Donate to LEAP
TL:DR
My shameless ask. Please donate to LEAP today.
Maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s coming out of a Covid fueled avoidance of in-person gatherings. This year, this May, Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month just feels different. I sense more energy, more urgency.
It may be likely because, as an Asian, Asian American (A/AA), Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (NHPI) community, we don’t want to be relegated to the shadows at the end of May when we’re finally beginning to be seen.
So what happens beyond May? For A/AA and NHPI serving nonprofits, the work goes on.
At just over 7% of the total U.S. population, it’s well documented, yet surprisingly not as well as known, that A/AAs and NHPIs are a very DIVERSE community with wide-ranging and different needs. Model minority myth anyone?
What’s less known is that according to a report released in 2022 by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP), giving to A/AA and NHPI serving nonprofits remains stuck at less than 1% over a 35-year period. In other words, a stagnant 20 cents for every $100 given by foundations went A/AA and NHPI serving nonprofits, despite the population growth of our community.
Even as donations and funding to A/AA and NHPI serving nonprofits have increased over the last three years, particularly as Asians and Asian Americans have been targeted for hate, harassment, and bias, the history shown in the AAPIP report, indicates that the funding growth will not continue even as the need and demand for all services provided by A/AA and NHPI serving nonprofits continues to expand.
This is why LEAP is participating in Give In May, a national, community wide campaign to raise funds for A/AA and NHPI serving nonprofits. For over 40 years, LEAP has provided culturally relevant leadership programs and workshops to more than 150,000 people across the U.S. and Canada. Our experience indicates that challenges and roadblocks continue to exist for A/AAs and NHPIs and their climb into leadership. I envision a time in the future when LEAP is no longer needed, until then, we will continue to provide leadership development programs and services that give Asian, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders Affirmation and Purpose, Knowledge and Skills, Confidence, and Community by addressing issues such as discrimination, exclusion, and isolation in workplaces and society.
As Alex Cena, LEAP’s Director of Leadership Development shared, "LEAP puts us at the crossroads of so many people's leadership journeys. We are very fortunate to get the rare opportunity to be an oasis, resource, and cheerleader for our community leaders. It inspires me daily to build, learn from, and connect with many who are doing inspiring transformational work!"
LEAP’s work is a long game. It’s not sexy, flashy work. It’s day in, day out work done by my wonderfully committed team, consultants and coaches. We don’t receive foundation funding because 20 cents doesn’t spread far, and it can take time to see the impact and results of our work. Yet, I also know that based on the words of our program alumni, we are creating change and making a difference.
I was a participant at one of the LEAP leadership trainings about 15+ yrs ago. That training was a huge eye opener for me and it really made me rethink and reconfigure how I conduct myself not just professionally but also in my personal life. It was impactful and life-changing….I am glad that you are in the forefront of this and I want to say am deeply thankful for what you and LEAP have done to inspire us.
Noreen Ang, VP, Corporate Controller at Authentix
“This reminds me of our LEAP week in IBM White Plains almost 20 years ago. It's still one of my life-changing moments.”
Jin Zhang, Engineering Director at Meta
I am deeply proud and honored to be a part of LEAP’s work because WE ALL have leadership skills, and infinite potential. This is why I’m asking you to support LEAP with a donation to the Give In May campaign from today until May 31, 2023 when the campaign ends at 11:59pm Pacific Time. By contributing to LEAP, you can help move us to the top 3 organizations in our category for the most dollars raised or for the most number of unique donors. In achieving a top 3 placement, LEAP will also receive a $5,000-$12,000 bonus gift.
Please give $5 or more today to LEAP through this link to help us achieve the most number of unique donors.
Thank you for your support of LEAP and our impact driven work.
ABout the author
Linda Akutagawa (she/hers) is President and CEO of LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics), an organization she has led for the last 10 years. She is committed to developing Asian and Pacific Islanders leaders, and from the classroom to the boardroom, she actively advocates for inclusive pathways for diverse leaders.
