With the arrival of spring comes a season of new beginnings and rebirth. The temperature starts to get warmer, flowers start to bloom, and creatures start form their hibernation during the winter. Welcoming the season is Qingming Jie a traditional holiday celebrated in China and by the Chinese communities around the world. 

Tomb-Sweeping and Honoring Ancestors 

The English translation for Qingming Jie is Tomb-Sweeping Day, which is the most important tradition of the holiday. In the countryside, families visit their ancestral tombs and clear away the fallen leaves, cut growing weeds, and leave offerings such as food or incense. The purpose is to honor our ancestors, showing respect to those who came before us. In larger cities, the rituals are often simplified, but the traditions remain. In places such as Beijing and Shanghai, families instead clear the graves and place fresh flowers down in front of them.  

Other traditions include spending time with family on a Taqing. Taqing, translated, means to tread on green, or go for a walk in the spring. While not exclusive to Qingming Jie, Taqing is considered one of the holiday’s customs. Since the falls in early spring every year, families spend time outdoors after tomb sweeping, enjoying each other’s company and welcoming the new season. Another tradition is kite flying. One custom is to write your name on a kite and cut it loose while it was still in the air. An alternative is to light lanterns, letting them fly away through the night. This tradition is thought to bring good luck, as the lanterns carry misfortunes with them into the sky. 

Lam Center for Cultural Exchange and Roots Discover 

In partnership with the Cangdong Cultural Heritage Conservation and Development Center (CCHCDC) the Guangdong Harmony Community Foundation is undergoing a conservation project to restore the Lam Center for Cultural Exchange and Roots Discovery. The Lam Center is a group of four heritage buildings located in Tangbianli, Pengjiang District, Jiangmen City. Architects from Southern China created the original structure utilizing multiple building techniques and materials from different architects and craftsmen. It is decorated with beautifully rendered wood, stone, brick, and clay, with ceramic carvings and stained glass decorating the hall. It is a work of collaboration, reflecting all the architectural techniques of Southern China. 

The Lam Center’s restoration will provide community public welfare and cultural services to the surrounding communities by providing activities such as martial arts and lion dancing lessons. On a macro scale, Guangdong Harmony Community Foundation hopes that by restoring the Lam Center, it will enrich community activities, connect the global Chinese diaspora, and promote Chinese culture.  

Learn more about the Lam Center and contribute to this valuable initiative here.  

The post Celebrating the Past Through Qingming Jie appeared first on Give2Asia.

Empowering Communities in the Pearl River Delta 

Nestled in the heart of the Pearl River Delta, one of China’s most economically developed regions, the Guangdong Harmony Community Foundation (Harmony Foundation) is dedicated to fostering a thriving civil society. Founded by local entrepreneurs and scholars, the foundation serves as a public welfare hub, working alongside diverse organizations and individuals to address key community challenges. Through its extensive experience in funding and mobilizing communities, Harmony Foundation enhances local capacity to drive sustainable development. 

Give2Asia has proudly partnered with Harmony Foundation since 2020, supporting its mission through multiple grant projects. As part of a recent staff offsite, members of Give2Asia’s team from the U.S. and Beijing had the opportunity to visit the foundation’s facilities, engage with its staff, and witness the direct impact of its initiatives. This visit provided valuable insights into the foundation’s innovative approaches to community development and reinforced the importance of investing in locally led solutions. 

A Community-Driven Approach to Development 

At the heart of Harmony Foundation’s work is a belief that community development must be led by its people. By engaging residents in meaningful ways, the foundation fosters governance structures that reflect local needs and ensure long-term sustainability. Rather than implementing solutions from the top down, Harmony Foundation identifies and empowers individuals and organizations within the community, enabling them to drive change from within. 

Currently, the foundation focuses on two critical issues in the Pearl River Delta region: 

• Community Climate Change Response: This initiative helps underprivileged communities mitigate the direct and indirect risks posed by climate change. By raising awareness and shaping public opinion, the program strengthens local capacity to address environmental challenges effectively. 

• Migrant Children Community Education: Many children of migrant workers face social and emotional hurdles when integrating into their new urban environments. This project provides resources and support to help children build relationships, develop social-emotional learning skills, and feel a stronger sense of belonging. 

Harmony Foundation also plays a vital role in capacity building within the philanthropic sector. It integrates professional development into all its projects and provides tailored learning systems for those interested in advancing social impact work. By investing in people, the foundation ensures that change is not only effective but also enduring. 

Stories of Transformation 

The impact of Harmony Foundation’s work is best reflected in the stories of the individuals it has empowered. One such example is Mr. Bean, a painter who once worked in a mass-market art factory. Struggling with depression, he found a new purpose within the community by creating public artworks for residents. Over time, his role evolved into leading art therapy sessions for local children, demonstrating how personal transformation can ripple through a community. 

During the Give2Asia staff visit, team members also had the opportunity to hear firsthand from a long-time resident who has lived in the community for 19 years. She shared how the foundation’s efforts have dramatically improved her neighborhood and pointed out some of her favorite public art pieces—visible from her kitchen window—as a testament to the program’s impact. 

Observations from the Staff Visit 

The Give2Asia team met with Harmony Foundation staff and visited several community centers, including projects supporting professional development for nonprofit leaders. One standout initiative was the Mastering, Philosophy, Science (MPS) Program, a set of learning courses designed for professionals in the philanthropic and social sectors. Through this program, participants gain new skills to enhance their work, with some even going on to establish their own nonprofits. 

The visit reinforced the importance of connecting with local beneficiaries. Grant Operations Manager Annly Duong reflected, “Meeting the people whose lives have been transformed by these initiatives was incredibly inspiring. It’s one thing to read about the impact but witnessing it firsthand underscores the importance of supporting community-led efforts.” 

Senior Philanthropy Advisor Tiffany Cao highlighted the broader implications of the visit. “Seeing the creativity and resilience within these communities reinforced the value of investing in locally driven solutions. The Harmony Foundation is not just providing aid—it’s cultivating leaders who will continue to strengthen their communities for years to come,” she said. 

Zhang Rong, the Director of Partnership Development from Harmony Foundation also shared her perspective on the collaboration. “At Harmony Foundation, we believe that true change happens when communities are empowered to take action themselves. Our partnership with Give2Asia helps us expand our reach and provide critical resources to those who need them most.” She continued, “It was a pleasure to host the Give2Asia team and showcase the work we are doing to build a more sustainable future together.” 

Strengthening a Lasting Partnership 

Since becoming a Give2Asia grantee in 2020, Harmony Foundation has completed five grant projects with two more on track to start this year, each amplifying its efforts to build resilient communities in the Pearl River Delta. The foundation’s commitment to community-led change aligns closely with Give2Asia’s mission of supporting locally driven philanthropy. 

Through continued donor support, Give2Asia can help expand Harmony Foundation’s reach, ensuring that more individuals and organizations receive the resources they need to drive meaningful change. To learn more or get involved, contact your philanthropy advisor or request a consultation. 

By working together, we can help build stronger, more resilient communities—one empowered individual at a time. 

The post Strengthening Civil Society: Give2Asia Staff Visit the Guangdong Harmony Community Foundation appeared first on Give2Asia.

Throughout the world, millions of underprivileged individuals struggle to build stable, fulfilling lives. The reasons for their circumstances vary. Some face difficulties such as financial hardship and lack access to job opportunities. Others face social discrimination or are held back by their limited education. From migrant workers to single parents to people with disabilities, they face systemic barriers preventing them from achieving financial independence or stability.  

Livelihood services play a crucial role in bridging these gaps, providing essential skills, financial literacy, and job opportunities that empower individuals to support themselves and their families. By equipping at-risk communities with the tools to build sustainable careers and self-sufficient lives, these programs create long-term, transformative change.   

Many organizations are leading the way in providing these vital livelihood services. Below, we explore the impactful work of three such organizations that are improving lives through education, employment support, and social inclusion. 

One-Forty: Supporting Migrant Workers in Taiwan, China 

Migrant workers in Taiwan face significant challenges, including financial instability, limited job opportunities, and social discrimination. One-Forty is dedicated to addressing these issues by equipping migrant workers with the education and resources they need to build sustainable livelihoods. 

One-Forty has two core programs that that directly address these challenges: 

• Migrant Learning Network Program: provides online and offline courses in entrepreneurship, financial management, language, and computer science. The program helps them to develop practical skills that they can use both in Taiwan and in their hometowns.   
• DEI Public Advocacy program: aimed at combating discrimination, the program organizes events that produce mutual understanding, compassion, and empathy between the migrant workers and the Taiwanese community. These events include concerts, exhibitions, and interactive sessions, portraying migrant workers as more than just laborers. 
  

Since 2015, One-Forty has helped over 5,000 workers complete educational programs, and currently reaches 92,000 individuals through its courses. Workers who have completed their training have created businesses and found lucrative jobs, learning new skills which can be transferred back to their hometowns. Additionally, over 200,000 Taiwainese natives have participated in cultural events, promoting greater acceptance of migrant workers into the Taiwanese community. 

Social Health Growth Ltd: Empowering Single Parents in Singapore 

Single-parent families, particularly unwed mothers, often face immense challenges in securing stable employment and providing for their children. In Singapore, Social Health Group Ltd. (SHG) is committed to supporting these families by fostering self reliance and financial independence.  

SHG’s programs focus on equipping single parents with essential life skills, including: 

• Mentoring and Empowerment Courses – These courses help parents build resilience and confidence, enabling them to secure meaningful employment and provide for their families. 
• Financial and Computer Literacy Training – Parents learn how to manage expenses, create budgets, and apply for jobs by writing effective cover letters and resumes. 
• Educational Support for Children – SHG offers enrichment courses to help children develop a positive approach to learning and academic success.
  

With more than 9,500 beneficiaries to date, SGH has played a pivotal role in transforming lives. Many participants have returned to SHG to become coaches and mentors, passing on the support and knowledge they once received to help others achieve financial stability and personal growth. 

Eden Social Welfare Foundation: Lifting Up the Disabled in Taiwan, China 

There are over 1.2 million disabled individuals in Taiwan who struggle to get by with their impairments. These individuals have difficulty finding work and living on their own, causing a loss of independence, and decreasing their confidence in taking care of themselves. Eden Social Welfare Foundation confronts this issue by providing vocational training and employment services to disabled individuals.  

ESWF has three programs which take care of disabled individuals: 

• Elephant Circle — Identifies disabilities at an early age and works with schools to bolster self-confidence and promote positive learning environments. 
• Eden Shelter Workshop — Provides training and career guidance to disabled individuals and helps integrate them into ordinary workplaces. 
• Evergreen Home — ESWF takes in elderly over 65 years old, some of whom have dementia and visual impairments, and provides them with home-care services.
  

The services ESWF provides disabled individuals not only promotes social inclusion and self-worth but also provides them with the skills needed for professional development. Their work is a testament to the power of employment in fostering dignity, self worth, and independence.  Their work is a testament to the power of employment in fostering dignity, self-worth, and independence. 

The Transformative Power of Livelihood Services 

Providing at-risk communities with access to livelihood services is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change. Programs like those offered by One-Forty, SHG, and ESWF not only help individuals build financial stability but also empower them to take control of their futures and contribute positively to their communities. 

Discover more about our partners and join us in supporting these life-changing initiatives today. 

The post Improving Livelihoods: Empowering At-Risk Communities to Thrive appeared first on Give2Asia.

Renewal, Wisdom, and Adaptability in Action 

As we celebrate the arrival of Chinese New Year, 2025 brings us the Year of the Snake—a symbol of adaptability, renewal, and wisdom. The Year of the Snake reminds us to embrace change, nurture growth, and seek wisdom in our endeavors. These values align with our commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through innovative programs tailored to their needs. This Chinese New Year, consider making a contribution to our newest signature initiative: the Rural Healthy Family Program. 

Renewing Hope Through Health 

The newly launched Rural Healthy Family Program focuses on improving health in rural China by addressing the widespread prevalence of hypertension, which affects 1 in 4 adults. Despite the high rates of this condition, control rates are alarmingly low—just 10.6% in rural areas compared to 17.4% in urban centers. Through a family-centered health management model, education, and community-based interventions, this program embodies the spirit of adaptability and renewal by offering at-risk families the resources they need to thrive. 

Building on the successes of our Rural Doctors TCM Training Program, this initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes in rural China. By training local doctors in traditional and modern practices, we have already laid the foundation for stronger healthcare systems in underserved regions. The Rural Healthy Family Program expands on these efforts by directly addressing chronic conditions like hypertension. Since the launch of the first pilot in April 2024 serving 2,000 families across 40 villages, the number of residents with elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 22% and 15%, respectively.  

The Year of the Snake’s emphasis on wisdom speaks to the importance of informed action. Give2Asia leverages decades of experience, data-driven insights, and expertise from local partners such as the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to design impactful programs. With ACC’s resources and support, we are equipping rural communities with the best tools to address hypertension, fostering healthier families and more resilient communities. 

A New Year, A Renewed Purpose 

As we welcome the Year of the Snake, we invite you to reflect on how adaptability, renewal, and wisdom can guide your journey in the coming year. Consider joining us in making a difference to create healthier and stronger communities across China. 

From all of us at Give2Asia, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful and prosperous New Year. 

Donate now to make an impact. 

Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái! Happy New Year! 

The post Chinese New Year 2025: Welcoming the Year of the Snake appeared first on Give2Asia.

New initiative aims to improve hypertension control and reduce cardiovascular disease in rural China 

Give2Asia, a leading nonprofit focused on strengthening communities across Asia, is proud to announce the launch of the China Rural Healthy Family Program. This innovative program seeks to address the growing crisis of hypertension in rural China, where medical resources are limited, and families often face significant health and economic burdens due to cardiovascular diseases. 

Hypertension affects 1 in 4 adults in China, yet only 16.8% of cases are controlled. The disparity is even more striking in rural areas, where control rates are just 10.6% compared to 17.4% in urban centers. To combat this challenge, the China Rural Healthy Family Program introduces a scalable, community-based model that empowers families to take an active role in their health. 

Transforming Rural Health, One Family at a Time 

The program centers on a family health management model, where trained family health instructors collaborate with family health managers (selected family members) and local village doctors. Together, they monitor blood pressure, promote healthy lifestyle changes, and distribute essential tools like blood pressure monitors, low-sodium salt, and weighing scales. Educational resources, supported by the American College of Cardiology, further enhance community awareness and prevention efforts. 

The program’s pilot phase, launched in 2024 in Ruyang, Henan Province, has already shown promising results. In just one month, the number of residents with elevated blood pressure levels in participating villages decreased by 22% for systolic and 15% for diastolic measures. These early successes demonstrate the program’s potential to create lasting change in rural communities. 

Expert Partnerships for a Healthier Future 

The China Rural Healthy Family Program is made possible through collaboration with world-renowned experts, including the American College of Cardiology (ACC), Prof. Craig Anderson (President-elect of the World Stroke Organization), and Prof. Du Xin from Beijing Anzhen Hospital. Their expertise ensures the program’s effectiveness and professionalism, while Give2Asia’s monitoring and risk control measures guarantee sustainable impact. 

Join Us in Building Healthier Communities 

With an estimated cost of RMB 56,000 yuan ($8,000) per village annually, this program provides a highly scalable solution to improve rural health outcomes. Expanding to a new county—supporting 40 villages and approximately 2,000 households—requires RMB 2.24 million yuan ($320,000). Together, we can bring this life-changing program to more families and communities. 

About Give2Asia 

Give2Asia is a nonprofit organization that works with donors and local organizations to strengthen communities across Asia. Since 2001, Give2Asia has facilitated over $500 million in charitable contributions to initiatives in education, healthcare, disaster resilience, and more. The China Rural Healthy Family Program represents Give2Asia’s commitment to addressing critical health challenges and creating opportunities for long-term community well-being. 

The post Give2Asia Launches the China Rural Healthy Family Program appeared first on Give2Asia.

The Ongoing Need for Rural Healthcare 

In many rural areas of China, access to high-quality healthcare remains a challenge. Local doctors are often the first and only line of defense for families facing illness or injury. However, many rural healthcare providers lack the specialized training needed to offer comprehensive care. In fact, there were approximately 599,000 village health stations operating in 2021, staffed by around 967,000 personnel, with only 1.81 licensed doctors per 1,000 patients in rural areas, compared to 3.37 in urban areas. 

The Rural Doctors TCM Training Program was established to help bridge this gap by equipping doctors with advanced skills in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a widely accepted and affordable form of healthcare in these regions. In 2021, TCM consultations accounted for 42% of all consultations at village health stations, with more than 500 million consultations annually. TCM has proven to be an effective treatment for diseases like pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, pharyngeal abscesses, diabetes, and helicobacter pylori-related gastric disorders—conditions that rural populations often face. 

Since its launch, the program has been working tirelessly to ensure that rural doctors can provide holistic care, blending modern medical techniques with traditional healing practices. By supporting this program, you help doctors address both acute and chronic health needs, benefiting the entire community. 

Latest Successes in Zhangzhou and Beyond 

We are excited to share that the Rural Doctors Program recently completed another successful training cycle in Zhangzhou. Out of 396 enrolled trainees, 387 doctors completed the rigorous curriculum, maintaining the program’s impressive 98% completion rate. This achievement adds to the program’s growing impact, having now trained over 2,300 rural doctors across seven locations in China. 

These newly trained doctors will return to their communities, better equipped to diagnose and treat a range of conditions. Whether it’s providing herbal remedies for common ailments or guiding patients through rehabilitative care, these healthcare professionals are improving lives—one patient at a time. These efforts are contributing to more equitable healthcare across rural China, ensuring treatments that are both effective and accessible. 

The benefits of the Rural Doctors TCM Training Program stretch far beyond individual success stories. Each graduate brings a ripple effect of positive change to their community, helping reduce disparities in healthcare access between rural and urban areas. This program ensures that healthcare is available to those who need it most, especially in regions where quality care has historically been hard to reach. 

How You Can Help  

As 2024 comes to a close, we invite you to join us in supporting this life-changing program. Your donation will directly fund the training of more rural doctors, helping to provide lasting solutions to healthcare challenges in underserved regions of China. Through your generosity, rural doctors can keep making an impact—delivering care, hope, and healing to their communities. 

Visit our campaign hub to learn more about how you can contribute to the Rural Doctors TCM Training Program and make a meaningful difference this giving season. 

The post Supporting Rural Healthcare: The Impact of the Rural Doctors TCM Training Program appeared first on Give2Asia.

Welcome to the Give2Asia End-of-Year Fundraising Campaign Hub! This page details our campaign fundraising goals and progress, links to relevant content, and information on upcoming in persona and virtual events.

Our Goal

Our goal is to raise $100,000 (USD) by the end of the year to support crucial initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Check back here for status updates! 

Priority Initiatives

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Rural Doctors Program

Developed in partnership with local charitable groups, this program provides TCM training and resources to healthcare professionals working in rural areas to help provide better care to more isolated communities. Learn More  & Give

Disaster Preparedness Fund

We believe that natural hazards do not have to lead to disasters. As a warming planet continues to create climate events that are increasing in frequency and intensity, communities throughout China must be better prepared to face the onslaught of catastrophes with resilience. Give2Asia works to increase the capacity of local community-based organizations in mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Taiwan to prepare for disasters and build sustainable programming to address long-term climate challenges. Learn More & Give

Give2Asia Bridges Fund

Give2Asia is the largest advised grantmaking organization into China. This is thanks to the incredible team we have built in Beijing and to the long track record we have built since 2001 as a funder to local causes in China. Last year we granted $25 million into China for meaningful programs that build an important connection with the 2nd most populous country in the world. The Give2Asia Bridges Fund will allow us to dream bigger to build new exchange programs in the areas of Arts & Culture and a range of other important issues. Learn More & Give

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