Community Grants Program

Community Grants Program is sponsored by Korean American Foundation (KAF). Through its annual community grantmaking cycle, the Korean American Foundation invests in nonprofits serving under-resourced and underserved individuals and families in Southern California, with an emphasis on organizations serving the Korean American community.

Grant Application | Korean American Foundation Welcome to KAF! Check out what we've been up to lately! 2026 COMMUNITY GRANT CYCLE KAF delegates grants to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that help improve the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalized members of Southern California, with a particular focus on Korean Americans.

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

Typically, our community grants are offered in three different amounts: In exceptional cases, we may consider alternative funding amounts. Please indicate the amount your organization is applying for when completing the application. All grant applications must be submitted online >> HERE .

You may save your application for up to 30 days by logging in with a Google account. File uploads require a Google login. If you do not have a Google account, you may still complete this form and email your supporting documents separately to: info@koreanamericanfoundation.

org Subject line: 2026 Community Grant – [Organization Name] To complete the application efficiently, we recommend preparing all required supporting documents in advance.

Copies of the following materials must be submitted with each grant application: 501(c)(3) Determination Letter Articles of Incorporation (with all amendments) Statement of Information (most recent) IRS Form 990 and/or audited financial statement for the preceding 3 years 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 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 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.

‍ 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.

‍ 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. ‍ 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.

‍ 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.

‍ Next Generation Development – We support youth and young adult programs that foster personal growth, educational success, leadership, and workforce development. ‍ 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: Political causes or campaigns to elect candidates to public office Programs that do not comply with Federal, state, or local equal employment statutes Please email all inquiries to: info@koreanamericanfoundation. org Include the subject line: 2026 Community Grant – [Organization Name]