Chinese Charities in New York, NY

The W.O.W. Project emerged in New York, NY in 2016 as a response to the urgent need to preserve Chinatown's creative culture amid rapid gentrification and displacement pressures. Founded by Mei Lum, this women, non-binary, queer, and trans-led initiative operates from a deep commitment to sustaining community ownership over Manhattan's Chinatown and centering the leadership of young women and nonbinary youth in building collective power. At its heart, The W.O.W. Project is driven by a core mission to create intergenerational spaces where conversations cross age gaps and seed mutual understanding. The organization envisions a future of Chinatown that prioritizes the voices and visions of marginalized community members, particularly young people and LGBTQ+ individuals, while fostering solidarity across broader Asian American communities. This vision extends beyond New York, NY to build connections of understanding and collective empowerment that transcend neighborhood boundaries. What distinguishes The W.O.W. Project is its integrated approach to cultural work and activism—recognizing that arts and culture are not separate from community survival and resistance, but essential to it. Through artist residencies, youth development, public art installations, community events, and mutual aid practices, the organization weaves together cultural celebration with practical support for those facing displacement. The W.O.W. Project represents a model of community-based cultural work that actively resists erasure while creating spaces where Chinatown residents can imagine and build the neighborhood they want for themselves and future generations.

For more than 30 years, Committee of 100 has established itself as a preeminent leadership organization serving the New York, NY community and beyond. Founded on the principle that Chinese Americans should have full and equal participation in all aspects of American life, the organization brings together influential leaders from diverse professional backgrounds including business, government, academia, healthcare, and the arts. Committee of 100's mission extends beyond individual advancement to foster meaningful dialogue and understanding between the United States and Greater China. The organization believes that by empowering Chinese American leaders and facilitating their engagement in civic and public policy matters, it can create positive change at multiple levels. Members of Committee of 100 are united by a commitment to philanthropy and community service, working collaboratively to address pressing issues and build bridges across cultural and geographic boundaries. The organization's unique position as a gathering place for prominent Chinese Americans has enabled it to influence important conversations and initiatives that benefit both their community and the nation. Through sustained commitment to its dual missions, Committee of 100 has earned recognition as a trusted voice in discussions about immigrant integration, cultural identity, and international relations.