KACF OVERVIEW

As KACF continues to advance our work in 2010, we are pleased to share some highlights of our work in 2009:

KACF seeks to mobilize Korean Americans to embrace a strategic and collective culture of giving and with funds raised, support not only the Korean community but all communities to empower the lives of individuals, strengthen families and transform communities. We do this by engaging in the following activities.

Grantmaking

To date, KACF has awarded nearly $1.5 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that are helping individuals and families to become more healthy, safe and economically self-sufficient. Our grantee partners range from small neighborhood-based organizations that provide critical social services to large organizations that provide direct services and work to change policies to improve the conditions of the community.

  • KACF funds in five priority areas: Economic Security, Health, Safety, Senior Empowerment, and Youth Empowerment.

  • For many smaller grantee partners, KACF’s funding is their first foundation grant. For some of the larger organizations, the KACF grant provides critical seed funding to start up their programs and leverage our grant to attract other public and private foundations.

  • KACF employs participatory grantmaking model. Following comprehensive training, participants read grant proposals and conduct site visits under the guidance of the KACF Program Officer and make recommendations for funding.

Inter-Community Development

In 2005, KACF received funding from the Ford Foundation to promote inter-ethnic cross-racial community and relationship building efforts.

  • Hosted Inter-Community Collaborative Forum Series to discuss challenges in building inter-ethnic community relationships and potential solutions in creating successful collaborations across communities.

  • Awarded four Inter-Community Development Fund grants totaling $33,000 to nonprofit organizations working to promote stronger inter-community building efforts.

2009 Annual Report

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Promote Culture of Giving

KACF strives to instill a strategic and collective culture of giving among Korean Americans. Our aim is to help donors and volunteers understand the pressing needs in the community and engage them to be a solution-maker by leveraging their expertise and financial resources. Throughout the year, KACF engages in various friend-raising and fundraising activities including:

  • Gala: The first Gala was held in 2006 to celebrate the accomplishments of extraordinary individuals and organizations in our community. Through this annual event, KACF aims not only to raise funds to support our community but also to instill a philanthropic mindset and giving habits among Korean Americans. Past Galas have featured UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and president of Dartmouth College Jim Yong Kim, among other distinguished speakers and honorees. In 2010, KACF will hold its 5th Annual Gala on October 20th at Chelsea Piers, Pier 60.

  • Golf Classic: The inaugural Golf Classic was held on June 14, 2010 and brought together 130 golfers to play together and raise funds for KACF. This event created opportunities for new supporters to learn about the work of KACF and owing to the success of our inaugural Golf Classic, it will become an annual event.

  • A Dollar Day for Our Neighbors: Building on our founding commitment to create a grassroots movement of giving, A Dollar A Day for Our Neighbors campaign connects a network of philanthropic minded individuals to live by the philosophy that “a dollar a day” can make a difference.

Volunteer Engagement

Since KACF’s founding, volunteers have played a critical role in the success of the Foundation.

  • Steering Committee (SC): A leadership committee comprised of young Korean American professionals. It works with KACF Board of Directors on Fundraising, PR/Marketing, Outreach and other projects as well as provides guidance and oversight to a cadre of enthusiastic volunteers.

  • Community Grants Committee (CGC): A participatory grantmaking committee that works with Program Officer in our annual grantmaking. The committee is open to anyone in the KACF community.

  • General Volunteer Opportunities: There are many ways to contribute to KACF by volunteering at events throughout the year while learning about KACF’s programs and impact in the community.