Asian Giving Circle

Using collective giving to build power and deepen impact in diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the Chicago area since 2002.

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  • 2002

    Year Founded

  • $1+ Million

    Dollars Granted

  • $1.6M+ Million

    Dollars Raised

  • 60+

    Organizations Funded

Our Journey

In the early 2000s, a group of leaders in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors came together to create a new way to support AAPI communities in the Chicago region. At the time, less than 0.4 percent of national philanthropic funding reached AAPI communities, and Chicago-area AAPI organizations were similarly underfunded. These leaders envisioned a collective giving model that would mobilize resources from AAPI Chicagoans of all backgrounds, along with allies committed to supporting AAPI communities. 

In 2002, they partnered with The Chicago Community Trust to establish the Asian Giving Circle (AGC), the first giving circle comprised of AAPI donors supporting nonprofits serving AAPI individuals.

Since its founding, Asian Giving Circle (AGC) has granted more than $1.12 million to 62 AAPI-serving nonprofits. These investments have supported community-identified needs across the rich diversity of AAPI communities, and have addressed issues ranging from immigrant rights and environmental justice to youth mental health and counseling and health care for seniors.

Learn more about AGC’s history at the link below.

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Mission, Vision and Values

Our Vision: We envision thriving AAPI communities in the Chicago region that are fully resourced, boldly visible and powerfully self-determined.

Our Mission: Asian Giving Circle mobilizes the collective power of AAPI community members, allies and supporters to strengthen AAPI communities in the Chicago region.

Our Core Values:

  • Bold Action: We challenge the status quo, take risks and advance justice with creativity and courage.
  • Collective Learning: We embrace curiosity, reflection and collective learning as pathways to individual and shared growth.
  • Collaborative Spirit: We work in partnership with members, grant partners and communities because we know we are stronger together.
  • Equitable Power: We center underrepresented voices, honor the wisdom and diversity of AAPI communities, and share power through trust and flexible support.
  • Transformative Giving: We believe that giving, whether through time, talent or treasure, is a powerful act that uplifts communities and transforms each of us.
Six actors on stage in front of a yellow curtain|A smiling man holds cardboard signs reading #NeverAgain and #CircaPintig.
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Asian Giving Circle

Founded in 2002, AGC supports nonprofit organizations addressing the challenges of the region’s Asian American communities.

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    Leverage impact on issues of common concern within Asian American communities.

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Explore Affinity Funds

Affinity funds are groups of donors united by a shared heritage, identity, or common interest. They offer an efficient way to support a specific group of people and the nonprofits that aid them by leveraging contributions through collective giving.