About

Why FISH?

FISH

What is FISH?

FISH (Fund for Indian Subcontinent Heritage) is an initiative started by Americans of South Asian heritage that aims to positively impact California’s Central Valley.

FISH was founded in 2017 and is currently housed under the Central Valley Community Foundation. FISH identifies and contributes toward specific needs within a non-profit organization, especially if they impact South Asians.

In addition to collaborating with local organizations to bring awareness of social issues, FISH aims to:

Encourage South Asians to be more philanthropic.
Set a positive example for future generations.
Uplift the community as a whole.

Though FISH represents South Asian heritage, it is inclusive and does not discriminate against race, color, national origin, gender, and religion. FISH highly encourages people of different backgrounds to participate in its activities. It is in FISH’s mission to encourage community bonding.

Do you know of a cause or need at a non-profit organization that you think FISH should consider supporting?

E-mail info@fishfund.org

A FOCUS On Domestic Violence in Our Community

After learning that local South Asian women and children often seek help from the Marjaree Mason Center, the founding members of FISH have identified domestic violence as one of the most urgent issues that need to be addressed in our community.

There has recently been a considerable spike in domestic violence situations stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic and a significant decrease in funding, contrary to popular opinion.

South Asian women, in particular, are exceptionally vulnerable to underreporting domestic violence. Cultural differences between eastern and western values, acclimation difficulties, and powerfully patriarchal culture are some factors responsible for enabling domestic violence. Keeping the family intact is often prioritized over an individual’s well-being.

We can break the cyclical behavior of violence from continuing generation to generation through education, awareness, and providing support.

FISH will continue to identify other immediate needs in our community and will consider the following factors in deciding which non-profit(s) to support:

An organization’s mission and target population are aligned with FISH’s goals.
The organization and its programs address a clearly identified and compelling need.
The organization’s program model is effective.
The backgrounds, qualifications, and experience of the organization’s leadership seem suited to the task at hand.
The organization’s budget makes sense, given what it is trying to accomplish.
The money is being used appropriately and effectively.

What difference does it make when I donate to FISH?

By supporting FISH, you are helping more than a non-profit organization. FISH has started a charitable movement in the South Asian community. The benefits of supporting FISH:

Build awareness of social issues around us.
Identify causes that the South Asian community wants to support collectively, not just individually.
Fund specific needs within a non-profit organization, especially if they impact South Asians.
Inspire our youth to be involved in social causes.
Shatter negative perceptions of the South Asian community.
Build a sense of community and social bond with people from different backgrounds.
Help FISH grow and do more good in our community.

FISH is a 100% volunteer-run operation. All donations made to FISH at the Central Valley Community Foundation are put toward philanthropic endeavors that the FISH board members deem worthy.