National Coalition for Asian Pacific

380: Neighborhood and Place-based Strategies - National CAPACD is building the capacity of trusted, culturally competent, and linguistically capable community-based organizations through a combination of group training and individualized technical assistance focused on business counseling and micro-lending practice, as well as training and peer learning opportunities related to planning and policy that support neighborhood economic stabilization. This body of work consists of three interrelated programs:(1) The Our Neighborhoods program supports member organizations in building community power through strategies such as tenant organizing, neighborhood organizing, and civic engagement.(2) The Small Business program builds capacity for member organizations engaged in small business counseling, lending, and district stabilization efforts. (3) National CAPACD's AA and NHPI Creative Placemaking Learning Circle engages organizations from across the country that center creative and culturally-aligned strategies for advancing equitable development in AA and NHPI communities. Partnering with artists, storytellers, and culture bearers, these organizations employ creative strategies that include supporting local businesses, planning and protecting public spaces and other cultural assets, and building community connections to encourage a deeper exploration of the neighborhood and promote economic development and community safety. (4) The Cultural Anchors Program was launched in Fall 2024. National CAPACD recognizes that our members often lack sustained funding or technical knowledge to preserve, protect and build their communities in a comprehensive way. The Cultural Anchors program offers sustained investment and peer technical assistance supports over three years to build the capacity of invited AA & NHPI-serving place-based organizations to advance comprehensive community development through the integration of small business district stabilization, community organizing, community planning, community real estate development, and creative placemaking.

330: Policy & Leadership Development - National CAPACD works with our member organizations and national partners to advance policies that impact low- and moderate-income AA and NHPIs and promote the equitable development of neighborhoods. We advocate on various community development issues and build partnerships with other national civil rights and advocacy organizations. We work to address the racial wealth divide, protect consumers, and prevent the displacement of low- and moderate-income residents and small businesses because of gentrification.National CAPACD creates opportunities for community leaders to engage in the civic process and advocacy efforts. In particular, through our annual policy advocacy fellowship program, Community in the Capital (CITC), we train and cultivate leaders to increase the national presence and visibility of AA and NHPI community-based organizations, cultivate and develop emerging leaders, and bridge the gap between local and federal policy advocacy.

360: Asset Building & Financial Capability - National CAPACD invests in local organizations that improve the financial security of low- and moderate-income communities and broaden opportunities for building wealth. The program uses multigenerational and culturally appropriate approaches to support financial education, coaching, and products that allow participants to save while building credit.

335: Community Resilience Fund -National CAPACD launched the Community Resilience Fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in anti-Asian hate. This fund directed national resources to local, low-income communities with limited access to federal and philanthropic funding, supporting economic relief and recovery efforts, as well as racial healing and solidarity aimed at advancing equitable community reinvestment. Additionally, National CAPACD focuses on deepening our staff's knowledge and expertise in support of these efforts within our coalition through the implementation of an aligned staff development plan and community engagement opportunities.

320: Membership and Capacity Building - As a coalition, membership is the backbone of National CAPACD's work. We are committed and accountable to the organizations that join our coalition. Dues-paying member organizations benefit from opportunities to connect and convene with other groups across the country, receive technical assistance and capacity-building support, and collectively shape and inform our policy priorities.

325: Building CAPACD Convention - The Building CAPACD Convention is one of the largest gatherings of community development practitioners, community organizers, policymakers, and private-sector partners working in and advocating for low-income AA and NHPI communities and neighborhoods. At the Building CAPACD Convention, we bring together hundreds of participants from across the country to connect, learn, and strategize to create change locally and nationally.

340: Lobbying - National CAPACD supported efforts to advocate for policies, programs, and investments that serve to advance our mission and advance the economic and social empowerment of low-income AA and NHPIs, equitable development of AA and NHPI neighborhoods, and further our vision of economic and social justice for all. This work is implemented through direct advocacy efforts with elected officials and mobilization of member organizations to participate in these efforts.

375: Climate - National CAPACD joined three leading national partners working in community development to assess and build the capacity of respective local networks and member organizations to respond to the climate crisis. Together, partners conducted a landscape analysis by collaborating with local community-based organizations to thoroughly assess each community's technical assistance and resource needs for climate adaptation. This was achieved through one-on-one engagement, community convenings, focus groups, and research on key stakeholders.