The Creators grant
The Very Asian Foundation's (VAF) mission is to shine a light on Asian experiences through advocacy and celebration. VAF is a non-profit created from a viral, global moment of unity and is compelled to lift the human experience. This award provides a mini-grant to creatives (e.g.: actors, artists, authors, bakers, chefs, content creators, podcasters, small business owners, etc.) to help amplify their voices and reach.
The Very Asian Foundation Creators Grant is an exciting micro-grant opportunity for individuals who wish to pursue their creative passions through an Asian American (AA), Native Hawaiian (NH), or Pacific Islander (PI) lens. We welcome submissions from people of all backgrounds. The grant is inspired by Dr. Kat Lieu, of Seattle, who pivoted from healthcare to launch a viral group called Subtle Asian Baking. Lieu, a TEDx speaker, food journalist, activist, and Chair of this grant, has now written three Asian-inspired cookbooks.
This year, we will be awarding five $1500 grants. To be eligible, the applicant should present a creative project they would like to complete in 2026 and would do so with the help of this grant.
PROGRAM GOALS:
Creators feel pride and value in building and amplifying AA and NHPI experiences through their craft.
Creators have a mission or project that the mini-grant can help complete or fulfill in 2026.
Grant recipient alumni can help amplify the VAF Creators Fund for future recipients.
VAF Creator Community development for connections and networking with mentorship opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria includes:
Must reside in the U.S.
A creative who can share an AA and NHPI experience
Must be at least 21 years of age
Must have a project that will be completed in 2026
Agrees to media release and adheres to VAF Code of Conduct when representing VAF
PROGRAM STRUCTURE + TIMELINE
As part of the program, participants will:
Carry out their project idea, providing periodical progress updates to VAF
Create at least 1 reel/video to collaborate with the Very Asian Foundation, highlighting your journey and how receiving this grant has impacted you by December 18, 2026.
The program schedule is as follows:
July 13, 2026 - Applications open.
August 10, 2026 - Deadline for all submissions; Applications close.
September 7, 2026 -Finalists will be notified; only finalists will receive an email.
September 14 through September 25, 2026 - Finalists will go through a final video interview with VAF staff.
September 28 through December 18, 2026 - Awardees will carry out their projects.
December 18, 2026 - Create at least 1 reel/video to collaborate with the Very Asian Foundation, highlighting your journey and how receiving this grant has impacted you.
February 20, 2027 - Optionally attend the Very Asian Lunar New Year Exhibition in St. Louis, MO.
“VAF’s microgrant enabled me to hire an artist to paint the backgrounds for animation… The VAF grant is more than funding, though. Through the foundation, I was able to connect with other like-minded grant winners, mentors, and the founders. Being surrounded by these people made me feel like I was not alone, and the mentors and founders offered a lot of valuable insight. Winning this microgrant gave me fuel to continue pursuing this project, and showed me that my story resonates with my community.” - Eunice Chen, 2024 Recipient
