It all began with a simple idea.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, our President, co-founders, grantee partners, and community share reflections on their philanthropic journeys with KACF.

  • There were a lot of needs, so I wanted to show [our parents' generation] that we do care for our community and we are here to stay and do something about it.

    Karen Na, Co-Founder of KACF

  • Philanthropy initially seemed like a very lofty endeavor that was achieved once you reached a certain pinnacle of your career and had the means to give. Being a part of KACF, I learned that it is not just about the dollars, and it really starts when you can identify a cause or a need and the role that you can play.

    Jennifer Kang, KACF Associate Board Chair

GRANTMAKING

KACF invests in programs and initiatives that strengthen the economic security of low-income Korean Americans in the New York metropolitan area and beyond.

In 2003, our first year of grantmaking, we awarded a total of $60,000 in grants to 5 nonprofits in the New York metropolitan area. By the end of our 20th anniversary, we committed nearly $2 million in 21 nonprofits, which included over a half a million in National Grants for organizations making an impact on a national scale.

To date, we have invested $12 million in lifting up the most vulnerable Korean and Asian Americans.

To date, we have invested $12 million in lifting up the most vulnerable Korean and Asian Americans.

2021

$1,460,500

2022

$1,782,750

Capacity Building

Countering the Flight of Talent from AAPI Communities & Building Grassroots Capacity

To foster more leaders and counter a flight of young talent from an already under-resourced community, more than ever today, we must re-imagine and invest in the next generation of leaders to bridge gaps between funders and doers, between the first and second, and other generations to be active participants and contributors in our communities. 

Advancing a Culture of Giving

“That is what KACF represents—it is the glue that binds the Korean-American community in New York City, the connective tissue which allows dozens and dozens of community organizations to thrive, and in periods of stress and distress, it is the warm security blanket that our community hugs tightly.”

— Joseph Y. Bae, Co-CEO of KKR (20th Anniversary Gala Honoree)

“For us, banchan evokes so many warm memories: gathering around the table for family meals, lining up with a paper plate at church potlucks, boisterous late nights in K-Town. No matter where you are sitting down for a meal, the collective power of all the colorful and fragrant side dishes help nourish and delight. We want to harness that energy back into the world.” — Hannah, Eunice, Christine & Judy

In the fall of 2021, four friends—Hannah Asbrink, Eunice Byun, Christine Byun, and Judy Kim—met over food and drinks and began talking about how they could give back to the Korean American community.

They brought together their fellow Korean American food creatives to contribute their favorite banchan or Korean treat to boxes that would be sold to raise funds in support of KACF. This included their friend Jumee Song (COO, Siegel Family Endowment), a Korean American foundation leader who personally underwrote the cost of the project.

KACF is proud to be a convener and connector setting the table to inspire giving that is deeply rooted in our culture and traditions.

Held on Lunar New Year, the Banchan Box Party was a resounding success, completely selling out of boxes and raising over $10,000. Korean American food creatives from diverse backgrounds came together to support KACF, channeling their talents to bring people together and give back.

By bridging generosity with need, we are not only providing support but also inspiring a new generation of givers who are committed to making a difference.

"Anyone can be a philanthropist by donating time, money, or even your creativity and skills. Personalize your philanthropy—use your passion to lift up and invest in your community.” — Jumee Song

FINANCIAL SUMMARIES

& DONORS

2021
Financial Summary

Summarized Statements of Financial Position and Activities for 2021 can be viewed here.

2022
Financial Summary

Summarized Statements of Financial Position and Activities for 2022 can be viewed here.