The Asian American Foundation Launches the "Asian+American Storytelling Initiative," Inviting Creatives Nationwide to Help Preserve Overlooked AAPI History

Selected storytellers will receive a project grant to help bring their vision to life, plus mentorship from an esteemed panel including an Oscar-nominated filmmaker, Emmy-winning journalists, and industry-leading content creators.

NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) is inviting creatives nation wide to apply for its new TAAF Asian+American Storytelling Initiative, a grant and mentorship program supporting original stories about overlooked Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) figures, communities, and moments in American history.

The initiative builds on TAAF's ongoing digital interview series, The United States of Asian+America, produced in partnership with Wong Fu Productions, which spotlights the AAPI pioneers and innovators behind some of the country's biggest industries and cultural shifts. TAAF's Asian+American Storytelling Initiative aims to expand the series' scope by turning it into a community-powered movement, inviting creatives nationwide to spotlight overlooked narratives, uncover new perspectives, and cultivate a sense of belonging for the over 25 million AAPIs who call this country home. It also marks one of TAAF's most ambitious creative efforts to bring AAPI history to life, building on its commitment to increase representation and shift culture in classrooms, on screens, and in everyday life.

Creatives across a variety of visual media are encouraged to apply, including filmmakers, journalists, artists, podcasters, animators, and digital creators. Selected storytellers will receive a grant ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, a one-on-one mentorship session with a member of TAAF's selection committee, and amplification support through TAAF's social channels and national partner network.

"TAAF's research has repeatedly found that much of the general public lacks personal connections with AAPIs and gets much of its information about our communities from social media, TV shows, and movies. That means media remains one of the most powerful tools we have to shape public understanding about our histories and lived experiences," said Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF. "By collectively uncovering and amplifying untold AAPI stories, we're ensuring what people see reflects who we really are, and that our history and contributions are shared for generations to come."

THE SELECTION COMMITTEE

• Juju Chang — Emmy-winning Co-Anchor of ABC News' Nightline
• Michelle Khare — Content Creator and Host of award-winning docuseries Challenge Accepted
• Dana Ledoux Miller — Writer/Director known for Disney's Moana 2 (2024), Netflix's Thai Cave Rescue (2022), and Disney Animation's upcoming feature Hexed (2026)
• Lisa Ling — Emmy-winning journalist, longtime Host and Executive Producer of CNN's This Is Life with Lisa Ling, and former Co-Host of The View
• Adrian Per — Award-winning Director and Content Creator
• Kitao Sakurai — Director of Paramount's upcoming Street Fighter as well as BEEF Season 2, Dave, and The Eric Andre Show
• Philip Wang — Content creator/filmmaker and co-founder of Wong Fu Productions
• Sean Wang — Oscar-nominated director (Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó) and director of Dìdi (弟弟)

HOW TO APPLY

From September 16 through October 7, 2026, creatives can apply by visiting share.taaf.org/storytellers and submitting a proposal to tell the story of an important AAPI figure, movement, or moment in U.S. history. Submissions will be evaluated by TAAF's Selection Committee, and chosen storytellers will be announced on November 2, 2026.

To learn more about TAAF's Asian+American Storytelling Initiative and The United States of Asian+America, please visit asianplusamerican.org.

About The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)
TAAF serves the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community by promoting safety, fostering belonging, and advancing prosperity. Launched in 2021 in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and to address the long-standing underinvestment in AAPI communities, we invest in initiatives to combat anti-Asian hate, integrate AAPI studies into school curricula, elevate authentic AAPI storytelling, and expand resources and representation for our communities. Through our high-impact initiatives, events, and investments in national and local nonprofits, we're creating a permanent and irrevocable sense of belonging for millions of AAPIs in the United States. For additional information about TAAF, please visit www.taaf.org or follow @TAAForg on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or Facebook.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE The Asian American Foundation