OUR 2026 CAMPAIGN THEME

Communities in Action

Asian Americans have often been inaccurately labeled the “model minority”, a stereotype that obscures economic disparities and overlooks the diverse lived experiences within our communities. According to a report by AAPI Data and the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, Asian Americans experience a 10% poverty rate, yet that rate varies significantly when disaggregated. For example, poverty rates between Hmong Americans and Indian Americans are 23.1% and 5.3%, respectively, demonstrating varied needs within the AAPI umbrella.

To combat specific cultural, historical, and geographically determinant factors, generations of leaders have built community-based organizations (CBOs) to directly serve the growing needs of immigrant families, low-income households, and historically underserved populations. These grassroots organizations are the core of AAPI ethnic enclaves, providing in-language and culturally competent essential services. These community centers are often trusted entry points for individuals as they acclimate to a new environment and find their place in their communities.

Communities in Action highlights the vital grassroots work that sustains and strengthens our neighborhoods. This year, Project by Project will focus on supporting these organizations that serve as resource hubs and anchors within AAPI communities.

Our work will center on two Core Concepts:

Belonging: Fostering environments where individuals and families, regardless of their identity statuses, feel welcomed, supported, and equipped to build stability and connection. Through education and service partnerships, we affirm that thriving communities begin with trust, access, and opportunity.
Community Leadership: Cultivating and strengthening pathways for the next generation of AAPI leaders to help shape and serve their communities through informed civic engagement.

By focusing on these priorities, we aim to strengthen grassroots CBOs' capacity to directly assist individuals and families in need. We invite our supporters to champion these organizations and join Project by Project in building resilient communities in action.

Written by Brian Kohaya, National Director of Outreach

MEET OUR 2026 BENEFICIARY PARTNERS

Each chapter is selecting its beneficiary partner during the month of April. Stay tuned!

PAST CAMPAIGN THEMES & PARTNERS

Every year, each Project by Project chapter partners with a local non-profit organization in a year-long campaign to advance awareness of important social issues in the Asian American community.

NY: Adhikaar
LA: Little Tokyo Community Council
SF: Asian, Inc.
NY: Meals for Unity
LA: Thai Community Development Center
SF: Chinatown YMCA
NY: Chinatown Youth Initiatives
LA: Hope Community Services
SF: Oakland Asian Cultural Center
NY: Think! Chinatown
LA: JACC's Sustainable Little Tokyo
SF: Florence Fang Community Farm
NY: Homecrest Community Services
LA: Pilipino Workers Center
SF: AAPI for Civic Empowerment Education Fund
NY: Rescuing Leftover Cuisine
LA: Center for the Pacific Asian Family (CPAF)
SF: Gum Moon Women's Residence
NY: Coalition for Asian American Children and Families
LA: OCA-Greater Los Angeles
SF: Vietnamese American Community Center
NY: National Queer Asian Pacific Alliance (NQAPIA)
LA: Asian Pacific AlDS Intervention Team (APAIT)
SF: API Equality Northern California
NY: Equality Fund of AAFE
LA: Center for the Pacific Asian Family (CPAF)
SF: Chinatown Community Development Center
NY: Henry Street Settlement
LA: Pacific Asian Counseling Services (PACS)
SF: Asian Community Mental Health Services