Organization

Cambodian American Community Council of Washington


The Cambodian American Community Council of Washington (CACCWA) is a nonprofit umbrella organization for Cambodian American groups in Washington State.[1] It is a 501(c)(3) organization based in the Puget Sound area, and its member organizations stretch from Lynnwood to Vancouver, Washington.[1][2] Its work centers on unity across ethnic lines, cultural preservation, partnerships and building the capacity of its member groups.[3]

History

CACCWA was founded in 2015, during a community gathering in Seattle to mark the 40th anniversary of the Cambodian genocide. The gathering brought together community members and leaders of several generations from across the state, and they formed the council to serve Cambodian Americans, preserve their cultural identity and meet the needs of present and future generations.[3] A nonprofit profile gives 2019 as the year the organization was established.[4]

Since its founding the council has held annual scholarship and graduation ceremonies for Cambodian American students, along with yearly cultural events.[3] Its Education Committee plans the Scholarship and Graduation Event; in 2022 graduating students registered and applied for scholarships by May 15.[5] During the COVID-19 pandemic, CACCWA ran relief efforts for Cambodian American families.[3] The council says that in nine years it grew from a grassroots group into a trusted messenger in the Cambodian American community.[3]

In 2024 CACCWA provided outreach, technical support, business support and emergency response services to the Khmer community of Washington, and it served businesses in Snohomish, King, Pierce, Thurston and Clark counties. That year it reported revenue of $763,300 and expenses of $801,400. More than 95 percent of its revenue came from government grants, with funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and the City of Seattle.[4]

Programs

CACCWA runs three main programs.[1] The Digital Navigator Program offers technology support and digital literacy education, with a learner-focused approach suited to the culture of its learners. The council launched its Digital Navigator work with the Equity in Education Coalition and later with the Washington State Broadband Office.[1][3] The Small Business Resiliency Network, run with the Washington State Department of Commerce, gives technical assistance to Cambodian-owned small businesses.[1][3] Through the Labor & Industries Small Business Project, the council helps local businesses meet state rules and improve workplace safety and health.[1][3]

The council also holds community forums with the University of Washington, and it works with the Seattle Office of Emergency Management to help the Cambodian American community prepare for emergencies.[3] With the University of Washington's Southeast Asia Center, it has held seminars and community gatherings, including a Sihanoukville port visit on trade and port operations. The center's internship program, launched in the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year, included a partnership with CACCWA. Verizon has supported the council through partnerships and grants.[2]

Member organizations

CACCWA works with organizations across Washington State whose missions match its own. Together they run programs, sponsor events and create other opportunities. Member organizations take part in the council's general meeting and help elect its board.[6]

Fiscal sponsorship

CACCWA is the fiscal sponsor of Save Khmer at UW, a grassroots campaign to raise $100,000 to keep the Khmer Language Program at the University of Washington running. Gifts to the campaign are made through the council.[7]

Community events

CACCWA was part of the community collective behind the first Seattle Mariners Cambodian Heritage Night, held at T-Mobile Park on September 24, 2026. The Khmer Language Arts and Culture Academy anchored the event, and a portion of ticket sales was set aside for the academy and its work to save Khmer language classes.[8][9]

Board (2026)

Board members listed in a nonprofit profile in January 2026.[4]

  • Chunneath Kravanh
  • Sarah Morgan
  • Laura Vong

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Cambodian American Community Council of Washington, home page
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Cambodian American Community Council of Washington, Community partners
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Cambodian American Community Council of Washington, History
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Impala, Cambodian American Community Council of Washington profile (January 2026)
  5. ↑ Cambodian American Community Council of Washington, Education
  6. ↑ Cambodian American Community Council of Washington, Member organizations
  7. ↑ Save Khmer at UW, Givebutter campaign page
  8. ↑ Stayhappening, Seattle Mariners Cambodian Heritage Night listing
  9. ↑ International Examiner, September 2026 events calendar

Sources

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This page was last edited on 26 September 2026, at 23:25.