In the Days: Campaign to back Asian American nonprofits kick-started to commemorate heritage month

By Theodora Yu, The Sacramento Bee |
United States –

More than 80 organizations are participating in a national campaign to support nonprofits serving Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities.

The campaign, launched May 1, coincides with the 30th anniversary of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

AAPI Data, one of the organizers of the event, said in a press release that the coronavirus pandemic has created a crucial need to bolster philanthropy to support the work of such nonprofits. It said those groups need funds to counter a surge of hate crimes and economic struggles in the retail and business sectors linked to xenophobia arising from misinformation about the cause of the virus.

The initiative was built to generate more giving from the younger generation, said Karthick Ramakrishnan, founding director of AAPI Data. “We want to provide a platform for smaller donations and leverage the power of social media and social networks,” Ramakrishnan said.

Each non-profit is allowed to tell their story on the “Give In May” website, which can raise awareness, he added.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month commemorates the history, contributions and achievements of the AAPI community. The month of May was chosen because of two historic milestones: May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants landed in the U.S.; and May 10, 1869, when the first transcontinental railroad was completed with significant contributions from Chinese workers.

"We hope that ‘Give In May’ will inaugurate a new era in AAPI philanthropy,” Ramakrishnan said. “In addition to making this an annual event, we hope to grow a new generation of AAPI philanthropy, to carry our community forward for the next decade, and beyond.”

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