Unlocking the Power of AAPI Philanthropy
Interactive Guide
Welcome
Welcome to the interactive companion guide for Unlocking the Power of AAPI Philanthropy.
This space is designed to help you follow along in real time, engage directly with the panel, and take meaningful steps toward strengthening AAPI-led philanthropy.
Use this guide to:
Participate in live prompts and Q&A
Explore resources from speakers and partners
Make your commitment to collective power and investment
Session Agenda
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📌 What These Numbers Tell Us
These figures reveal the systemic patterns AAPI communities continue to face in philanthropy—underfunding, invisibility, and lack of representation—but also the promise of community-driven models that shift power.
Together, these data points underscore a critical call to action: move capital, shift control, and invest in long-term AAPI leadership and infrastructure.
🔗 Source: 11 Trends in Philanthropy for 2025 – Johnson Center
📣 81% – Trust
81% of foundations say they practice trust-based philanthropy, yet racial equity groups report major inconsistencies in how trust is extended.📉 0.2% – Visibility
Less than 0.2% of philanthropic dollars reach AAPI communities—despite AAPIs making up over 7% of the U.S. population.
🧭 $10M+ – Power
Pooled AAPI regranting funds have mobilized over $10 million in recent years—demonstrating the power of community-led capital.🏛️ <25% – Representation
Fewer than 25% of nonprofit boards reflect the racial or ethnic demographics of the communities they serve.
Mentimeter
We’re using Mentimeter to bring your voice into the room. Participate using the prompts below:
👉 Join now at: Menti.com | Use Code: 1304 2332
📸 Or scan the QR code displayed during the session
Session Slides
Missed something or want to revisit the panel discussion flow? Access presentation slides below:
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👉 AAPI Philanthropy – Session Slides
We are honored to feature a powerhouse panel of leaders who bring deep experience across philanthropy, public service, and national movement strategy.
Anita Patel, Vice President of Grantmaking at the Bush Foundation, offers an institutional perspective on trust-based philanthropy and investment in community capacity.
Ekta Prakash, Director of Public Engagement at Minnesota DEED and former Executive Director of CAPI, brings firsthand insight into coalition-building and scaling grassroots impact into systems-level change.
Vimala Phongsavanh, Managing Director of Coalition Mobilization at National CAPACD, bridges organizing, policy, and narrative change at the national level, with a deep commitment to Southeast Asian leadership and infrastructure.
The panel is moderated by Bana Soumetho, Founder of Privia & Co. and Executive Chair of SEAL USA, whose work focuses on strategic investment, community power-building, and systems innovation.
Bana Soumetho — Moderator
CEO, Privia & Co.
Executive Chair, SEAL USA
Anita Patel
Bush Foundation
Vice President of Grantmaking
Ekta Prakash
Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED)
Director of Public Engagement
Vimala Phongsavanh
National CAPACD
Managing Director of Coalition Mobilization
Why This Conversation Matters
“Despite making up more than 7% of the U.S. population, AAPI organizations receive less than 0.2% of foundation funding and less than 1% of corporate giving.”
— AAPIDATA x TAAF
This is not just a funding gap—it’s a power gap.
Today’s session explores how we shift capital, narratives, and leadership toward equity and long-term investment in AAPI communities. From grassroots organizing to institutional strategy, we ask:
How do we fund what our communities deserve?
