OUR HISTORY & EVOLUTION
APCF was founded in 1990 by AAPI community leaders in response to the need for alternative funding for Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations serving AAPI communities. Prior to its incorporation, less than 0.3% of all local foundation funds went to AAPI agencies, according to a 1988 study by AAPI Equality Alliance (formerly known as A3PCON - Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council). In 1986, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles funded only five organizations serving AAPIs. To raise funds for community organizations serving AAPI communities, APCF initiated employee giving campaigns at various workplaces, including private companies, federal agencies, state agencies, county agencies, city agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
In the past decade, APCF has diversified its fundraising efforts by developing other avenues for giving. With the growth of donor-advised funds, giving circles, grant making, and scholarship funds, APCF has been able to cultivate philanthropy among AAPIs while providing multiple vehicles for donors to support the community. APCF continues its mission to cultivate philanthropist since for every $100 awarded by foundations for work in the United States, only 20 cents is designated for AAPI communities, according to a 2018 study from Asian American Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy.
APCF has increased its capacity building initiatives for AAPI serving nonprofits in Los Angeles to all 10 counties in Southern California. From humble beginnings of 12 nonprofits, APCF now has a network of over 80 nonprofits.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to cultivate philanthropists to invest in organizations that empower underserved Asian and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to prosper by:
BUILDING
HEALTHIER
COMMUNITIES
CREATING A
STRONGER
AAPI VOICE
DEVELOPING
AAPI
LEADERS
OUR VISION
Our vision is a thriving AAPI community fostered by a culture of philanthropy:
We believe strong and successful AAPI communities begin with people supporting one another.
We value creating collaborative relationships with a range of community-focused individuals and corporate leaders.
We demonstrate responsibility in resource management and advocate for equitable giving to all communities.
We appreciate the intricacies of our evolving communities in achieving a stronger society.