The Asia Foundation
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1954
- HeadquartersSan Francisco, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
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).
The Asia Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- 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
The Asia Foundation industry classification
Industry- 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
Where The Asia Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Francisco
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices22 records
Markets served
The Asia Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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.
- Multilateral Development Agency Funding: Support from multilateral development agencies and international organizations.
- 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
The Asia Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore 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.
Companies that use The Asia Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Asia Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Asia Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- VisacoreLaunched Vee Together program to strengthen Cambodia's tourism MSMEs, supporting small businesses in the tourism sector.
- US Department of CommercecoreImplementing Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity Upskilling Initiative, providing digital skills training primarily for women and girls.
- Office of the U.S. Trade RepresentativecorePartner in Indo-Pacific Economic Framework supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
- Australia Indonesia Partnership for Justice Phase 2 (AIPJ2)coreSupporting restorative justice framework in Makassar and prison reform initiatives in Indonesia.
- Overseas Development InstitutecoreImplementing Economic Dialogue on Inclusive Growth Program in coordination with Bangladesh Planning Commission.
- Oxfam in Timor-LestecoreResearch partner for Digital Youth in Timor-Leste study on online lives of young Timorese.
- Love FrankiecoreResearch partner for Digital Youth in Timor-Leste study, focusing on youth digital experiences.
- ALFeLa (Aid for Legal Aid)coreLocal women's and children's legal aid organization supported through Nabilan Program for ending violence against women.
- KDI SchoolcoreJoint organizer of Asian Approaches to Development Cooperation (AADC), bringing together development experts from Asia and beyond.
- Lao Women's UnioncorePartnership 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
The Asia Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
The Asia Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceThe Asia Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Asia Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
The Asia Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors1 record
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The Asia Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about The Asia Foundation
What does The Asia Foundation do?
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.
Is The Asia Foundation a public or private company?
The Asia Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Asia Foundation founded?
The Asia Foundation was founded in 1954. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is The Asia Foundation based?
The Asia Foundation is headquartered in San Francisco, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Asia Foundation make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Foundation and Corporate Grants are the primary driver. The others are bilateral Government Funding, multilateral Development Agency Funding and individual Donations.
Who are The Asia Foundation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are FHI 360, Pact, Mercy Corps, IREX, Winrock International, World Learning, Counterpart International and Plan International. Broad incumbents are Chemonics International and RTI International.
Does The Asia Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Asia Foundation.
What industry is The Asia Foundation in?
The Asia Foundation's product category is International Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAH, International Grantmaking & Development Foundations, with a secondary code of BPADAOAB, Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors). Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 9721.