U.S. Institutional Giving for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities in San Francisco and Oakland

For every $100 awarded by funders in San Francisco and Oakland, AANHPI communities receive $1.19.

San Francisco and Oakland are home to nearly 1.5 million Asian Americans and nearly 55,000 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, 33% of the region’s population. Between 2019-2023, these communities received $419.9 million of the $35.2 billion (or 1.19%) awarded by institutional funders in the region.

San Francisco and Oakland fund AANHPI communities at nearly four times the national rate (1.19% vs. 0.34%). This demonstrates what’s possible when funders prioritize these communities. However, when one-third of residents are the focus of just over 1% of philanthropic resources, significant gaps remain.

Key Findings

• Leading nationally, but population share shows the gap: At 1.19%, San Francisco and Oakland significantly outpace the national average (0.34%). However, AANHPI residents comprise 33% of the regional population.
• Sustained growth with momentum: AANHPI funding grew from $31.8 million (2019) to $106.3 million (2023), with a notable peak of $138.8 million in 2021. The question is whether recent levels represent sustainable baseline investment or temporary response to visibility moments.
• Funding is less concentrated than other regions: The top 5 funders account for 24% of AANHPI funding, with the top 20 providing 51%. This broader engagement across the philanthropic ecosystem creates resilience and suggests pathways for continued growth without over-reliance on a few institutions.
• Strong infrastructure exists and is being utilized: 4,635 grants were awarded to AANHPI-serving organizations over five years. San Francisco and Oakland demonstrate that robust investment is possible when funders build relationships with AANHPI organizations and integrate these communities into funding strategies.
• Issue areas reflect regional values and opportunities: Human Rights (40%), Community & Economic Development (26%), and Human Services (16%) lead regional funding. Unlike national patterns, San Francisco and Oakland show higher investment in rights-based work and community development, while education receives comparatively less (4% vs. 10% nationally).

The Representation Gap

1 in 3 San Francisco and Oakland residents is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander. Philanthropic investment in these communities has grown significantly but remains a fraction of what population demographics suggest. Funders investing in regional priorities, housing equity, economic mobility, public health, arts and culture, often fund issues that deeply affect AANHPI communities. The question is whether investment matches the scale of community presence and need.

Why This Data Matters

For San Francisco/Oakland-based funders: You’ve built the infrastructure and relationships that many regions lack. You’re funding AANHPI communities at rates that surpass most of the country.

For national funders investing in San Francisco and Oakland: If you fund economic development, immigrant rights, housing, or health equity in this region, you’re funding issues affecting AANHPI communities at scale. Focusing on AANHPI-serving organizations means funding the full scope of communities experiencing the issues you address.

For advocates and organizers: This report provides evidence for internal advocacy and accountability. Use these findings to demonstrate both progress and gaps, build the case for sustained investment, and push the sector to match resources to the demographic reality of the region.

For AAPIP San Francisco/Oakland Chapter members: This data equips you to shift conversations within your institutions, connect funders to AANHPI-serving organizations, and build the case for continued increases in investment. You’re operating from a position of regional strength—use it.

The Opportunity

San Francisco and Oakland have demonstrated what’s possible. At $35.2 billion in total regional philanthropy annually. The infrastructure exists. The organizations are established. The opportunity is to sustain momentum and invest more fully in the AANHPI communities in the region.

Questions or want to discuss these findings? Contact us at aapip@aapip.org

Ready to increase investment in San Francisco/Oakland AANHPI communities? Email us at aapip@aapip.org to explore funding strategies, or learn about AAPIP membership.