The Asian American Foundation Thursday announced its raised $1.1 billion dollars in just the two weeks since its launch.
The foundation which is dedicated to fighting anti-Asian hate had challenged the community and other philanthropic organizations to match its initial fundraising of $125 million from the TAAF board.
“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we’ve received in such a short period of time. It’s amazing to know that we are not alone in wanting to help lift up AAPI communities. In fact, there’s a long list of organizations and people who are joining us in saying enough is enough — the time for change is now,” the group said in a statement.
TAAF’s early success has already gotten it a seat at the table.
The White House announced Thursday it met with TAAF to discuss its commitment “to fight anti-Asian racism, xenophobia, hate and violence.”
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It pointed to both the Atlanta shootings and the targeting of Sikh Americans in Indianapolis as examples.
“TAAF was founded to close critical gaps of support for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and end the longstanding underinvestment in our communities. Today’s historic announcement should send a clear signal to the 23 million AAPIs living in this country that TAAF and our AAPI Giving Challenge partners are here to upend the status quo in favor of a better, brighter future for AAPI communities,” said Sonal Shah, President of TAAF.
TAAF’s three priority areas are combating anti-AAPI hate, data and research and education.
Joining TAAF at the meeting with the White House were members of its advisory council, including Daniel Dae Kim and Lisa Ling.
Some of its corporate and foundation partners also joined including the Anti-Asian Defamation League, MacArthur Foundation, Henry Luce Foundation, Mastercard, Bain and Company and Sweetgreen.
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