2025 COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATION

GRANT AMOUNTS

KAF awards community grants annually at the end of every year. Any donations made outside of the community grant cycle are typically from a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). Applicants may apply for a grant by completing a KAF Grant Application online.

Typically, our grants are offered in three different amounts:
          $  5,000
          $10,000
          $20,000

In exceptional cases, we may consider alternative funding amounts. Please indicate the amount your organization is applying for when completing the application.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

All grant applications must be submitted online.

To save your application progress for up to 30 days, please log in with a Gmail account. Without a Gmail login, your draft will not be saved. You’ll have the opportunity to provide your primary (non-Gmail) email address at the end of the application.

We recommend gathering all required Supporting Documents before you begin.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Copies of the following materials must be submitted with each Grant Application:

1. 501(c)(3) Determination Letter
2. Articles of Incorporation (with all amendments)
3. Statement of Information (most recent)
4. IRS Form 990 and/or audited financial statement for the preceding 3 years
5. The Organization’s budget for the current fiscal year and, with respect to Project Specific Grants, for the program to be funded with the KAF grant

ELIGIBILITY

Upon receiving a grant application, KAF staff will conduct an initial assessment to ensure that the application is complete and that the applicant meets the minimum eligibility requirements. The Grant Committee will then carry out a comprehensive review and evaluation of each application. Site visits may be conducted on a case-by-case basis as part of the evaluation process. In order to be eligible for consideration, the applicant must:

• Have tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization)
• Have alignment with KAF values and/or grantmaking priorities
• Be in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service, the California Franchise Tax Board, and the California Secretary of State
• Have an operational history of at least 1 year
• Have an established and working Board of Directors
• Provide copies of IRS Form 990 and/or audited financials with the application for the preceding three (3) years.
• Not present any conflict of interest: Does any member of the KAF Board or Staff have a financial, romantic, or familial interest in the Applicant that could raise the appearance of impropriety, self-dealing, or a conflict of interest?
• Not raise substantial reputational risk: Is there anything about the Applicant, including its leadership, reputation, prior history (e.g., litigation, fraud or waste, sexual harassment or abuse, labor violations, criminal prosecutions) that threatens the reputation of KAF if it were to fund the Applicant?
• Not require beneficiaries of its programs to be of a specific religious faith or have a particular political orientation
• Not have violated any material federal or state laws, including, without limitation, anti discrimination, employment, and tax laws
• Be using the grant funds to conduct a program located in Southern California

OUR SEVEN GRANT FUNDING PRIORITIES

1. Housing Assistance – Through nonprofit direct service providers, we provide working families and individuals with assistance in  affordable and stable housing, including rental assistance and supportive services. ‍
2. Hardship – Through nonprofit direct service providers, we offer financial assistance to individuals and families facing economic hardship or emergency crises that threaten their basic stability. Funding supports essential needs such as food, medical care, and other critical services.‍
3. Senior Care & Well-Being – We support programs that provide care, resources, and activities for seniors in need, including healthcare access, social engagement, and assistance with government benefits.‍
4. Mental Health & Disabilities – We invest in programs that expand access to mental healthcare, reduce stigma, and promote emotional well-being, as well as provide support for individuals and families affected by mental health issues.‍
5. Community Development – We fund programs and services that uplift and improve the social, cultural, intellectual and economic fabric of Korean American communities, and support organizations with an established track record of serving these communities. Supported initiatives may include nonprofit capacity building and civic engagement.‍
6. Next Generation Development – We support youth and young adult programs that foster personal growth, educational success, leadership, and workforce development.‍
7. Inter-Community Relations – We fund programs that provide education, collaborative opportunities, or shared experiences with other racial and ethnic communities to increase respect, empathy, and friendship while decreasing hostility, stereotyping, and misunderstanding.

WE DO NOT PROVIDE FUNDING FOR:

• Individuals
• Capital fund projects
• Endowments
• Feasibility studies
• Political causes or campaigns to elect candidates to public office
• Programs that do not comply with Federal, state, or local equal employment statutes

QUESTIONS?

Please email all inquiries to: info@koreanamericanfoundation.org
Include the subject line: “2025 Grant Application – [Organization Name]”