Korean American Foundation Hosts Inaugural Grant Ceremony, Awarding Nearly $500,000 to 26 Nonprofit Organizations in 2024
Korean American Foundation (KAF) proudly held its first annual Grant Ceremony on Friday, November 22, 2024, at E.K. Art Gallery in the heart of Koreatown, Los Angeles. This event brought together KAF’s Board of Directors, major donors, and nonprofit grant recipients to celebrate the distribution of nearly half a million dollars in grants aimed at empowering the Korean American community in Southern California.
This year, KAF awarded grants to 26 organizations, with 23 receiving their checks at the ceremony. Special acknowledgment was given to two organizations that received transformative grants of $100,000 each, made possible by the generosity of designated donor funds.
The event provided a unique opportunity for grant recipients to connect, reflecting on how their collective efforts support the Korean American community and beyond. Following the program, attendees enjoyed a celebratory luncheon provided by KAF, fostering camaraderie and recognition of the vital role nonprofits play in addressing community needs.
The program commenced with welcome remarks from KAF Board Member and Grant Committee Chair Robin Kim, who offered insight into the grant process. She then introduced KAF Executive Director Kae H. Ko, who highlighted the remarkable fundraising efforts of KAF’s Board and expressed gratitude to the Founders Circle Members, whose donations of $100,000 or more have built the foundation of KAF’s endowment fund. KAF Board Chairman Kevin Kang then took the stage to present grant checks to the 23 organizations in attendance.
KAF has been dedicated to improving the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalized members of the community, with a special focus on Korean Americans. Since 2020, KAF has distributed over $1.63 million in grants to more than 30 organizations, empowering them to expand their reach and enhance their impact. With a vision to build a $10 million endowment, KAF is ensuring that essential programs and services remain accessible to those who need them most.
“Our mission is to inspire a culture of giving rooted in both Korean and American traditions,” said Board Chairman Kevin Kang. “The overwhelming response to our grant applications this year – three times more than last year – demonstrates the growing need in our community and the trust that nonprofits place in KAF’s ability to support them.”
This year’s grants supported a diverse array of initiatives aligned with KAF’s seven grantmaking priorities:
- Housing Assistance
- Hardship
- Senior Care & Well-Being
- Mental Health
- Community Growth
- Next Generation Development
- Inter-community Relations
Among the 26 recipients were:
- AbilityFirst – Recipient of a $100,000 grant, designated by major donor Mr. Myung Kil Yang, and accepted by President & CEO Dr. Sergio Rizzo-Fontanesi.
- Korean American Special Education Center (KASEC) – Awarded a $100,000 annual matching grant for five years, generously funded by Scott and Christina Yang.
- Korean American Family Services (KFAM), Koreatown Youth and Community Center (KYCC), and Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), among others.
For a full list of 2024 grant recipients, please visit www.KoreanAmericanFoundation.org.
As KAF looks toward the future, it invites community members to join its mission by becoming Founders Circle Members or exploring other donation opportunities.
