A legacy-driven media platform documenting Korean excellence in culture, economy, and identity
By Jeremy Slavin, English Editor
Photo Credit: 한글, 맘앤아이 편집부
Conceived to revolutionize care within the Korean-American community, the Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) aims to foster self-sufficiency among underserved populations. Established in 2002, KACF has allocated over $6 million in grants to nonprofits that support impoverished individuals in the New York area and devoted more than 3,000 hours to enhancing nonprofit efficiency. In conversation with Kyung B. Yoon, co-founder and President of KACF, we delve into their mission and community engagement strategies.
Approximately 240,000 Korean Americans reside in the Greater New York area. Notably, 18% live in poverty, and 16% of working-age individuals face unemployment. Furthermore, 94% of Korean seniors in the U.S. have limited English proficiency.
KACF strives to bolster the economic self-reliance of low-income Korean Americans in the New York Metro Area. Through grants, the foundation supports organizations focused on educational improvement, legal assistance, and job attainment essential for the community's progress.
"The Korean American Community Foundation is distinct from nonprofits offering direct services," explains Yoon. "We fund nonprofits to bridge the gap in public funding, which is under 2% for Asian American nonprofits, and even less for Korean ones. Promoting philanthropy remains central to our mission."
Yoon reflects on her motivations: "Growing up on the margins of America with a foreign-sounding name, I felt disempowered. Witnessing the nonprofit sector’s funding struggles, I was inspired to leverage community resources for a stronger collective voice and narrative."
Despite historic fundraising success, Yoon highlights, "We lack the endowments older foundations enjoy. Each year, we must surpass our previous fundraising achievements to remain sustainable."
Expressing pride in the foundation’s impact, Yoon says, "We aim to build infrastructure for community success. It’s not just about individual achievements but lifting others as we succeed."
Reflecting on cultural shifts, Yoon observes, "Today’s globalization of Korean culture, like K-Pop and technology, offers today's youth a sense of pride. It’s much cooler to be Korean now than in my youth."
KACF represents a testament to the power and potential of a united Korean-American community, fostering a culture of giving and mutual support. Through persistent challenges, the foundation remains a cornerstone for nonprofit development and community empowerment.
For further inquiries, contact KACF at 135 E. 64th St. New York, NY 10065, Tel. 646-878-9427, or via email at info@kacfny.org.
