In a bid to foster fair distribution of federal resources and grants to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) successfully inaugurated a webinar titled “Demystifying Federal Grants” This webinar signals the commencement of an educational series aimed at facilitating easier access to federal resources and grants for these diverse communities.
Krystal Ka‘ai, the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, conveyed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts of esteemed partners such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Asian American Foundation (TAAF), who made this enlightening webinar series possible. She underscored the challenges encountered in disseminating crucial information to communities in need while emphasizing the initiative’s overarching mission of fostering equitable access to federal resources. Krystal outlined the multifaceted goals of the White House initiative, which encompass advancing equity, justice, and opportunities for AANHPI communities.
Krystal Ka‘ai, Executive Director of WHIAANHPI, highlighted, “Community-based organizations play an instrumental role in ensuring that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have access to culturally and linguistically appropriate resources and services. By demystifying the federal grants process, the Biden-Harris Administration is working to support community-led efforts to tackle disparities and expand equity and opportunity for all Americans.”
Xavier Becerra, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Ambassador Katherine Tai, the U.S. Trade Representative, are co-chairs of WHIAANHPI. The initiative operates within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and aims to overcome barriers that AANHPI communities often face when engaging with federal programs and services.
Distinguished speakers featured in the launch webinar included W. Mae Powell, team lead at the National Science Foundation’s Division of Grants and Agreements, and Norman Chan, CEO of the Asian American Foundation (TAAF). Powell shared insights drawn from her extensive experience in collaborative grant management, while Chan delved into TAAF’s resolute commitment to address issues like hate, violence, and underfunding within the AANHPI community. TAAF’s initiatives, such as the AANHPI non-profit database and the Giving Challenge, were also spotlighted.
Moderating a panel discussion was Georgette Bhathena, Chief Programs Officer at TAAF. The panel included experts in procurement law, grant management, and public health. James W. Kim, a partner at Arnold & Porter, illuminated the pathway to accessing federal grants, dismissing misconceptions and urging organizations not to be dissuaded. Jamila Shipp, Managing Director of Capacity Building, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, stressed preparedness, including maintaining updated records. Powell reasserted that institutions often provide assistance to newcomers navigating the application process.
The panel comprehensively explored the merits of applying for federal grants, including the direct funding and potential leverage for additional funding from other sources. The experts collectively emphasized that the federal grant application process is more approachable than perceived, with agencies offering protocols to guide applicants.
This launch webinar stands as a pivotal stride in demystifying federal grants for AANHPI organizations, motivating proactive involvement in acquiring resources that advance their missions and initiatives.
