AACI has been honored as the 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year for its commitment to advancing health equity in Santa Clara County.
Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) has been recognized as the 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, who represents District 26. This accolade was announced in a recent press release.
AACI is among over one hundred nonprofits being celebrated by state senators and assemblymembers for their exceptional contributions to local communities across California.
“At AACI, we believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, culturally responsive care,” stated Sarita Kohli, CEO and President of AACI. “This recognition as a California Nonprofit of the Year reinforces the importance of supporting the health and well-being of our diverse community. We are grateful to Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens for this award, and we are proud to continue advancing health equity in Santa Clara County.”
The award underscores AACI’s commitment to providing culturally responsive care to diverse populations in the region.
Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits), which sponsors the initiative, also expressed his congratulations. “We are grateful for the work of AACI and want to extend our congratulations for this well-deserved recognition,” Green said. “Nonprofits are among our country’s most trusted organizations and an integral part of civil society. There’s likely never been a more important time to lift up the contributions nonprofits make within the communities they serve.”
Founded in Santa Clara County, AACI has been a trusted community organization for 50 years, serving tens of thousands of individuals annually through integrated health and social service programs. With a multilingual and multicultural workforce operating across several clinics and community sites, AACI provides essential services to the diverse South Asian and broader Asian American diaspora.
The organization’s offerings include primary care visits, behavioral health services, survivor support programs, and community outreach initiatives that address not only clinical needs but also challenges such as housing, food access, and financial stability. Last year, AACI served more than 14,800 patients and clients across San Jose.
The California Nonprofit of the Year initiative, now in its eleventh year, allows each state legislator to honor a nonprofit organization within their district. These organizations not only provide vital community services but also represent a significant economic force within the state.
According to a forthcoming report titled Causes Count 3.0, produced by CalNonprofits, the nonprofit sector stands as the third largest employer in California. Approximately 1.5 million Californians are employed by nonprofit organizations, which collectively generate over $430 billion in annual revenue through the state’s 110,000 501(c)(3) public charities.
This recognition of AACI highlights the critical role that nonprofits play in enhancing community health and well-being, particularly in diverse populations.
For more information, please refer to the press release from Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens.