Participatory Grantmaking: Community Grants Committee

Our grants invest in the work of nonprofits that strengthen the economic security of low-income Korean Americans. Each year, we invite our community to participate in our grantmaking process through the Community Grants Committee (CGC). The CGC assists in reviewing grant proposals, participates in site visits, and provides input to help inform funding recommendations.

As a member of the CGC, you will also have a unique opportunity to:

• build a stronger understanding of how KACF is advancing the economic security of the Korean American community;

• learn about issues impacting low-income Korean Americans and how local organizations are addressing them; and

• join a growing community of philanthropists, volunteers, and advocates who are more strategic and thoughtful in how they give back.

We are now accepting applications for our 2026 Community Grants Committees across three regions: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York/New Jersey.

To ensure a balanced and insightful committee, members will be selected to reflect a diverse range of professional and life experiences.  Please note that openings are limited. 

2026 Community Grants Committee: Timeline & Expectations

To ensure that you have the optimal experience and are fully prepared for the Committee’s work, you must commit to attending all meetings listed below and participate in at least one site visit as part of an assigned team. All meetings, including the site visits, will be in-person. The approximate time commitment is 12–15 hours over three months.

Training & Orientation
Get to know your fellow Community Grants Committee members while learning about community issues and solutions from nonprofit organizations on the frontline. Learn about KACF’s mission and grantmaking strategies in preparation for site visits.

Site Visits
During site visits to applicant organizations, you will have an opportunity to learn more deeply about community issues and grassroots solutions. A site visit takes approximately three hours and will take place during organizations’ normal operating hours.

Grant Recommendation Meeting
In the final meeting, you and your team will present learnings from site visits and make recommendations for funding to the Program Committee of the Board of Directors.

Key Dates and Regional Schedules

• Application Deadline: September 8, 2026

• Applicant Notification: September 10, 2026

Los Angeles

• Training and Orientation: September 15, 6-8 PM PT & September 17, 6- 8 PM PT, Koreatown 

• Site Visits: Through October 12 - October 24

• Recommendation Meeting: October 28, 6-8 PM PT, Koreatown 

San Francisco

• Training and Orientation: September 19, 10 AM - 1 PM PT, Downtown San Mateo

• Site Visits: Through September 28 - October 10

• Recommendation Meeting: November 7, 10 AM - 1 PM PT, Downtown San Mateo 

New York/ New Jersey

• Training and Orientation: September 22, 6-8 PM ET & September 24, 6-8 PM ET, KACF Office

• Site Visits: Through November 2 - November 14

• Recommendation Meeting: November 17, 6-8 PM ET, KACF Office 
  

If you have any questions, please contact Amy at amy@kacfsf.org.