API Middle Tennessee

What API Middle Tennessee does

API Middle Tennessee is a 501(c)(3) public charity incorporated in 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee, that serves the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community across the Middle Tennessee region, including Davidson, Montgomery, Rutherford, Williamson, Cheatham, Robertson, Sumner, and Wilson counties, plus Clarksville. The organization operates as a community-led nonprofit with a mission of working toward racial justice by building API community, lifting API voices, and celebrating API identities. It is led by Executive Director Joseph Gutierrez and a nine-member volunteer Board of Directors chaired by Jing Geng.

The organization's core offerings center on recurring programming rather than technology products. Flagship initiatives include monthly Third Thursday social gatherings at rotating API-owned venues, the annual API Heritage Month Arts Festival at the Frist Art Museum, the Red Envelope Dinner series, the I'm Inspired Book Review Contest for K-12 students, voter registration and civic engagement resources, and cultural heritage month celebrations. It also runs advocacy coalitions such as Education for All Tennessee and partnerships with the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association. Content includes the 2021 Voices Report and ongoing blog coverage of community events.

Revenue derives from four streams: tax-deductible individual donations via Give Lively, ActBlue, Venmo, and Cash App; institutional grants from funders including Metro Arts Nashville; on-demand branded merchandise sold through the organization's online shop ($20 t-shirts, $24-$36 sweatshirts, $22 tote bags); and ticketed events such as the $65 Kamayan Feast and Mahjongg lessons. The go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, reaching constituents through social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok), a monthly email newsletter, blog content, and a dense network of venue and community partners across Nashville and surrounding counties.

Name

API Middle Tennessee

Legal name

API Middle Tennessee

Website

https://apimidtn.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

API Middle Tennessee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving the Asian and Pacific Islander community across Middle Tennessee through community events, cultural programming, civic engagement, advocacy, and educational initiatives like the I'm Inspired Book Review Contest.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Advocacy Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations (BPAGAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Public Art, Arts Councils & Grantmaking Programs (BPAGAHAH)

Keywords

• Community nonprofit services
• Cultural event programming
• Civic engagement advocacy
• Heritage month celebrations
• Community building events

Headquarters

HQ city

Nashville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations supporting the nonprofit's mission. Accepts donations via Give Lively (secure.givelively.org), ActBlue, Venmo (@apimiddletn), and Cash App ($apimidtn).
2. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including t-shirts ($20), sweatshirts ($36), pride shirts ($24), and voter tote bags ($22). Products made on demand to reduce overproduction.
3. Event Tickets: Ticket sales for special events like Red Envelope Dinners (e.g., at Chuntey 615 on July 23rd) and Mahjongg lessons including materials.
4. Grants: Funding from Metro Arts Nashville and other institutional funders for specific projects like arts festivals, mental health initiatives, and community programming.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

API Middle Tennessee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds API community, lifts API voices, and celebrates API identities in Middle Tennessee through community events, advocacy, cultural programming, voter engagement, and a directory of API-owned businesses. Revenue is generated through donations, grants, branded merchandise sales, and ticketed cultural events such as the Red Envelope Dinner series.

Product overview

API Middle Tennessee is a nonprofit organization that operates as a merchandise-based supporter program rather than a technology product company. The organization sells branded merchandise including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tote bags across multiple product lines: general API Middle Tennessee branded apparel, annual Pride shirts, and the API Voter series promoting civic engagement. These products are sold through an e-commerce shop with prices ranging from $20 to $36, and proceeds support the organization's mission of working towards racial justice by building API community, lifting API voices, and celebrating API identities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Red Envelope Dinners: Curated dinner series highlighting Asian and Pacific Islander culture through food and storytelling
• I'm Inspired Book Review Contest
• More Than A Menu

Products and services

• API Middle Tennessee Shirt

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 150 books collected and over $14,000 raised for school librarians to purchase API books through 2022 book drive
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

39 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Nashville SoundsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPI Heritage Night at First Horizon Park featuring API artists and fireworks to kick off API Heritage Month.
• National Museum of African American MusicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmplified Heritage event exploring cultural intersections of African American and API cultures.
• MaeMax MarketminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecial Kamayan Feast event featuring traditional Filipino dinner with proceeds supporting API Middle Tennessee.
• Korean American Association of Greater NashvillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosting community events including the Korea vs Mexico World Cup Watch Party at Korea BBQ & Sushi. Mutual collaboration on cultural programming for the API community.
• MahjvilleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-presenting introduction to American Mahjongg events to support API community building. Joint ticket sales for Mahjongg lessons.
• SNAP (Special Needs Activity Professionals)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-presenting Mahjongg introduction events alongside Mahjville and API Middle Tennessee.
• Fido CafécoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing partnership hosting Pacific Family Gallery exhibitions and Bahay Filipino art collections. Venue for Third Thursday events and community gatherings.
• Greater Nashville Chinese AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsoring the I'm Inspired Asian & Pacific Islander Book Review Contest for K-12 students. Partnered on API book drive that collected over 150 books and raised over $14,000.
• Nashville Chinese SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsoring the I'm Inspired Book Review Contest and API book drive initiatives with Greater Nashville Chinese Association.
• The Porch Writers' CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsored the 2024 Nashville AAPI Writers Showcase at The Forge, featuring local API writers.
• Breaking Wave Theatre CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative project 'Unspoken; Nashville' bringing local API community members together to write around mental health topics, funded by Metro Arts.
• Vanderbilt UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosting panel discussion on history of AANHPI communities in Middle Tennessee at Nashville Public Library.
• Belcourt TheatreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerScreening venue for DÌDI film with introduction from Partnerships Director Terry Vo and post-screening discussion.
• Banh Mi and Roll +minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPre-movie snacks and drinks venue for DÌDI film screening event.
• National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPI Middle Tennessee is a proud partner advocating for more mental health services in the API community. Organization participates in Mental Health Awareness Month programming.
• Education for All TennesseecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of organizations protecting access to K-12 public education for every child regardless of immigration status. API Tennessee is part of this coalition fighting HB0793/SB0836 and HB1711/SB2108 bills.
• API ClarksvillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated chapter building community in Clarksville and Montgomery County. Joint programming for API Clarksville Celebration events.
• API MurfreesborocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated chapter doing work in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County with joint community events.
• API TennesseecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide parent organization expanding API community work across the Volunteer State. Joint events including Nashville Predators API Music Heritage Night.
• Frist Art MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue for Annual API Heritage Month Arts Festival featuring food, K-pop DJ, market vendors, and cultural performances.
• Nashville PredatorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPI Music Heritage Night at SMASHVILLE where $10 from lower bowl and $5 from upper bowl tickets donated to API Tennessee.
• Nashville Soccer ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPI Night with Nashville SC at GEODIS Park featuring local API heroes and artists throughout the match.
• Gong chaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue for Third Thursday Social events with 20% off drink coupon for RSVPs.
• A-ROIminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThai and sushi restaurant venue for Third Thursday social events with complimentary drink opportunities.
• Mama Yang & DaughterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGermantown restaurant venue for Third Thursday community gathering with dumplings and boba.
• Blu Bliss Boba and BakeryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoba café venue for monthly Third Thursday Social events on White Bridge Pike.
• Eat BubblesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInside L&L Market, venue for Third Thursday and holiday potluck events.
• ELEVEN11minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue for Lunar New Year Third Thursday celebration with Nashville Symphony Lunar New Year Ensemble.
• East CreameryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIce cream social venue at 1006 Fatherland St for Third Thursday community gathering.
• Sarabha's CreameryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNashville's first homemade Indian ice cream spot, venue for Third Thursday with free scoop for survey completion.
• 615chuTNey (Chuntey)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue for Red Envelope Dinner Series showcasing API culture through food and storytelling.
• Bliss Blend Studio and Ben VituallaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBen Vitualla curates Bahay Filipino art collections at Fido Café for Filipino American History Month.
• Growing Together Farmers MarketminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPI Middle Tennessee hosted table at farmers market with API cultural recipes including Pad Kra Pao and Lao dishes.
• Migrant Equity SoutheastminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeorgia-based immigrant rights organization API Tennessee is solidarity with following Hyundai ICE raids. Sharing resources and donation links.
• Asian Americans Advancing Justice AtlantaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of resource network for immigrant communities following ICE raids on South Korean nationals.
• Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide immigrant rights coalition API Middle Tennessee works with on advocacy.
• Tennessee Justice for Our NeighborsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTennessee immigrant rights organization in resource network for API community advocacy.
• Chinese Arts Alliance of NashvilleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLunar New Year celebration at Centennial Park co-promoted for API community events.
• Frist Art MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue for Pacific Family Gallery featuring artists with origins in Asia-Pacific regions, including Jerry Bedor Phillips, Heather Moulder, Nozomi Takasu, and others.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• API Tennessee: Statewide parent/affiliated AAPI community organization in Tennessee. Direct peer sharing events (e.g., Nashville Predators API Music Heritage Night), audience, and mission, with API Middle Tennessee operating as its Middle Tennessee chapter.
• Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition: Statewide immigrant rights coalition that API Middle Tennessee explicitly partners with on advocacy and immigrant community resource sharing. Comparable as a Tennessee-based nonprofit advancing immigrant civic participation.

Broad incumbents

• Asian Americans Advancing Justice: National AAPI civil rights organization running voter registration, advocacy, and civic engagement programs. Comparable in mission to API Middle Tennessee's Lifting Voices pillar, but at national scale and broader portfolio.
• Asian American Federation: National pan-Asian American nonprofit that produces research, advocacy, and philanthropic reports documenting funding gaps like the 0.2% figure cited by API Middle Tennessee. Operates a similar nonprofit-support and advocacy role at broader scale.

Regional players

• Korean American Association of Greater Nashville: Local Nashville-area Korean American community association that co-hosts cultural programming with API Middle Tennessee (Korea vs Mexico Watch Party). Serves an overlapping but ethnically narrower audience in the same geography.
• Greater Nashville Chinese Association: Local Chinese-American community organization co-sponsoring the I'm Inspired Book Review Contest and book drive with API Middle Tennessee. Comparable community-building mission for an overlapping API subsegment.
• Nashville International Center for Empowerment: Nashville-based immigrant and refugee services nonprofit serving a broader immigrant population. Adjacent peer serving overlapping Middle Tennessee communities through civic engagement and integration support.

Emerging players

• National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association: National AAPI mental health advocacy organization that API Middle Tennessee publicly partners with for Mental Health Awareness Month programming. Comparable as a niche AAPI community/advocacy nonprofit.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/apimidtn
• Facebookfacebook.com/apimidtn
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/apimidtn
• Instagraminstagram.com/apimidtn
• TikToktiktok.com/@apimidtn

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 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 API Middle Tennessee