National Association of Chinese Americans

What National Association of Chinese Americans does

National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA), operating as NACA, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Federal Tax ID 52-1241805) headquartered at 5483 Redbark Way, Atlanta, Georgia. The national organization was founded in 1977 by Nobel laureate Dr. Cheng Ning Yang; the Atlanta Regional Chapter — the operating entity described here — was inaugurated in 1980 in conjunction with Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping's state visit and has been active for 45+ years. NACA's mission is the advancement of cordial relations between the United States and China, delivered through cultural, educational, and professional development programs that serve Chinese Americans primarily in Georgia and, more recently, Florida.

Core programs include the year-long NACA Leadership Development Program, which pairs Asian-American mentees with senior corporate mentors; the Ko Family Foundation Scholarship Program, which disburses merit-based awards (inaugural 2025 program awarded $26,000 to six recipients); Business Programs and Startup Programs aimed at advancing Asian Americans into corporate leadership (addressing the cited less-than-1% representation gap); and signature cultural events including the Lunar New Year Gala, the Ruby Gala (co-hosted with The Carter Center and CPAFFC in 2019), and the Sapphire Jubilee 45th Anniversary Celebration in 2024. Notable social-impact initiatives include the COVID-19 response that coordinated donation of 88,000 masks to China and 11,000 masks locally, and ongoing donations to Georgia Perimeter College and Good Shepherd Services Atlanta.

NACA's business model is a nonprofit membership-plus-sponsorship-plus-events structure. Revenue is generated from five membership tiers (Student $25, Individual $40, Family $65, Corporate-Sponsored Individual $200, Lifetime $1,000, all annual except lifetime), corporate sponsorships from marquee brands including The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, UPS, and Home Depot, event-based fundraising (galas and banquets drawing 300-350+ guests), tax-deductible donations, and programmatic partnerships such as the Ko Family Foundation scholarship fund. The go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, reaching members via the naca-atlanta.org website, email, Instagram, earned media coverage of signature events, and direct engagement with corporate sponsors and government dignitaries. Leadership transitioned in June 2025 with Nellie Li elected President succeeding Maggie Mers; Chair Lani Wong and founding figures remain active.

Name

National Association of Chinese Americans

Legal name

NACA, Inc.

Website

https://naca-atlanta.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta, serving Chinese Americans in Georgia and Florida through cultural events, scholarships, corporate mentorship, and US-China community diplomacy programs since 1980.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from individual, family, student, corporate-sponsored, and lifetime members provide recurring revenue stream for organizational operations and programs.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Major sponsors including The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, UPS, Home Depot, and others provide financial support for events and programs.
3. Event Fundraising: Annual fundraising banquets and galas including Ruby Gala, Lunar New Year celebrations generate donations and sponsorship revenue.
4. Donations: Tax-deductible donations from members and supporters, including COVID-19 relief efforts raising $13,000 for mask donations.
5. Ko Family Foundation Scholarship Program: Partnership with Ko Family Foundation to distribute scholarships; inaugural 2025 program awarded $26,000 to six recipients; 2026 program distributes two $10,000 and four $1,000-$2,000 scholarships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

NACA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that delivers cultural exchange, leadership development, and scholarship programs for Chinese Americans in Georgia and Florida. Its core offerings include tiered membership (Student, Individual, Family, Corporate-Sponsored, and Lifetime), the Ko Family Foundation Scholarship Program for Chinese American students, the year-long NACA Leadership Development Program pairing mentees with senior corporate mentors, and signature cultural events such as the Lunar New Year Gala, Ruby Gala, and Sapphire Jubilee.

Product overview

NACA (National Association of Chinese Americans) is a non-profit community organization offering a portfolio of cultural, educational, and professional development programs. Its core offerings include the Ko Family Foundation Scholarship Program providing merit-based financial awards to Chinese American students, the NACA Leadership Development Program offering year-long corporate mentoring, and Business Programs targeting Asian-American career advancement. The organization also hosts signature cultural events including the Lunar New Year Celebration, Ruby Gala, and Sapphire Jubilee. Membership tiers provide access to exclusive events and networking opportunities. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving the Atlanta metropolitan area since 1980.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NACA: Primary brand name and acronym for the organization

Products and services

• Ko Family Foundation Scholarship Program Merit-based scholarship program administered by NACA in partnership with the Ko Family Foundation to recognize Chinese American students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement. Targets high school seniors and college students in Georgia and Florida.
• NACA Leadership Development Program Year-long formal mentoring program pairing mentees with senior-level mentors from major Atlanta corporations, including individual sessions, group sessions, and networking opportunities to develop Asian-American professionals for corporate leadership.
• Business Programs Corporate mentoring and professional development initiatives designed to propel more Asian-Americans to top-tier corporate leadership positions through networking, coaching, and skill development.
• Startup Programs Entrepreneurial support initiatives for aspiring Asian-American business owners and startup founders.
• NACA Membership Membership tiers including Student ($25/year), Individual ($40/year), Family ($65/year), Corporate-Sponsored Individual ($200/year), and Lifetime ($1,000), providing access to member-exclusive events, networking opportunities, special offers, and discounts.
• Lunar New Year Gala Annual cultural celebration event featuring traditional performances, community gatherings, and commemorative activities marking the Chinese New Year, held as a signature fundraising event for the organization.
• Ruby Gala Major fundraising gala celebrating US-China relations milestones, co-hosted with The Carter Center and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); the 2019 Ruby Gala featured former President Jimmy Carter and attracted over 350 guests.
• Sapphire Jubilee NACA's 45th anniversary celebration event featuring cultural performances, music, and entertainment commemorating the organization's milestone anniversary.
• China Goes Global Program Event initiative focused on US-China trade and technology competition, featuring a symposium on bilateral economic relations.
• Mentoring Program Mentorship program for community members and emerging professionals, supporting career development and leadership pathways.

Quantifiable outcome

• Inaugural 2025 scholarship program awarded $26,000 to six Chinese American students
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core, minor and flagship.

• The Coca-Cola CompanymajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Title sponsor of Ruby Gala; major supporter of NACA events and programs; Shell Huang from Coca-Cola joined NACA Board in 2026; Ruby Gala sponsor
• Ko Family FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2025Second annual scholarship partnership; inaugural 2025 program awarded $26,000 to six recipients; 2026 program distributes two $10,000 and four $1,000-$2,000 scholarships for Chinese American students in Georgia and Florida
• The Latin American AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2021Partnered for Hispanic Heritage Month Vaccination and Community Resources Fair; cross-cultural community collaboration
• Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association (GAPABA)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 June 2021Co-sponsored Remembering Vincent Chin event with special appearance by Sen. Raphael Warnock; panel discussion on AAPI hate
• Hong Kong Economic & Trade OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 April 2020Ongoing partnership for Dragon Boat Festival and Hong Kong business discussions; NACA sponsored 22nd and 23rd Dragon Boat Festivals; hosted VIP events for HKETO
• Georgia Institute of TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 October 2019ChinaGoesGlobal conference sponsorship; NACA Legal Talent Program at State Bar of Georgia; mentorship program lectures; donated masks to Georgia Tech Shenzhen Campus
• The Carter CenterflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 January 2019Co-hosted Ruby Gala celebrating 40 years of US-China relations; jointly organized international symposium on US-China relations; NACA led VIP dinner for Carter Center China Program activities
• Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 January 2019Co-hosted Ruby Gala with President Li Xiaolin of CPAFFC; ongoing partnership for US-China cultural exchange
• Delta Air LinesmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 January 2019Marquis sponsor of Dragon Album and NACA events; supported inaugural Atlanta-Shanghai flight with Governor's China Mission; attended by Lani Wong on inaugural flight
• UPSmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 January 2019Ruby Gala sponsor; supporter of US-China relations initiatives
• Discover DeKalbminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 January 2019Ruby Gala sponsor; supports NACA community events in DeKalb County
• Hong Kong Association of AtlantacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 March 2017Joint hosting of China One Belt One Road Forum at Carter Center; co-sponsored dragon boat festivals; ongoing collaboration on Hong Kong business promotion
• Wuhan Municipal GovernmentminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 December 2014NACA organized visit agenda for Wuhan delegation; facilitated meeting with City of Atlanta and Invest Atlanta; supports Wuhan-Atlanta sister city relationship
• City of Sandy SpringsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2012NACA advised and accompanied Sandy Springs on first trip to China for sister city relationship with Taicang; facilitated trade mission
• Georgia State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2012NACA Virtual Mentorship Program listed as part of GSU's APIDA Heritage Month; collaboration on Georgia Perimeter College mentorship programs
• Georgia Perimeter CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 February 2012Ongoing education partnership; NACA presented $10,000 donation for International Studies Center and $5,000 for Nursing Scholarship; hosted mentorship program at GSU-Perimeter College Clarkston Campus
• Good Shepherd Services AtlantacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 February 2012NACA presented $5,000 donation for services to underprivileged Asian American community; ongoing support for community services
• Metro Atlanta Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 September 2009Co-sponsored 'Hello China' 60th Anniversary celebration; promoted Canton Fair; business seminars on Hong Kong; ongoing collaboration on US-China business

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC): National AAPI business advocacy and supplier-diversity organization that has recognized NACA-affiliated leaders. Comparable in corporate partnership development and AAPI entrepreneurship support.
• US-China Peoples Friendship Association: National nonprofit dedicated to people-to-people US-China friendship and exchange. Directly comparable in mission to NACA's US-China cultural and diplomatic bridge activities.
• Committee of 100: Nonpartisan leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, and the arts. Comparable to NACA in its US-China bridge mission and elite-member model, though operating at a higher professional echelon.
• Hong Kong Association of Atlanta: Regional Asian-American business and cultural organization in Atlanta. Closely partnered with NACA (co-hosting dragon boat festivals, Belt and Road forums); comparable scale and regional Atlanta focus.
• Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA): National AAPI civic advocacy and community organization serving Chinese Americans across the US. Directly comparable to NACA in mission (community empowerment, leadership development, cultural preservation), with a national chapter footprint where NACA is regional.
• National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP): National AAPI professional leadership and career advancement network. Direct peer to NACA's Leadership Development Program and Business Programs targeting Asian American corporate advancement.

Others

• Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus: Civic and political advocacy network for AAPI communities. Comparable in political representation and civic engagement focus areas that NACA's mission supports.

Broad incumbents

• Asian Americans Advancing Justice: National AAPI civil rights umbrella that has recognized NACA leaders (2015 Community Champion Award). Operates a broader advocacy and legal services portfolio that overlaps with NACA's civic-engagement and representation mission.
• The Carter Center: Global nonprofit co-founded by former President Jimmy Carter. Strategic partner of NACA for the Ruby Gala and US-China programming; relevant as a flagship institutional collaborator rather than direct competitor.

Emerging players

• Japanese American Citizens League (JACL): National AAPI civic rights and community organization for Japanese Americans. Comparable governance and chapter model, though serving a different AAPI ethnic community; useful proxy for mature ethnic-community organization structure.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/naca_atlanta
• Facebookfacebook.com/NACAinUS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/national-association-of-chinese-americans

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about National Association of Chinese Americans