The Next Generation of Asian Americans Are Poised to Lead. Does Philanthropy Have Their Back?

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As a longtime Asian American activist and advocate, my identity is shaped by a rich history of AANHPIs standing for what’s right. The recent increase in violence against Asian Americans reminds us that our community has faced — and fought back against — discrimination since our arrival in the United States, from winning birthright citizenship for people of color in the 1890s to the successful #NoMuslimBan campaign in the Trump era. But despite the successes of our past and our exciting potential to shape a more equitable future, philanthropy fails to reach, engage and invest in the next generation of Asian American leaders.

Only 0.2% of philanthropic funding goes to AAPI communities. This lack of investment is a huge missed opportunity. Given young Asian Americans’ high levels of support for building a stronger democracy, and their deep-seated motivation to find solutions for the most pressing socioeconomic issues of today, the organizations they lead should see an increase in funding and investments. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Our own research at Asian American Futures — an intermediary foundation which I lead — as well as anecdotal observations demonstrate that this next generation often feels isolated, disconnected and deeply underresourced in the funding space.

Young Asian Americans are driven to build a more equitable world. They are already applying lessons from our long history of working in solidarity with other communities to shape multiracial struggles for justice. They often do this in the face of resistance from their elders — doing double duty by persuading AANHPI elders to join the fight through deep internal canvassing work. They do this by proudly infusing Asian American values such as community, cohesion and intergenerational care into their activism.

While research — like this poll from APIA Vote — finds that half of AANHPI voters have never been contacted by a political party, young advocates are harnessing the power of the AANHPI vote: Asian American voters are making previously swing and safe districts competitive, and have the potential to do so in cities and states across the country, making our democracy stronger in the long run. By sitting at the intersection of interconnected issues and bridging generation gaps, they are best positioned to build the lasting structural change and strong multiracial democracy many of us see as our hope for the future.  

There are concrete steps that the philanthropic world can take to support the next generation of Asian American leaders, beyond highlighting us during AANHPI Heritage Month. 

First, philanthropy must listen to and learn from young Asian American changemakers, who are courageously tackling issues that have long been deemed controversial. This demographic demonstrates deep empathy and a commitment to bringing their elders along on issues like cross-racial solidarity, climate justice, affirmative action, or queer and trans inclusion. Find organizations that are investing in young leadership and working across issues, generations and communities. 

Second, support grassroots organizations that are building power and experimenting with bold solutions to systemic issues. This work isn’t just happening in high-AAPI population areas like the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Asian American Futures, for instance, is partnering with organizations across the country and building replicable models for funding and capacity-building through the Gold Futures Challenge and the Catalyst Lab. Our partners are advancing a model curriculum that better reflects the needs of all of Ohio’s students, harnessing budget and changing the conversation around mental health in Texas, and working in Hawaii, California and nationally to ensure dignity, fairness and respect for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Micronesian populations who lack both recognition and funding.

And finally, invest in Asian American organizations as part of a broader ecosystem for advancing racial and social justice in solidarity with other communities of color. Our communities are incredibly diverse, spanning many countries of origin, languages, ethnic backgrounds and generations. Grassroots organizations are crucial to reaching all of us, and Asian American young people are too often overlooked. We need their voices to create lasting change and ensure that leadership and support is cultivated for the long haul. 

When properly resourced, younger Asian Americans can do more of what they do best: delivering on the promise of fairness, tolerance and justice that has long been uplifted as part of the American dream. Millennial and Gen Z Asian American activists see the world in its complexities, intersectionalities and interconnectedness. They offer powerful and impactful voices for racial solidarity and change, and they’re already working toward a better future for all of us. I’m investing in them. Will you?

Reshma Shamasunder is the executive director of Asian American Futures, and has been a long-time advocate for AAPI and immigrant communities, holding senior positions at national civil and immigrant rights organizations.