KACF and KACF-SF Merge to Elevate Philanthropy for Korean Americans
On May 12, 2026, the Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) and the Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco (KACF-SF) made an important announcement regarding their plans to merge into a single national organization. This merger signifies a crucial step towards enhancing philanthropic contributions aimed at Korean American communities throughout the United States. Over the last decade, both KACF and KACF-SF have worked closely together, sharing a common mission to improve the lives of Korean Americans. By merging, these two foundations are set to pool their resources, expertise, and extensive networks, which will significantly bolster their ability to support nonprofits, promote charitable giving, and expand their impact across the nation.
Kyung B. Yoon, President and CEO of KACF, expressed the importance of this merger, stating, "Grounded in our shared mission and belief that lasting impact is built on strong local roots and a more connected national approach, this merger reflects our shared vision for the future of Korean American philanthropy." This merger comes at a crucial period for both the Korean American and broader Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, which continue to encounter numerous challenges and also new opportunities for growth.
Despite the increasing population of AAPI individuals and the pressing needs within these communities, they receive a meager percentage (less than 0.34%) of private philanthropic funding. However, the merger is poised to create new pathways for philanthropic contributions, taking advantage of the current generational shift in wealth and leadership within the community. This is an optimistic moment for the Korean American philanthropic landscape, a sentiment echoed by Sung Jin Ingriselli, Board Chair of KACF-SF, who stated, "Together, we can raise more funds, support more nonprofits, and build stronger networks across the country."
One critical aspect of the merger is the commitment to continuity and growth. Both foundations will maintain their existing programs, events, and regional activities. The popular annual galas in San Francisco and New York City will continue as part of the merged organization. Over time, the merger aims to facilitate expanded programming, increase the availability of grants, and extend their outreach to new regions, including Los Angeles. The existing staff and board members will transition into the merged organization, ensuring that the leadership and community connections remain intact.
To date, KACF and KACF-SF have collectively allocated over $24 million in grants to nonprofits serving Korean American communities, demonstrating their firm commitment to elevating the philanthropic support within these communities. Jeannie Park, Board Chair of KACF, remarked on the historical context of the merger, stating that KACF-SF has been an important initiative towards a more extensive national vision for the foundation's impact.
The merger is projected to be finalized by this summer, and both organizations are eager to begin this new chapter in their mission to strengthen Korean American communities through collective philanthropic efforts. The unified foundation will undoubtedly play an essential role in bridging gaps within the Korean American community and mobilizing support where it is most needed. As they embark on this journey, they stand ready to transform challenges into opportunities, reinforcing a future where Korean American philanthropy flourishes.
In conclusion, this merger embodies a significant opportunity for growth within Korean American philanthropy, allowing the merged entity to effectively address community needs and enhance their contributions towards improving lives and fostering positive change in communities across the nation.
Kyung B. Yoon, President and CEO of KACF, expressed the importance of this merger, stating, "Grounded in our shared mission and belief that lasting impact is built on strong local roots and a more connected national approach, this merger reflects our shared vision for the future of Korean American philanthropy." This merger comes at a crucial period for both the Korean American and broader Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, which continue to encounter numerous challenges and also new opportunities for growth.
Despite the increasing population of AAPI individuals and the pressing needs within these communities, they receive a meager percentage (less than 0.34%) of private philanthropic funding. However, the merger is poised to create new pathways for philanthropic contributions, taking advantage of the current generational shift in wealth and leadership within the community. This is an optimistic moment for the Korean American philanthropic landscape, a sentiment echoed by Sung Jin Ingriselli, Board Chair of KACF-SF, who stated, "Together, we can raise more funds, support more nonprofits, and build stronger networks across the country."
One critical aspect of the merger is the commitment to continuity and growth. Both foundations will maintain their existing programs, events, and regional activities. The popular annual galas in San Francisco and New York City will continue as part of the merged organization. Over time, the merger aims to facilitate expanded programming, increase the availability of grants, and extend their outreach to new regions, including Los Angeles. The existing staff and board members will transition into the merged organization, ensuring that the leadership and community connections remain intact.
To date, KACF and KACF-SF have collectively allocated over $24 million in grants to nonprofits serving Korean American communities, demonstrating their firm commitment to elevating the philanthropic support within these communities. Jeannie Park, Board Chair of KACF, remarked on the historical context of the merger, stating that KACF-SF has been an important initiative towards a more extensive national vision for the foundation's impact.
The merger is projected to be finalized by this summer, and both organizations are eager to begin this new chapter in their mission to strengthen Korean American communities through collective philanthropic efforts. The unified foundation will undoubtedly play an essential role in bridging gaps within the Korean American community and mobilizing support where it is most needed. As they embark on this journey, they stand ready to transform challenges into opportunities, reinforcing a future where Korean American philanthropy flourishes.
In conclusion, this merger embodies a significant opportunity for growth within Korean American philanthropy, allowing the merged entity to effectively address community needs and enhance their contributions towards improving lives and fostering positive change in communities across the nation.
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