New Breath Foundation

The New Breath Foundation utilizes our founder Eddy Zheng’s lived experiences to build a new kind of philanthropy. We’re revolutionizing the way we distribute our funds and empower our communities. We’re investing in racial solidarity and working to build a truly free society. Join us. #NBF #CommunityBuilding #HappyNewBreath #philanthropy #socialimpact

Thank you to the Henry Luce Foundation Inc for hosting our founder, Eddy Zheng, for a Fireside Chat, "Invisible Yet Targeted: AANHPI in the U.S." We are also deeply appreciative to Anla Cheng, The Serica Initiative for moderating the discussion. In a conversation linking our shared humanity through a global context, Eddy shared his journey from being a 16-year-old juvenile offender serving 20 years in prison and ICE detention to becoming an activist for communities of color and founding New Breath Foundation, a public and community-led charitable organization. It was a life-giving and informative conversation! Photos by Benjamin Bobkoff.

This month, be inspired by leaders from the world of philanthropy. ?? Our President & Founder, Eddy Zheng, will join panelists for "Meet the Grantmakers - Online," a series by The Grantsmanship Center. Fellow panelists include representatives from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the St. Louis Community Foundation speaking on the issues shaping grantmaking today.? Attend the events online for free on Wednesday, October 16, 11am PST. RSVP: https://shorturl.at/maEUA Meaningful change is achievable when we are committed to collective action, envisioning a better world together. #MeettheGrantmakers #Grantmanship #NBF

"I always thought the U.S. was a land of second chances, but the reality of deportation tells a different story. The laws can be heartless, and while some deportee brothers and sisters adjust and find happiness, I wouldn't wish the experience I went through on anyone." Our latest blog features Tony, a Cambodian father and husband who lived in the U.S. for nearly 40 years before facing deportation in 2019. His story speaks to an unforgiving immigration system that tears families apart and shatters lives and how support can be found through solidarity, community, and hope. Read our latest: https://bit.ly/3TUJeEq #NBFBlog #Deportation

Happy 2 Year NBF-versary to our Director of Strategic Partnerships, Maya Iwata! Maya has been an invaluable asset to the NBF family. She has been integral in our funder and donor engagement, helping to build their awareness of AANHPIs impacted by incarceration, detention and deportation, and other systems of violence, and thereby raising funds to support our grantee partners. We appreciate you, Maya! ??

"It has been incredibly difficult to be a genocide survivor these past seven months, watching Israel rain U.S.-funded bombs on Palestinians while the world continues with business as usual." Sarath S. Suong, a survivor of the genocide in Cambodia and a student at Brown University with a focus on studying Southeast Asian resettlement, resilience, and resistance, shares his reflection on the war in Gaza. You can read it here: https://bit.ly/3XKmdoN In the face of so much injustice and suffering, we call forth our deepest sense of humanity and empathy because we know that none of us are free until all of us are free. #Survivor #Gaza #InternationalDayofNonviolence

Last week, the NBF team met in Philadelphia for an unforgettable staff retreat filled with learning, laughter, and reflection. We began our time with a self-guided walking tour through the heart of what was once a vibrant Vietnamese community. The former site of Hoa Binh Plaza, now taken over by developers, reminded us of the ongoing struggle to protect local spaces and culture. Our retreat was a healing space, expertly facilitated by Dr. Dayanara Marte, DSW,MPH, where we delved deep into living with integrity and showing up with accountability. Our working sessions were hosted by the amazing folks at Bread & Roses Community Fund. We also enjoyed drinks and bites one evening with our grantee partner VietLEAD, and we're grateful to Asian Americans United (AAU) for guiding us through Chinatown's history. A special shoutout to Unrivaled Screen Printing for gifting us the NBF t-shirts in one of our group photos! We left feeling nourished, rejuvenated, and ready to continue building power together. #NBFStaff #Retreat #Community #Healing #Integrity Photos by New Breath Foundation.

“Collaborative funds bring extensive subject matter expertise to inform the distribution of resources to groups and organizations that accelerate change. Funders can lean on and learn from staff and community experts to deeply understand the latest best practices and innovations in a particular issue area or field.“ This year, Panorama Global published a report sharing 10 reasons why folks should invest in collaborative funds. Download and read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3TDqVT4

"OPIN's Purpose Conference created space for young Pacific Islanders to connect, learn, share, and be exposed to joy. I'm grateful to have been on a panel with professionals from different career paths: a sports agent, a tattoo artist, and a youth justice movement leader. People also had a chance to learn about the importance of addressing mental health challenges from New Zealand musician Sammy Johnson." Last week, NBF President and Founder Eddy Zheng participated in OPIN's first Pacific Islander Youth Empowerment conference as a featured speaker. Thanks, Oakland Pacific Islander Network, for inviting Eddy to join this inaugural event where you're transforming communities by empowering the next generation of leaders!

I couldn't agree more with this statement from Judy Belk, former President & CEO of The California Wellness Foundation: “Make 10% the new 5%. The math never worked for me. Private foundations, whose mission is to serve and deploy resources to the community, are only legally required to give out 5% of their assets annually (excluding staffing and overhead costs) to the community, while holding on to the other 95%... It’s time for philanthropy to give communities a raise by changing the giving floor to at least 10%. Endowments will be smaller, but communities will be stronger.” I'm grateful to be working alongside colleagues from Cal Wellness in my role at New Breath Foundation... to get to be in partnership and push forward ideas like these regularly, about how to transform philanthropy for the greater good. https://lnkd.in/gaVFEeDz