KACF practices a participatory grantmaking model, and each year, we invite our donors to participate in our grantmaking through our Community Grants Committee (CGC). Following comprehensive trainings, members of the CGC, which is comprised of volunteers with diverse personal and professional experiences, read grant proposals, visit applicant organizations under the guidance of the KACF Program Director, and make funding recommendations to a smaller Board committee. Through the CGC, the Foundation develops a cohort of educated and engaged community volunteers, activists and strategic philanthropists. We believe it is the role of the Foundation to help individuals and families who are committed to philanthropy join KACF in investing in solutions, and the opportunity to leave a legacy of a stronger and more vibrant community for present and future generations.

Since 2008, over 150 volunteers have participated in the Community Grants Committee.

CGC Process

1) Applicants Selected

All community members are invited to join the CGC. Applications are available in January.

2) CGC Kick-off Meeting

Through an interactive session, learn about challenges within the Korean American community and solutions from nonprofits in the frontline.

3) Grantmaking 101

Learn about KACF’s mission and grantmaking strategies and gain tools to conduct effective and thoughtful site visits.

4) Site Visits

A site visit takes approximately three hours, and is an opportunity to learn more deeply about the issues and grassroots solutions.

5) Grant Recommendation Meeting

Present learnings from the site visit and make recommendations to the Program committee of the Board.

For more information about the CGC, please contact our Program Director, Brennan Gang at brennan@kacfny.org.

2019 CGC Members 

Andrew Kung

Ellen Hur

Erica Lim

Esther Kang

Grace Sakong

Heesun Lho

Jennifer Park

Joyce Kwon

Jumee Song

Kara Ahn

Matthew Cho

Maxwell Miller

Michael K. Chung

Patricia Lee

Rich Park

Sarah Choi

Seong Chun

Sharon Kim

Sonja Kim

Vivian Lee