Yet Additional Funding Remains Critical to Sustain Momentum
“CAAL Ignite demonstrates the impact that emerges when we put resources behind the people and concepts advancing our communities.”— CAAL Board Chair Nicole Dailo JisonST. PAUL, MN, UNITED STATES, October 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) introduced Ignite in 2024 as a way to tackle the notable lack of funding directed toward Minnesota’s Asian American communities. Entering its third cycle, CAAL Ignite now backs a group of 21 small enterprises, up-and-coming founders, and nonprofit organizations spread across 13 cities in Minnesota. The overwhelming interest in this year’s initiative signals that significantly greater financial support is necessary to fully capture the capabilities and promise of Asian American communities statewide.
Within the Twin Cities, philanthropic dollars directed to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) groups totaled just 13 cents per $100 from 2019 to 2023, as reported by the Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) 2025 Twin Cities AANHPI Funding Snapshot. This figure is under half of the national average of a mere 0.34% and sharply out of step with the region’s AANHPI population share of 7%.
“CAAL Ignite was created as a direct answer to the resource shortfall experienced by Minnesota’s Asian American communities,” stated CAAL Executive Director ThaoMee Xiong. “The close to 300 applications we received this year highlight the extensive need for accessible funding.”
“What CAAL Ignite illustrates is the potential unlocked when we channel investments toward the individuals and initiatives propelling our communities ahead,” remarked CAAL Board Chair Nicole Dailo Jison. "These awards enable business owners and organizations to flourish while generating enduring economic and community benefits throughout Minnesota."
For Cynthia Lee, who runs Dearest Baker Macarons in St. Paul and previously received a CAAL Ignite grant, the funding allowed her operation to scale up production and attract a broader customer base.
“Had it not been for the CAAL Ignite grant, we couldn’t have acquired equipment that greatly boosted our production volume and consistency,” Lee explained. “It also enabled us to take part in additional local gatherings and expand into retail outlets.”
Up to now, CAAL Ignite has provided support to 62 small businesses, 18 emerging entrepreneurs, and 12 nonprofit organizations. For further details on CAAL Ignite and how to contribute to CAAL, go to caalmn.org/caal-ignite.
About the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL)
Established in 2013, the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) serves as a cross-sector network of Asian American leaders dedicated to advancing fairness, justice, and economic well-being for Minnesota’s Asian American community. Through policy work, leadership cultivation, media efforts, and financial commitments, CAAL empowers those frequently left out of institutional decision-making.
Michelle Lee Goode
Coalition of Asian American Leaders
michelle@caalmn.org
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