Applications Now Open: 2026 Wellness Grant
You've been looking for this for a while. A place where your kid walks in and doesn't have to explain themselves. Where the kid across the table just gets it, no translating required. Where they belong, and so do you.
That's the table we've been building. And right now, we want to help your family take care of itself.
Wellness has never looked the same for any two people. For one kid it's cooking with a parent until the recipe finally tastes like home. For another it's art supplies, or counseling, or saving up to visit a sibling they miss. It all counts. And if it's been hard lately to put your kid's well-being (or your own) anywhere near the top of the list, you're not the only family feeling that. One in three young people are dealing with mental health challenges right now (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2025), and among AANHPI high schoolers, 34% reported depression in the past year (CALBHBC Policy Brief, 2024). Those aren't statistics to us. They're the reason we do this.
At Asian Girls Ignite, we believe every AANHPI girl and gender-expansive young person gets to decide for themselves what wellness means. Whether your family grew up with your culture close or you're all still finding your way back to it, there's room for you here. We won't define self-care for your kid. We just want to help them fund it.
That's the whole idea behind the Wellness Grant. Now in its third year, four students will each receive $500 to put toward their own self-care, whatever that looks like for them.
Our Wellness Grant was pitched by our Youth Leadership Collective, made possible by a generous grant we received. The idea from day one was a simple one: center our students' wellness, and let them tell us what that means. The first year's submissions showed us how much it mattered, so we're keeping it going. Every way these young people care for themselves deserves to be celebrated out loud.
Wellness Grant details
Who can apply
Colorado middle and high school AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth in grades 6–12 who attended at least two Asian Girls Ignite events during the 2025–2026 school year. That includes community gatherings, our Middle School Program, our High School Program, and the summer program.
New here and not eligible yet? You're still welcome. Come to an event this year (here's what's coming up), and you'll be set to apply next time!
How to apply
Tell us your story in whatever format feels most like you:
A written essay (around 500 words)
A video (5 minutes max)
A voice recording (5 minutes max)
The submission answers one question: How do you define self-care, and how would you use $500 to support your well-being?
If they're not sure where to start, here's how 2025 grantees used theirs:
Books, sound baths, and restorative spa time
Soccer training and competing beyond state lines
Music to bring the whole family together
Key dates
Sunday, October 11, 2026 by midnight — Applications due*
Friday, November 13, 2026 — Grantees notified and invited to the Holiday Social
Saturday, December 5, 2026 — Grantees and their families are invited to attend to our Holiday Social to receive their award
*Submissions stay confidential between staff and reviewers. Depending on what you share, we may need a parent/guardian's okay first.
Your 2026 panel of reviewers
Five people will read your story, and most of them have sat where you're sitting:
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My name is Cindy Chang (she/her) and I am a nonprofit professional and management consultant. My focus is on supporting nonprofit leaders in engaging resources and capacity to further their missions. My passion is in environment and social justice and ensuring everyone in our community has the resources they need to live a fulfilling life. I am first generation American; my parents immigrated to the U.S. from Taiwan in the 1970’s and raised me and my siblings in Wisconsin, and I've called Colorado home since 2009. When I’m not volunteering or working, I am spending time with my husband and daughter (9) and walking our giant dog Bandit multiple times a day. I love baking, yoga, taking long walks, and traveling with my family.
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My name is Chelsey Solemsaas and I am a Filipino American entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Coffee Sarap, Denver's first Filipino coffee shop. Coffee Sarap was started by my business partner, Hannah Cambronero, and I and began our operations as a mobile coffee cart in 2022. After being mobile for 3 years and gaining popularity, we opened our first brick and mortar in January 2025 in Denver. I am a wife to husband of 11 years and a mom of 2 beautiful daughters. For self care, I turn to yoga. Yoga helps me feel grounded in those busy moments between being a mother, wife, and small business owner.
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Hi I'm Jane and I'm a senior in high school! I have been with AGI for three years now and I am beyond excited to be a part of this year's Wellness Grant Panel! My favorite ways to practice self care are spending time with my family and friends and reading a good book while snuggling with my dog!
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Lijin Zhao is the co-founder of Onto Coffee, an Asian-owned specialty coffee shop in the Denver area. She is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where people can connect, feel supported, and build community. Outside of work, some of her favorite ways to practice self-care are spending time with her family and dog, traveling, exploring good food and coffee, and giving herself time to slow down and recharge. She believes wellness can look different for everyone and that even small moments of rest, connection, and joy can make a meaningful difference.
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Hello! My name is Saige Ju (she/her) and I am a biracial Korean and Caucasian American. I was an AGI student for about 5 years before I graduated high school. I am currently a Junior at UCLA studying microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics with a double major in Spanish. My favorite self care/ wellness practices are exploring LA with my friends, creating new dance choreography, going to see Broadway shows with my family and online shopping on prime day (haha!). I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to review AGI wellness grant submissions!
One more thing before you go
If your child is a Colorado AANHPI girl or gender-expansive youth in grades 6–12 who made it to at least two Asian Girls Ignite events during the 2025-2026 school year, this one's for them. Applications are due October 11. Sit down with them this week and start the story together.
Their wellness matters. Yours does too. And we can't wait to celebrate your whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I was awarded the grant in a previous year, can I apply again?
A: No. This is so that we can have other students benefit from the grant.
Q: I applied in a past year but was not awarded the grant - can I apply again?
A: Yes! Please apply again. We purposely give everyone feedback provided from the panel of reviewers and would love for students to apply again.
Q: Does my submission have to be a certain length?
A: Submissions can be submitted in the form of a written statement (approx. 500 words), a video (5 min max), or a voice recording (5 min max).
Q: How will I receive my scholarship funds?
A: Students will be rewarded $500 prepaid gift card.
Q: Who will be reviewing submissions and choosing recipients?
A: Your submissions will be reviewed by a panel of 5 impartial Reviewers. The panel of Reviewers can consist of students (who did not apply for a scholarship), Asian Girls Ignite Lotus Collective members, past storytellers, board members, and Asian Girls Ignite supporters in the community.
Q: Why is Asian Girls Ignite doing this?
A: Asian Girls Ignite is passionate about supporting student wellness. It brings us great joy to bring you joy. We love getting to know more about you and love learning about your self-care/wellness activities and rituals. What activities help you feel grounded and connected to yourself? We want to know!
About Asian Girls Ignite
Founded in October 2020, Asian Girls Ignite is a non-profit organization that provides educational programs for AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth to celebrate their individual and collective power. We use storytelling to empower the next generation to write their futures in their own voice. Our programs and events nurture social-emotional learning to help our students grow in resilience, empathy, and self-awareness.
