The Very Asian Foundation is putting real money behind Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) storytellers. Its 2026 microgrant program funds five creators at $1,500 each, and the awardees are now in the middle of their grant period.

How does the Very Asian Foundation microgrant work?

The program gives five $1,500 grants to creators who can share an Asian American or NHPI experience through their work. Applicants had to be US residents, at least 21 years old, with a project completed in 2026.

Applications opened July 13 and closed Aug. 10. Finalists were notified Sept. 7, and interviews ran Sept. 14 to 25. The foundation's page now lists 2026 applications as closed and winners as notified.

What happens between now and December?

Awardees are working from Sept. 28 to Dec. 18. By that final date, each is expected to deliver at least one reel or video. Awardees can also choose to attend the Very Asian Lunar New Year Exhibition in St. Louis on Feb. 20, 2027.

Why small grants matter to creators

The foundation says the program was inspired by Dr. Kat Lieu of Seattle, known for Subtle Asian Baking. A grant of this size will not fund a studio. It can fund the next project, and that is the point. Eunice Chen, a 2024 recipient, put it this way: "Winning this microgrant gave me fuel to continue pursuing this project."

For brands and agencies watching the creator economy, programs like this are worth tracking. They show where emerging AAPI creators are being identified early, before the sponsorship deals arrive.

What about the 2027 cycle?

The foundation has not announced a 2027 cycle. Creators who missed this round should watch the Very Asian Foundation's channels for news.