7 Grants to Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Since Congress passed Public Law in 1992, May has been designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This month recognizes the contributions and influence to the American history and culture by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. The month of May was chosen for two reasons: Firstly, to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843. And secondly, to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

In 2019, there were an estimated 22.9 million Asian alone-or-in-combination residents in the United States. An increased amount of racism against Asians and Asian Americans has occurred since the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, this has resulted in the ongoing worldwide movement #StopAsianHate.

7 Grant Opportunities Inspired by #AsianAmericanAndPacificIslanderHeritageMonth

1) $25,000 for the production of short movies is available to filmmakers addressing topics relevant to indigenous Pacific Islanders.

2) Chicago nonprofits can apply for funding for projects targeted towards social justice for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

3) $20,000 for activities to advance racial equity is available to Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC nonprofit organizations.

4) BIPOC artists and nonprofit organizations in Oakland, California may apply for a $50,000 grant for projects addressing racial justice. 

5) $3,000 to exhibit and preserve collections that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion is available to Nonprofit museums and libraries.

6) Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota nonprofit organizations promoting social justice can apply for grants.

7) USA nonprofit organizations in eligible locations can apply for an ongoing grant to promote equity and social justice.

Learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Discover more grants available for social justice and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) at GrantWatch.com. To learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, or to find out the latest events in your area, visit AsianPacificHeritage.gov.