In 1990, the federal government officially designated the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, expanding the original Heritage Week begun in 1978, to celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States. The acronym AAPI has become more commonly used and May is also recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM).
While we recognize the achievements of AAPIs, we also know there are many hidden needs within the community including health and education access, food security, housing and domestic violence. In 2020, on the 30th Anniversary of AAPIHM, the Asian Pacific Fund and AAPI Data, along with community partners, Asian Pacific Community Fund, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, and Korean American Community Foundation came together to launch #GiveInMay, a nationwide giving campaign to support the work of AAPI nonprofits who provide vital services to the most vulnerable in our community.