Iowa Asian Alliance

What Iowa Asian Alliance does

Iowa Asian Alliance (IAA) is a West Des Moines, Iowa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2003 that serves as the unifying umbrella for 16+ Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) ethnic communities across Iowa. Its core products are two large annual cultural festivals — CelebrAsian held at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines (60,000–65,000 attendees per year since inception) and AsianFest held at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids (10,000+ attendees), both free-admission. The organization supplements these flagship events with the Pho King Cookoff (a 9th-edition ticketed winter fundraiser), the CelebrAsian Scholar Program (up to five $1,000 scholarships annually), and ancillary sports and STEM programming (table tennis tournament, sepak takraw, robotics competition).

IAA's business model is a hybrid event-and-sponsorship nonprofit model. Revenue streams include tiered corporate sponsorships (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Media — with named sponsors such as Veridian Credit Union, Transamerica, Collins Aerospace, Alliant Energy, and Cricket Wireless), vendor and exhibitor registration fees, individual donations via the Zeffy platform, ticketed event revenue (Pho King Cookoff), and small tournament entry fees. The organization is operated largely by volunteers under a small staff (11–50) and a Board of Directors with representation from major Iowa employers (Nationwide, John Deere Financial, Bankers Trust) and civic leaders; Honorary Chairman is former Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray.

IAA's go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: it uses its 16 village organizations, social media (Facebook, Instagram), email, volunteer portals (VolunteerLocal), and earned media to drive attendance and sponsor engagement. There is no proprietary technology platform; the organization distributes its services exclusively through physical festival venues in Iowa. Customer segments span AAPI community members and families, 16 ethnic village organizations, festival vendors/SMBs, corporate sponsors, and scholarship recipients. The organization is regionally focused (Iowa only) with no disclosed geographic expansion plans.

Name

Iowa Asian Alliance

Legal name

Iowa Asian Alliance

Website

https://iowaasianalliance.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Iowa Asian Alliance is a West Des Moines-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit uniting 16+ AAPI communities across Iowa through two major annual festivals (CelebrAsian and AsianFest), scholarship programs, and corporate sponsorship platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Cultural Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (81341), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts Education & Community Arts Programs (BPAGAHAC)

Keywords

• Community event management
• Cultural festival organization
• Nonprofit community programs
• AAPI community outreach
• Scholarship and education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Des Moines

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors pay tiered sponsorship fees (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Media) to gain brand visibility at CelebrAsian and AsianFest festivals, reaching 65,000 and 10,000+ attendees respectively. Sponsors gain premium visibility and access to the AAPI workforce and consumer base.
2. Vendor & Exhibitor Fees: Food and non-food vendors pay registration fees to participate in CelebrAsian and AsianFest. Fees vary by vendor category and event.
3. Individual Donations: The organization accepts individual donations via online forms (Zeffy) and checks, described as supporting the continuation of CelebrAsian as a free admission event.
4. Pho King Cookoff Event Revenue: The 9th Annual Pho King Cookoff sells tickets (VIP and General Admission) for a winter food festival event at Local Bites in Downtown Des Moines.
5. Table Tennis Tournament Fees: Registration fees for table tennis tournaments at CelebrAsian range from $10 to $30 per event, with cash prizes awarded to top finishers.
6. CelebrAsian Scholar Program: The organization awards up to five $1,000 scholarships to students, funded through donations and sponsorships designated for the scholarship program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Iowa Asian Alliance is a nonprofit community organization that produces Iowa's largest Asian American cultural festivals — CelebrAsian in Des Moines (60,000+ attendees) and AsianFest in Cedar Rapids (10,000+ attendees) — and runs the annual Pho King Cookoff fundraiser, the CelebrAsian Scholar scholarship program, table tennis and Takraw tournaments, and an FTC robotics competition. Its core service is convening 16 ethnic AAPI communities under one umbrella to deliver free cultural programming, leadership development, and economic integration across Iowa.

Product overview

Iowa Asian Alliance operates as a cultural community organization rather than a technology product company. Its primary offerings are event-based programs: the CelebrAsian Festival (Iowa's largest Asian American event featuring cultural exhibits, food, and entertainment), AsianFest (Eastern Iowa's cultural festival in Cedar Rapids), the annual Pho King Cookoff fundraiser, the CelebrAsian Scholar scholarship program, and various sports activities including table tennis and Takraw tournaments. The organization does not offer a software platform, SaaS product, or technology solution.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CelebrAsian: Iowa's largest Asian American annual heritage festival featuring cultural exhibits, authentic food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Held at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines.
• AsianFest
• Pho King Cookoff

Products and services

• CelebrAsian Festival Iowa's largest Asian American annual cultural festival held at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines (typically Memorial Day Weekend), drawing 60,000–65,000 attendees for free-admission authentic Asian food, cultural village exhibits, live entertainment, sports tournaments, robotics competition, and family activities. Aimed at Iowa AAPI community members, families, and the general public.
• AsianFest Annual Asian cultural festival hosted by IAA's Eastern Iowa Chapter at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids each September, drawing 10,000+ attendees for free admission. Features local food vendors, cultural villages, Kids Zone, live performances, and a fashion show. Targeted at Eastern Iowa AAPI community members, families, and general attendees.
• Pho King Cookoff Annual pho cooking competition and ticketed fundraiser (VIP and General Admission) held at Local Bites in Downtown Des Moines during winter, featuring unlimited pho stations, a coconut challenge, cash bars, and entertainment. Must be 21+. Aimed at adult Iowans seeking a culinary and cultural fundraiser experience.
• CelebrAsian Scholar Program

Quantifiable outcome

• CelebrAsian has grown from 10,000 to over 60,000 attendees since its inception in 2003.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Veridian Credit UnionflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Veridian Credit Union is a Platinum Sponsor of CelebrAsian 2026, providing financial support in exchange for premium brand visibility at Iowa's largest AAPI event.
• TransamericacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Transamerica is a Gold Sponsor of CelebrAsian 2026, supporting the festival to reach the AAPI consumer base and workforce.
• Alliant EnergycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Alliant Energy is a Silver Sponsor of AsianFest 2025, supporting Eastern Iowa's premier AAPI cultural festival.
• Collins AerospaceflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Collins Aerospace was the presenting sponsor of the 9th and 10th Annual AsianFest (2023 and 2024), serving as the title sponsor for Eastern Iowa's largest AAPI festival.
• RicochetcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Ricochet sponsors the CelebrAsian Team Table Tennis Tournament, contributing $500 to the prize pool for the team event.
• Paddle PalaceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Paddle Palace provides Nittaku 3-Star Nexcel 40+ balls for the CelebrAsian Table Tennis Tournament.
• Cricket WirelessminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Cricket Wireless is a Silver Sponsor of AsianFest 2025.
• Riverside Casino & ResortminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Riverside Casino & Resort is a Silver Sponsor of AsianFest 2025.
• VestWise Financial ServicesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025VestWise Financial Services is a Silver Sponsor of AsianFest 2025.
• WabtecminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Wabtec is a Silver Sponsor of AsianFest 2025.
• Wired Production GroupminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Wired Production Group is a Silver Sponsor of AsianFest 2025.
• The Annex GroupminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025The Annex Group is a Bronze Sponsor of AsianFest 2025.
• Bankers TrustminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Bankers Trust is a Bronze Sponsor of AsianFest 2025.
• CRAAR (Commercial Realtors Association)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025CRAAR is a Bronze Sponsor of AsianFest 2025.
• CRBT (Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025CRBT is a Bronze Sponsor of AsianFest 2025.
• ZenBusinessminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025ZenBusiness is a Bronze Sponsor of AsianFest 2025.
• Lamar Advertising CompanyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Lamar Advertising Company is a Media Sponsor of AsianFest 2025, providing advertising/marketing support.
• The GazetteminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025The Gazette is a Media Sponsor of AsianFest 2025, providing press/media coverage.
• Iowa Sister States (Yamanashi Committee)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025The Japan America Society of Iowa works closely with Iowa Sister States Yamanashi Committee as part of Japanese cultural outreach programming at CelebrAsian.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Asian American Federation: A New York-based umbrella nonprofit that unites 70+ AAPI community organizations to advance community well-being, policy advocacy, and civic engagement. Closely comparable to IAA's model of convening multiple AAPI ethnic communities under one organizational roof.
• OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates: National AAPI advocacy organization with local chapters, focused on community service, civic participation, and cultural programming. Comparable as a multi-level AAPI nonprofit that runs local events and chapters across diverse communities.
• Korean American Coalition (KAC): A Los Angeles-based Korean American community nonprofit running civic engagement, leadership programs, and large cultural events. Comparable to IAA as an AAPI community organization producing recurring large-scale festivals and advocacy programming.
• Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA): A San Francisco-based AAPI nonprofit focused on community advocacy, immigrant rights, and multilingual civic engagement. Comparable as a regional AAPI nonprofit driving community programming and serving multiple ethnic subgroups.
• Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA): A Korean American cultural center offering exhibitions, performances, festivals, and educational programs. Comparable to IAA's community arts and cultural festival programming with a regional nonprofit structure.
• Chinese American Citizens Alliance (CACA): A historic Chinese American civic organization with local lodges that runs cultural events, community service, and advocacy. Comparable as a community-based AAPI nonprofit with cultural programming and multi-chapter structure.
• Japanese Cultural Center of Chicago (JCCC): A Midwest-based Japanese American cultural center offering community classes, cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals. Comparable to IAA as a Midwest AAPI cultural nonprofit running large-scale community programming with an active event calendar.

Broad incumbents

• Japanese American Citizens League (JACL): The oldest and largest national Asian American civil rights organization, focused on advocacy, education, and community programming. Overlaps IAA's cultural preservation and civic engagement mission at a national scale, with longer history and broader scope.
• Asia Society: A global educational and cultural organization promoting understanding of Asia through arts, education, business, and policy programs. Overlaps IAA's cultural programming mission at a much larger institutional scale with global reach.

Emerging players

• National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP): A national AAPI leadership and professional development nonprofit with local chapters running events, networking, and cultural programming. Partial overlap with IAA's community-building mission, primarily through professional/career programming rather than cultural festivals.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles28 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Iowa Asian Alliance