Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders looking to make a difference with their charitable donations have formed the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Islander Giving Circle to pool their money for the common good, reports the Los Angeles Times
Individually, each member of the circle may not have a lot of money, but collectively, their money can make an impact.
“You don’t need to be Bill Gates to donate to your community, especially when that community has huge needs — unmet by traditional philanthropy,” said the Circle’s founder. Leslie Ito. “In our group, you can offer any amount. Then we find others.”
A 2007 study by Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy found Less than 1% of all mainstream funding goes to Asian Americans. It’s hoped that funding circles can begin to change that. There are an estimated 400 such circles in California that have distributed $2.2 million.
The LA Asian Pacific Islander Giving Circle has donated $72,000 to 22 organizations in seven years.
You can read how the model minority stereotype impacts charitable giving in the Asian American community and how the group decides to distribute its money in the Los Angeles Times.