NEW YORK (December 11, 2023) -- Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has awarded Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) a gift through her charitable organization, Yield Giving. 

Scott’s unrestricted gift will help CACF advance its work to fight for equity for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) throughout New York City and New York State.   

“This generous donation is a validation of the important work of uniting community-based organizations to advocate for AAPI children and families, especially those who struggle the most. We are excited for these funds to accelerate CACF’s efforts to strengthen our coalition, ” said Art Chang, Board Chair of CACF. 

CACF was founded as a coalition in 1986 by social service providers concerned that New York City was unable to serve the rapidly growing numbers of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) children and families. First a volunteer organization, CACF became incorporated in 1992 and is now still the only pan-Asian organization of its kind bringing together community-based organizations, youth and community allies to fight for equity in education, healthcare, and supportive services for AAPIs to be able to reach their full potential.  

“This grant is a testament to our coalition and the years of leadership and tireless work of CACF staff alongside our community,” said Board Chair Emeritus Larry Lee.

CACF Co-Executive Directors Anita Gundanna and Vanessa Leung both shared the admiration they have for Scott’s generosity through Yield Giving to community-based organizations across the United States working to meet the needs of the communities they serve.  

“We see the continuing inequities facing our AAPI communities and CACF is positioned to advance better policies, develop effective advocates, and bring together a diverse coalition to work towards systemic change,” said Gundanna and Leung.  “We are very thankful that our coalition has been recognized by Ms. Scott.  This funding will energize our work ahead as we grow the impact of our coalition.”  

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For more information, please contact Sarah Kaplan at skaplan@rubenstein.com or 917-843-9792 or Melissa Kees at melissa@relentlessaware.com or 518-813-4905.

About The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF):

The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families is the only pan-Asian children and families’ advocacy organization in the United States and brings together community-based organizations as well as youth and community allies to fight for equity for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. cacf.org