The Asia Foundation

What The Asia Foundation does

The Asia Foundation is a 501(c)(3) international nonprofit development organization founded in 1954 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. Operating through 17 permanent country offices across more than 20 countries in Asia and the Pacific, the Foundation delivers programming in six core areas: Governance, Economic Growth, Education and Leadership, Environmental Resilience, International Cooperation, and Women's Empowerment. It serves national and subnational governments, civil society organizations, women and girls, micro/small/medium enterprises, and bilateral and multilateral development agencies, with a mission-driven, locally embedded staff model. Notable flagship initiatives include the AccelerateGrowth program for women entrepreneurs, the India-U.S. Triangular Development Partnership (TriDeP), the APAC Cybersecurity Fund, the She Can financial literacy program, and Cyber Clinics with Sri Lankan universities.

The Foundation's revenue model is grant-based and does not involve selling products or services. Funding is drawn from four streams: foundation and corporate grants (e.g., Google.org, H&M Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation, DBS Foundation), bilateral government agencies (UK DFID, Australian DFAT, New Zealand MFAT, US Department of Commerce, US Trade Representative, Global Affairs Canada), multilateral development agencies (e.g., GIZ), and individual donations through the Lotus Circle and President's Leadership Council programs. The Foundation's "product" architecture is programmatic rather than software-based: services are designed and implemented through direct partnerships with host-country governments, civil society, and local implementing partners, with delivery and impact measured through its Evaluation and Learning function.

The Foundation's competitive position is anchored in 70+ years of continuous in-country presence, a Board-governed structure, and a Strategy 2030 framework. Leadership is headed by President and CEO Laurel E. Miller, supported by VPs for Finance/CFO, Programs and Innovation, Strategic Partnerships, and COO. Recent strategic activity includes $20 million in cumulative Google.org grants (February 2024 and June 2025), a Lao Women's Union MOU for women, peace and security work in Laos (January 2026), a Visa partnership for Cambodia tourism MSMEs (February 2026), and contribution to Malaysia's National Care Strategic Framework (November 2025).

Name

The Asia Foundation

Legal name

The Asia Foundation

Website

https://asiafoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The Asia Foundation is a 501(c)(3) international development nonprofit operating across 20+ Asia-Pacific countries through 17 country offices, delivering programs in governance, economic growth, education, environmental resilience, international cooperation, and women's empowerment, funded by governments, foundations, and corporate partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Development Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

International Affairs (9721), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors) (BPADAOAB), Development Cooperation & Foreign Aid Administration (BPAIAIAG), Institutional Capacity Building & Training (Workforce/Systems Strengthening) (BPADAEAC), International Development & Donor-Funded Education Programs (EDADALAB)

Keywords

• International development programs
• Governance and policy reform
• Women's empowerment initiatives
• Economic growth programs
• Environmental resilience programs

Headquarters

HQ city

San Francisco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices22 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Foundation and Corporate Grants: The Asia Foundation receives funding from foundations and corporations through grants and partnerships to implement development programs across Asia and the Pacific.
2. Bilateral Government Funding: Funding from bilateral government agencies such as the UK Department for International Development, Australian DFAT, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and US government agencies.
3. Multilateral Development Agency Funding: Support from multilateral development agencies and international organizations.
4. Individual Donations: Individual giving through the organization's donation platform, including the Lotus Circle donor program and President's Leadership Council.

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Asia Foundation is a 501(c)(3) international development nonprofit that designs and implements long-term development programs across Asia and the Pacific. It delivers six core program areas—Governance, Economic Growth, Education and Leadership, Environmental Resilience, International Cooperation, and Women's Empowerment—through 17 permanent country offices, partnering with governments, civil society, and donor institutions. Its work is funded by grants from bilateral and multilateral development agencies, private foundations, corporations, and individual donors.

Product overview

The Asia Foundation operates as a unified nonprofit development organization structured around six core program areas: Governance, Economic Growth, Education and Leadership, Environmental Resilience, International Cooperation, and Women's Empowerment. Rather than a traditional platform-plus-modules product architecture, the Foundation offers interconnected programmatic initiatives including the AccelerateGrowth program for women entrepreneurs, the APAC Cybersecurity Fund for digital resilience, the India-U.S. Triangular Development Partnership (TriDeP), the She Can financial literacy program in Indonesia, and cyber clinics with Sri Lankan universities. These programs work together across more than 20 countries through 17 permanent country offices to improve lives and expand opportunities throughout Asia and the Pacific.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lotus Circle: A vibrant community of committed individuals and organizations supporting work to strengthen economic, social, and political rights and opportunities for women and girls in Asia. By joining the Lotus Circle, with an annual gift of $1000 or more, supporters help transform the lives of women and girls across Asia.

Products and services

• Governance Programs Programs that foster responsive, effective, and accountable institutions in government and civil society that promote economic growth and long-term stability, delivered in partnership with national and local government partners across Asia and the Pacific.
• Economic Growth Programs Programs partnering with governments, businesses, and local organizations to advance workforce skills and policy reforms that reduce barriers for businesses and workers, targeting micro, small, and medium enterprises and inclusive economic growth.
• Education and Leadership Programs Programs investing in the next generation through education and literacy initiatives, leadership development, exchanges, and fellowships, including the Let's Read literacy initiative for children across Asia.
• Environmental Resilience Programs Programs supporting smarter land use, modern infrastructure, and efficient resource management to prepare for and mitigate natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and resource demands, including PET recycling and 3RProMar marine environment pilots in Cambodia.
• International Cooperation Programs Programs strengthening cooperation through APEC, ASEAN, and other organizations to solve economic and nontraditional security challenges that move across borders, including the Asian Approaches to Development Cooperation (AADC) dialogue with KDI School and triangular partnerships.
• Women's Empowerment Programs Programs advancing the rights, security, and opportunities of women and girls through evidence-based approaches that expand women's economic opportunities, increase women's rights and security, and advance women's political participation.
• She Can Program Financial literacy education and entrepreneurship training program for women in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, funded by DBS Foundation and running through 2027 with a target of reaching 80,000 women.
• AccelerateGrowth Program Multi-country program supporting women entrepreneurs in Asia with focus on rural women and those who have migrated to urban areas, facilitating access to buyers, markets, financial and technology training, and leadership support.
• India-U.S. Triangular Development Partnership (TriDeP) Program enhancing India's development cooperation footprint in Asia and the Pacific, with focus on disaster risk reduction, sustainable agriculture, and energy sectors.
• APAC Cybersecurity Fund Regional initiative to strengthen the cybersecurity ecosystem in Asia and the Pacific by equipping MSMEs and nonprofits with skills to navigate cyber threats and operate securely in the digital age, with funding from Google.org and partner Trainocate Malaysia.
• Cyber Clinics Initiative Partnership with Sri Lankan universities to establish cyber clinics where MSMEs can access technical expertise, training, and tailored guidance on cybersecurity.
• Lotus Circle Structured individual giving community supporting women's economic, social, and political empowerment programs in Asia, with annual gifts of $1,000 or more.

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• VisacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaunched Vee Together program to strengthen Cambodia's tourism MSMEs, supporting small businesses in the tourism sector.
• US Department of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity Upskilling Initiative, providing digital skills training primarily for women and girls.
• Office of the U.S. Trade RepresentativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Indo-Pacific Economic Framework supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
• Australia Indonesia Partnership for Justice Phase 2 (AIPJ2)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting restorative justice framework in Makassar and prison reform initiatives in Indonesia.
• Overseas Development InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing Economic Dialogue on Inclusive Growth Program in coordination with Bangladesh Planning Commission.
• Oxfam in Timor-LestecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner for Digital Youth in Timor-Leste study on online lives of young Timorese.
• Love FrankiecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner for Digital Youth in Timor-Leste study, focusing on youth digital experiences.
• ALFeLa (Aid for Legal Aid)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal women's and children's legal aid organization supported through Nabilan Program for ending violence against women.
• KDI SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint organizer of Asian Approaches to Development Cooperation (AADC), bringing together development experts from Asia and beyond.
• Lao Women's UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to advance women, peace and security agenda in Laos, supporting ASEAN Regional Plan of Action implementation.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• FHI 360: Large US-headquartered international development nonprofit delivering governance, education, health, and economic growth programs across Asia and globally. Directly comparable in funding model (bilateral + foundation grants), program pillars, and US-government donor base.
• Pact: International nonprofit focused on integrated development across governance, health, environment, and economic opportunity in Asia and Africa. Comparable as a US-headquartered INGO with bilateral US/UK funding and country-office implementation model.
• Mercy Corps: Global humanitarian and development nonprofit operating across Asia-Pacific with programs in governance, economic recovery, and women's empowerment. Similar multi-country INGO structure, donor mix (USAID, DFID, foundations), and program breadth.
• IREX: International nonprofit focused on education, leadership, and governance with significant Asia programming. Closely comparable in mission (education + governance), US-headquartered INGO structure, and bilateral/foundation funding model.
• Winrock International: US-based nonprofit implementing agriculture, environment, education, and governance programs across Asia. Comparable as a multi-pillar US INGO with similar funding mix and field-implementation model in the region.
• World Learning: US-headquartered nonprofit running education, leadership, and exchange programs globally, including Asia. Closely comparable in education + leadership + exchanges focus and US-government / State Department funding streams.
• Counterpart International: US-based INGO operating civic engagement, governance, and economic empowerment programs across Asia-Pacific. Comparable in mission, US-headquartered structure, and bilateral/foundation funding model.
• Plan International: Global INGO with deep Asia-Pacific operations focused on children's rights, education, and women's empowerment. Comparable in women/girls focus, country-office footprint across Asia, and individual + institutional donor model.

Broad incumbents

• Chemonics International: Largest US-based international development consulting firm implementing USAID and DFID contracts globally, including in Asia. Comparable in delivery model and donor base, though structured as a for-profit contractor rather than a grant-recipient nonprofit.
• RTI International: US-based nonprofit research and international development institute implementing donor-funded programs in governance, education, and economic growth across Asia. Comparable in donor mix (USAID, DFAT, foundations) and Asia-Pacific footprint, but with a heavier research orientation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@TheAsiaFoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-asia-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/asiafoundation
• Xx.com/asia_foundation
• Facebookfacebook.com/asiafoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Asia Foundation