Asian Community Fund Raises Over $1 Million at Boston Gala

BOSTON— The Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation raised more than $1 million at its third annual Rising Together Gala on Oct. 2 at the Westin Copley Place, bringing together 720 business, civic, philanthropic and community leaders to support Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities across Massachusetts.

The event drew Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and U.S. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), along with community advocates and business leaders. The evening recognized two prominent leaders for their contributions to leadership, innovation and community building.

Julie Kim, president and CEO of Takeda, received the Paul W. Lee AAPI Leadership Award, while Anantha P. Chandrakasan, provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, received the Helen Chin Schlichte Community Builder Award.

The awards are named for Asian Community Fund co-founders Paul W. Lee and Helen Chin Schlichte, respectively. They recognize individuals whose work has advanced AAPI leadership and strengthened collaboration across communities.

“At the Asian Community Fund, we’re committing to building a permanent home for AAPI leadership, philanthropy, and belonging,” said Danielle Kim, executive director of the Asian Community Fund. “At our 2026 Rising Together Gala, our community answered that call, choosing visibility in the face of erasure and community in the face of isolation. Together, we will keep rising.”

Paul W. Lee, co-founder and chair of the Asian Community Fund, thanked the donors, sponsors and attendees whose contributions helped make the fundraising event a success.

“The generosity of our donors and the strong turnout at this year’s gala demonstrate the commitment of our community to supporting AAPI organizations across Massachusetts,” Lee said. “Raising more than $1 million is a significant achievement for the Asian

Community Fund and will help us continue investing in organizations that provide essential services, build community connections and expand opportunities for AAPI residents. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success.”

The funds will support the Asian Community Fund’s grantmaking and programs for nonprofit organizations serving AAPI communities throughout the state.

Founded in 2020 at the Boston Foundation, the Asian Community Fund is Massachusetts’ first and only philanthropic fund dedicated exclusively to supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It works to strengthen community organizations, increase AAPI visibility, foster partnerships and expand advocacy efforts.

The fund has invested $2.4 million in Massachusetts AAPI communities since 2022, supporting 135 community-based nonprofit organizations. In July, it announced a record $635,000 in grants to 59 nonprofits, its largest grantmaking round to date. The organizations address needs including legal services, food insecurity, economic stability, community well-being and belonging.

The demand for funding has exceeded available resources. During its most recent grant cycle, the fund received 126 applications requesting more than $2.4 million, prompting volunteer reviewers and members of its community-led Advisory Committee to assess proposals and identify recipients.

This year’s gala was co-chaired by Anu Chitrapu of Bank of America, Rushika Fernandopulle of Liza Health and Chinh Pham of Greenberg Traurig LLP. Past honorees Geeta Aiyer, Bob Rivers, Yvonne Hao and Reshma Kewalramani served as honorary co-chairs.

Last year’s Rising Together Gala raised more than $800,000. This year’s total of more than $1 million marks an increase in fundraising support for the organization’s work with AAPI nonprofits across Massachusetts.