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CAAL Ignite Fund

Fueling Creativity, Visibility, & Prosperity: Get Notified About CAAL Ignite Grants

Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) is giving $10,000–$15,000 grants for individuals, nonprofits, and small businesses driving economic growth and equity in Minnesota’s Asian American community. Sign up to get notified when the grant application launches January 2025.

What is CAAL Ignite?

CAAL Ignite is a grant program launched by the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) to address systemic inequities and foster economic growth in Minnesota’s Asian American community. By providing $10,000–$15,000 grants, CAAL Ignite invests in individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits with innovative ideas and initiatives that strengthen our community and create lasting impact.

$10,000

For Individuals

$15,000

For Small Business and Nonprofits

Why CAAL Ignite Matters

  • Philanthropic Underfunding: Nationally, foundation funding designated for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities accounts for only 0.20% of all U.S. grantmaking, mirroring findings from three decades ago. More than two-thirds of nonprofit leaders serving AAPI communities reported not receiving new foundation funding in 2020, despite the pandemic’s significant impact on these communities.
  • Rise in Anti-Asian Hate Crime: Anti-Asian hate crimes have seen a significant increase in recent years. The number of reported incidents rose from 158 in 2019 to 746 in 2021, a nearly fivefold increase.
  • Harmful Stereotypes: Yellow peril, the model minority myth, the fetishization of Asian women, and other harmful stereotypes have perpetuated for decades. These worn-out narratives exploit, divide, and limit the potential of Asian Americans. 

Who Qualifies for CAAL Ignite?

CAAL seeks grantees dedicated to making a meaningful impact in Minnesota’s Asian American community. We seek individuals, small business owners, and nonprofits with innovative ideas that drive economic growth and create opportunities. Grantees should have a strong vision for addressing community needs, building equity, and strengthening connections, all while contributing to a more resilient and thriving future for all. Grantee qualifications include:

Reside in Minnesota

CAAL Ignite is designed to support local changemakers within Minnesota. We’re focused on uplifting individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits embedded in and directly serving the state’s Asian American community.

Demonstrate a Commitment to Driving Economic Growth and Equity for the Asian American Community Locally and Beyond

Applicants should have a clear focus on creating opportunities that foster economic prosperity and reduce systemic disparities within the community. Whether through leadership, advocacy, or entrepreneurship, this commitment is central to the goals of CAAL Ignite.

Have an Innovative Idea and Plan that Will Create Meaningful Community Impact

Grantees should present thoughtful, forward-thinking plans for initiatives that address real challenges or create new opportunities for the community. Whether launching a small business, expanding a nonprofit program, or implementing a groundbreaking idea, applicants must demonstrate the potential for lasting positive change.

Join Us in Building Equity and Opportunity

CAAL Ignite is powered by community and generosity. With systemic inequities limiting resources for Asian American communities, your support can help us create lasting change.

Donate

SHARE

Donate to CAAL Ignite to fuel future grants and programs.

Share with your network

Share this initiative with your network to reach more changemakers.

Partner with CAAL

Partner with CAAL to drive systemic impact.

Get involved

Join our community by getting involved in one of our programs and following us on social media.

Driving Impact for Over a Decade

Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) is a network organization of over 5,000 Asian Minnesotan leaders who harness our collective power to improve the lives of the community by connecting, learning, and acting together. Hear more about our work featured on KARE11 during AAPI Heritage Month.

CAAL Ignite Timing

CAAL Ignite officially launches in January 2025. Email subscribers will be the first notified of application opening and be communicated with about deadlines through email communications. Signing up for notifications doesn’t guarantee funding.

Get notified
  • Sign Up to Get Notified: You can sign up with your email to get notified when grant applications open.
  • Applications: Applications will be accepted January 2025. Those who submit their email above will get notified of the grant application opening through email communications.
  • Deadline: Applications close in February 2025. Exact closing date will be determined once applications go live. Registrants will be notified of the deadline through email communications.
  • Grant Awards: Grants will be awarded in April 2025.