Cathay Bank Foundation
The Cathay Bank Foundation is the philanthropic affiliate of Cathay Bank supporting affordable housing, community and economic development, and education in the bank’s service territories (multiple states). The foundation’s site provides mission information, grant focus, scholarship announcements, and application guidance.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A nonprofit focused on affordable housing, community/economic development, or education within Cathay Bank’s service territories (especially California), seeking operating support at small-to-mid grant sizes and able to be nominated or connected to a Cathay Bank or Foundation officer.
Good Fit
- • Programmatically aligned with affordable housing, community development, or education.
- • Located in California or another state within the bank’s service area.
- • Has or can develop a relationship with a Cathay Bank officer, branch, or existing grantee.
- • Seeks operating support or flexible general operating funding at modest award sizes.
Geography
The latest year shows multi-state activity with grants recorded in 13 states; however 70% of dollars were concentrated in California, indicating a strong statewide focus within a broader multi-state footprint.
Recipient Variety
In 2024 the foundation funded 223 distinct recipients (all new that year), demonstrating a broad and diverse recipient set rather than a small closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct giving behavior in 2024 shows many new grantees, but the foundation’s publicly stated rule that unsolicited requests are not accepted and that organizations must be invited means unfamiliar applicants will likely need a relationship or nomination to gain access.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
