participants, their Chinese heritage had an influence on their giving choices, but in different ways and to different
degrees. Some variation in giving preferences by generation was evident in the interviews, with first generation
participants being more likely to speak of donating to China and later generation participants being more focused
on giving to their local community.
organizations or populations, the Chinese connection was not necessarily the only or even first consideration for
many participants.
Asian art and Chinese art.
engage in philanthropy in Mainland China or Taiwan. Three of the four participants born in Mainland China and one
participant born in Taiwan are active in their birth countries. These efforts focused on education, including building
and furnishing schools, and other issues affecting children, such as health care and clean water. These individuals
described personally witnessing the needs of minority and rural populations, especially children. They felt compelled
to do something concrete to help the next generations. One participant directs the majority of his giving to China.
years and also provide scholarships. Some have become top students at the [University] I
just heard. You can help a human being in a different society, especially because of the
heritage connection, because I'm from China. I give to some few organizations here, but
mostly to China. They need help.
so-called underdeveloped areas, remote areas. At one point I was looking into the transient
labor population in big cities and their families, the children. They are not really the typical
school students, who fit into the typical school in the big metropolitan city. That population
has big problems. But it's all regarding to education.
concern about corruption. Many handled that problem by supporting organizations that were connected with their
families' history. Involvement with international organizations that work in China was another avenue for giving there
that reduces the potential for problems.
providing the financial backing for the foundation she is involved with.
ancestors were born overseas, noted that the focus of their giving tended to be more directed domestically the
longer their family had been established in the U.S. Only one participant born in the U.S. gave to China other than
incidentally through friends or charities.
Americans, I feel more passionately about supporting those causes.
their focus, in addition to Chinese Americans, to include East and Southeast Asians, and beyond in their philanthropy.
They tended to speak more of promoting Asian American or Pan-Asian causes and multicultural programs. The
emphasis of the giving, however, still revolved around education, children, and leadership development for members
of this larger group.
about the future, and what the Asian Americans can together represent, the possibilities and
the hope.
entities that serve the general public: universities and schools; ballets, symphonies, and, museums; national parks,
landmarks, and zoos; religious organizations; and health care services and research.
American organizations, especially those that support the preservation of Chinese art, culture, and history, received
support from all generations of participants. Entities such as the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation,
Asian Art Museum, Asian Americans for Community Involvement, Chinatown Community Development Corporation,
and the Chinese American Historical Society were all mentioned by multiple participants across generations. In addition
to providing a variety of services to the community, these organizations offer education and outreach to expand
awareness and understanding of the Chinese American experience.