in the face of a changing climate. They envision a thriving, resilient western U.S., abundant with protected public lands and wildlife, powered by clean energy, and defended by communities rooted in an ethic of conservation.
Wild Rivers Land Trust, Port Orford, OR. $10,000. (environment)
The second year of a two-year general operating support grant to safeguard Port Orford's drinking water source.
Women’s Audio Mission, San Francisco, CA. $8,000. (education)
To support stipends for two women to participate in paid internships in a six-month program. WAM provides hands-on training, work experience, career counseling, and job placement to over 4,000 women/girls/gender-expansive individuals every year in creative technology for music, radio, film, television, and the internet.
Young Audiences of Oregon & SW Washington, Portland, OR. $7,500. (arts & culture)
To support Asian art and culture programming for K-12 students. The organization has grown into the region’s primary provider of in-school arts programs. Guided by their mission--to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts—they connect arts organizations and artists with schools and students to bring impactful arts-learning experiences to more than 70,000 young people in the community each year.