About Us

We are one of the strongest leadership voices advocating for better policies, services, and funding that lead to more justice and opportunity for Asian immigrants, one of New York City's poorest and most underserved communities

Our Mission

Since its founding in 1989, the Asian American Federation (AAF) has emerged as a beacon of leadership for the 1.5 million Asian New Yorkers it serves. With a mission centered on amplifying the influence and enhancing the well-being of the pan-Asian American community, the AAF is committed to driving change through research, policy advocacy, public awareness, and support for nonprofits. This impactful work is carried out in collaboration with 70 member agencies, all of which are firmly rooted within the community, and deliver essential social services to those in need.

Representing the fastest-growing ethnic group in both the city and state, the AAF tirelessly works to ensure that Asian Americans are not only seen and heard but also have their stories shared widely. We offer a suite of programs to address community safety, mental health, economic empowerment, immigrant integration, and civic engagement. These initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between Asian New Yorkers and the vital resources they require to thrive.

Our Impact

AAF’s Hope Against Hate
campaign helped nearly

15,000

people report incidents,
get victim support services,
and receive safety trainings

AAF helped 8,000
New Yorkers access over

28,000

in-language
mental health services

AAF’s civic Engagement
efforts reached

310,000

Asian voters across
the tristate area

How We Work

IDENTIFY ISSUES

We work closely with our member agencies to identify issues that concern the Asian American community, including anti-Asian hate, mental health, immigrant integration, economic empowerment, and civic engagement.

LEARN MORE

RAISE AWARENESS

Our research highlights the unique challenges and stories of Asian New Yorkers by listening to our partners who work closely with our communities and elevating these issues to policymakers through City, State, and Federal advocacy.

EXPLORE RESEARCH

RAISE MONEY

Contributions from public and private funders are distributed to trusted member organizations to support vulnerable Asian New Yorkers. Donations from supporters like you are used to fund our signature efforts such as the Hope Against Hate Campaign and the Changing Minds Mental Health Initiative.

DONATE

OFFER SOLUTIONS

On top of advocating for policy change, AAF and our partners develop programs to provide in-language, culturally-competent services such as mental healthcare, safety trainings, and technical assistance.

EXPLORE RESOURCES