Press Release
ICYMI: Indian American Impact Fund’s Exciting Week Mobilizing South Asian Support Following Kamala Harris’s Presidential Bid Announcement
For Immediate Release:
July 29, 2024
Contact:
Sarah Shah | sarah@iaimpact.org
ICYMI: Indian American Impact Fund’s Exciting Week Mobilizing South Asian Support Following Kamala Harris’s Presidential Bid Announcement
The organization launched its Desi President campaign, driving hundreds of volunteers and hundreds of thousands in donations.
Washington, D.C. — The Indian American Impact Fund, a leading national political organization and prominent voice for Indian and South Asian Americans, has had an exhilarating week following Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential bid announcement. The organization has swiftly mobilized South Asian support through strategic initiatives and community engagement, tapping into the energy and dedication of the South Asian American electorate.
In just one week since Vice President Kamala Harris launched her bid for the presidency, Indian American Impact Fund has taken significant actions:
- Immediately endorsed Kamala Harris for President, with the endorsement shared in a Harris campaign press release
- Launched www.desipresident.com as a one-stop-hub for the South Asian American electorate to support Kamala Harris, featuring a volunteer hub, merch store, and digital content library
- Held a planning call with South Asian electeds and community leaders to chart the path forward
- Joined forces to support South Asian Women for Harris and South Asian Men for Harris Zoom fundraisers that raised $300,000+ and reached 10,000+ people
- Hosted a South Asian Community Organizing Kickoff Call with hundreds of volunteers, effectively mobilizing participants and immediately plugging them into action
- Circulated a letter of support for Harris from South Asian elected leaders across the country with 70+ signatures
- Announced its first South Asian national phonebank in collaboration with They See Blue PA with 250+ volunteer signups
- Launched a Desi President WhatsApp community with nearly 1,000 volunteers to immediately organize grassroots efforts across the country
Chintan Patel, Executive Director of Indian American Impact Fund, said, “The past week has been a testament to the energy and dedication of the South Asian American community. We are committed to harnessing this momentum to support Kamala Harris and ensure our voices are heard in this pivotal election.”
Selected stories in the press:
- The Lesser Known Side of Harris’s Identity: Asian American, NYTimes
- Kamala Harris has America focused on multiracial identity, AP
- ‘Her extraordinary origin story could help expand the base’: Diverse donors race to help Harris make history, CNN
- Organization helps rally Asian American and Pacific Islander voters in PA. behind VP Harris, 6ABCPhiladelphia
- South Asian Americans are excited for potential Kamala Harris presidential nomination, KATU TV
- US presidential election energizes fast-growing Indian American community, Voice of America
About Indian American Impact Fund:
The Indian American Impact Fund is dedicated to promoting and elevating the voices of Indian and South Asian Americans in the political and civic life of the United States. As the second-largest immigrant community and the largest Asian ethnic group, Indian and South Asian Americans are poised to be the decisive margin of victory in key races.
Since its inception in 2016, Indian American Impact Fund has endorsed and supported 166 candidates across the country, contributing to the historic rise of Indian and South Asian American representation in politics. Through strategic investments, grassroots organizing, and robust voter mobilization and policy advocacy efforts, Impact has marshaled upwards of $20 million, amplifying the voices of South Asian Americans and driving positive change in communities nationwide. By advocating for inclusivity, equity, and justice, we strive to build a more inclusive and equitable society.