About Us

We are an association of diverse South Asians based in the Bay Area who support local non-profit organizations by providing financial support through grants, and volunteer support from amongst our members. We operate by collectively raising money, then deciding how to allocate these funds in support of various philanthropies, community services and social change organizations that serve the local South Asian community.

In the process of allocating grants, members of SAGC have the opportunity to learn about important issues facing our community and to support the organizations that are doing great work on those issues. Our members are involved in the entire process, including voting on how to allocate the money we raise into grants, and there is no financial commitment to becoming a member. The participatory, community-based focus is fundamental to our giving circle model.

Nationally, giving circles are an increasingly common model of philanthropy. You can learn more about circles in general here. SAGC is also fortunate to have the support of Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP), which is providing a match for our fundraising as well as advisory support.