bUILDING A SUPPORTIVE, EMPOWERED, AND ENGAGED AFGHAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

Advancing the Afghan-American community through education and outreach, and promote civic and social engagement

about us

2025 aaco SCHOLARSHIP program

The 2025 Afghan-American Community Organization Scholarship Program applications closed Tuesday, April 1st at 11:59 PM PST.

The Afghan-American Community Organization Scholarship Program was established in 2018 in close collaboration with generous community members. Scholarships support students committed to the betterment of the Afghan-American community and those engaged in aid work. Since the scholarship program's inception, we have proudly awarded nearly $300,000 in scholarship funds. Last year, we awarded $30,000 available to eligible graduate, undergraduate, and vocational students.

legal advocacy SUPPORT for AFGHAN IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

At AACO, we are committed to advocating for the rights of Afghan immigrants and refugees, particularly during these uncertain times.

In a recent conversation with Emily McCabe of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Commission on Immigration, Spojmie Nasiri, AACO Board member and immigration attorney, shed light on the current immigration landscape for Afghans. Together, they discussed the ongoing challenges and complexities of immigration policies, aiming to combat misinformation and provide clarity on how these changes affect our community.

Additionally, AACO, in collaboration with The 5ive Pillars and MCC East Bay, hosted an informational session led by immigration attorney and AACO Board member Spojmie Nasiri. This event, focused on the evolving immigration policies under the Trump Administration and provided invaluable resources and support for Afghan refugees.

Both events were presented in Farsi, Pashto, and English. Watch the recorded session videos to learn more about our advocacy efforts and stay informed on the ever-changing immigration landscape.

watch video in Dari

Watch video in Pashto

our focus areas

We are dedicated to creating a supportive, empowered, and engaged Afghan-American community.

OUR IMPACT

Since its founding, the Afghan-American Community Organization (AACO) has been a pillar of resilience and support, empowering Afghan communities locally and globally. In 2023, AACO took a significant leap by hiring its first paid staff to deepen its reach and impact. Through initiatives like aiding earthquake recovery in Afghanistan and funding urgent medical relief in Gaza, AACO remains steadfast in its commitment to humanitarian support. In the U.S., AACO provides educational scholarships, laptops for Afghan newcomers, and hosts the Afghan-American Conference—a vital space for community engagement, advocacy, and unity. Join us in shaping a brighter future, together.

2023 impact report

We’ve earned our 2024 Gold Seal with Candid

We are excited to share that AACO has received the esteemed Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid. This recognition reflects our dedication to transparency and accountability in all our activities. The Gold Seal of Transparency highlights our commitment to offering clear, accurate, and accessible information to our stakeholders, including funders, nonprofit members, and the community we serve.

We are delighted to have achieved this milestone and remain committed to our mission with renewed dedication, knowing that our efforts contribute to a more transparent and equitable nonprofit sector.

what we have been up to

⏳𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭!⏳  Today is the final day to contribute and support the vital work AACO is doing for Afghan communities: 🎓 Providing scholarships to empower students 🤝 Building connections through events and conferences 📜 Advocating for refugees with legal aid and policy work 🌍 Delivering life-saving humanitarian aid  Your donation today helps us continue making a difference. Don’t wait — every contribution counts! 💙  𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐨.   _________________ #AACO #SupportAfghans #LastDayToGive #MakeAnImpact #HumanitarianAid #GivingTuesday #Afghanamericans #Afghanameircancommunityorganization #afghanamericancommunity #afghan #donate #support #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization

Healing Kids & Restoring Hope in Afghanistan. A discussion with AACO Board Chair and Neurosurgeon @draliazizsultan and @neurokids50 CEO Derek Johnson about our campaign for #givingtuesday to provide life saving treatment and equipment to the children of Afghanistan.

One more day until #GivingTuesday. Find out the different ways you can donate to AACO and see if your company can double your donation! 🎁 ____________ #AACO #afghanamericancommunityorganization #afghanamericancommunity #afghanamerican #afghan #afghanistan #givingtuesday #donate #charity #fundraising #givingback #benevity

A message from AACO Board Chair and Neurosurgeon Dr. Ali Aziz-Sultan ahead of #GivingTuesday! Join us in our partnership with @neurokids50 to support life-changing training and treatment for children suffering from Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Together, we can make a difference in their lives. Watch, share, and support this important cause. Click the link in our bio to donate! ____________ #AACO #AfghanAmericanCommunity #AfghanAmericanCommunityOrganization #AfghanAmerican #Afghan #givingtuesday

“I couldn’t do anything for her. We didn’t have the equipment.” – Dr. Ali Aziz-Sultan, AACO Board Chair and neurosurgeon, shared this heartbreaking story of a 7-year-old girl suffering from Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida during a trip to Afghanistan. She was a child he couldn’t save because the necessary equipment simply wasn’t there. This year, we’re partnering with @neurokids50 to change stories like hers. Together, we’ll provide training and equipment to treat over 200 children suffering from these life-threatening conditions. As we approach #GivingTuesday, we want to highlight our ongoing humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan and the critical need for your support. In 2023, we worked with Uplift Afghanistan to rebuild homes in Herat for families impacted by devastating earthquakes. Now, in 2024, we’re focusing on ensuring Afghan children receive the life-saving treatment they deserve. 📲 Help us make a difference this #GivingTuesday. Click the link in our bio to support these critical efforts and bring hope to children and families in Afghanistan. ____________ #AACO #AfghanAmericanCommunity #AfghanAmericanCommunityOrganization #AfghanAmerican #Afghan #givingtuesday

“We were there from day one, and we continue to be there.” Spojmie Nasiri, a nationally recognized immigration attorney and AACO Board Member, highlights how AACO has been on the frontlines of advocating for Afghans since the US withdrawal and mass evacuation in 2021. From day one, AACO has worked tirelessly to support Afghan refugees both here in the US and abroad. We’ve been advocating for better conditions for Afghans resettling in the US and collaborating with partners to develop safe pathways for those still seeking refuge. From pushing for the Afghan Adjustment Act and Temporary Protected Status to supporting the approval of humanitarian parole petitions, we’ve been fighting at all levels of government for Afghan families in need. This year, our legal services expanded to serve over 120 clients through education and outreach—but the need is growing, and so must our efforts. This #GivingTuesday, your support can help us expand our reach and continue providing critical resources to Afghan refugees worldwide. 💡 Double your impact: Check if your employer will match your donation through Benevity! 📲 Click the link in our bio to donate today. Together, we can keep advocating for our community and building a better future. #AACO #afghanamericancommunity #afghanamericancommunityorganization #afghanamerican #afghan #givingtuesday #advocacy #legalservices #nonprofit #philanthropy #afghanrefugees #refugees

Join us this Monday, Dec. 2nd at 3PM PST / 6PM EST for a conversation on Instagram Live with Dr. Aziz-Sultan (@draliazizsultan), AACO Board Chair & Neurosurgeon, and Derek Johnson, CEO of @neurokids50. This #GivingTuesday, your contributions will support children in Afghanistan suffering from hydrocephalus and spina bifida. Your donations will help provide critical training and equipment to treat these conditions in a country where access to care is desperately needed. 📊 Did you know? Afghanistan has just 1 neurosurgeon for every 500,000 people, compared to 1 for every 10,000 in the U.S. Together, we can bring hope and healing to the children of Afghanistan. Don’t miss this chance to learn more and make a difference. Visit http://givebutter.com/aaco24 to donate. ____________ #AACO #AfghanAmericanCommunity #AfghanAmericanCommunityOrganization #AfghanAmerican #Afghan #givingtuesday

Grateful for our community’s support in uplifting Afghan-Americans. 💙 This #GivingTuesday, join us in supporting our organization and NeuroKids to equip surgeons in Afghanistan and make a lasting impact. Together, we shape a brighter future. 🌟 Click the link in our bio to support. 🤍 ___________ #AACO #CommunityImpact #afghanamericancommunityorganization #afghanamerican #givingtuesday #thanksgiving

“𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣.” -Sumaya Hussaini “𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙠𝙞𝙙𝙨.” -Wali Amilee These are just glimpses into the experiences Sumaya Hussaini and Wali Amilee had at the 2024 Afghan-American Conference (read more in the slides). For Sumaya, it was a chance to share her story, lead powerful discussions on discrimination, and "𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳." For Wali, attending the conference alongside his daughter bridged the generational gap between them, and shared "𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯" These are the stories that define the Afghan diaspora—a tapestry of connection, growth, and healing. But this work doesn’t happen on its own. As we approach #GivingTuesday, we need your help to continue supporting spaces like this—spaces for dialogue, understanding, and transformation in 2025. :bulb: Did you know many employers will match your gift through Benevity? Double your impact today by checking if your workplace participates. Our community has faced countless challenges, but together, we can shape a future of AACO that is rooted in our vision of a supportive, empowered, and engaged Afghan-American community. Click the link in our bio to continue to help us build spaces where Afghan-Americans can connect, share their stories, and find pride in their heritage. #AACO #AfghanAmericanCommunity #AfghanAmericanCommunityOrganization #AfghanAmerican #Afghan #givingtuesday

“Life-changing.” That’s how Meena Akbari described the moment she received the Sophia & Sabrina Scholarship from AACO. For Meena, and so many Afghan students, this scholarship is more than just financial aid—it’s a lifeline to opportunity 🌍, recognition of their resilience 💪, and a step toward a brighter future💡 for themselves and their families. These scholarships celebrate the strength and achievements of our community and invest in the future of the Afghan diaspora, both here in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. They’re made possible because of donors like you—people who believe in the power of education to transform lives. 🎓 As we head into Giving Tuesday, we’re calling on our community to help us reach our goal to fund more scholarships for 2025. Don’t wait—make your impact today and check if your employer can match your gift through Benevity to double the difference you make. 🤝 Every Afghan student deserves a chance to dream, achieve, and build a brighter future. 🌟 With your support, AACO can continue providing scholarships and opportunities that change lives and uplift our community. Click the link in our bio to donate and join us in empowering the next generation. _______________ #AACO #AfghanAmericanCommunity #AfghanAmericanCommunityOrganization #AfghanAmerican #Afghan #AfghanAmericanScholarship #AfghanScholarship #GivingTuesday #Fundraising #Charity #NonProfit #Philanthropy #ScholarshipOpportunity #EducationForAll #SupportStudents #AfghanDiaspora #CommunityEmpowerment #FutureLeaders #AcademicSuccess #DonateForEducation #ScholarshipFund #Scholarship #SupportAfghanEducation #Donate

Your Support Makes a Difference—Here and Abroad. 3000 conference attendees, 54 scholarship recipients, and over $1 million in medical equipment and aid sent to Afghanistan. Qatra qatra—drop by drop—we have built this organization together, one gift at a time, thanks to your unwavering support and commitment. So many of you contribute to AACO with your time, knowledge, dedication, and stories. Now, for the next two weeks, we are asking for your financial generosity to help us continue this vital work. As AACO has grown and evolved, so have the needs of our community—both here in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. The Afghan-American diaspora has quadrupled since 2010, and we are committed to shaping the future of the Afghan-American experience. But we know that for many of us, the Afghan-American experience also means carrying a piece of our homeland in our hearts. That’s why we’re partnering with Neurokids to donate proceeds from this campaign to provide life-saving equipment for two neurosurgeons in Jalalabad and Herat. Together, they will treat over 200 children with Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida—offering them hope and a chance at life. In the next two weeks, you’ll be hearing more about our programs, our work, and our community. We ask each of you to consider sharing your AACO story and encouraging others to support. What has this organization meant to you? Why do you give back—with your donations, your time, or your skills? By donating to AACO, you are strengthening the Afghan-American community and contributing to initiatives that bring hope in the US and Afghanistan. Click on the link in our Bio to help us reach our goal by this Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3rd. ____________ #AACO #afghanamericancommunityorganization #afghanamericancommunity #afghanamericancommunityorg #givingtuesday #giving #donation #afghanamerican #afghan #fundraising #fundraise #givingtuesday2024

📢 Organizing Committee Applications Open December 1st! Our volunteer Organizing Committee is the heart and soul of AACO. These inspiring leaders dedicate a year to serving the Afghan-American community, driving meaningful change, and supporting AACO’s mission. Behind every impactful initiative is their dedication, passion, and teamwork. We’re thrilled to announce that applications for the 2025 committee will open soon! If you’re ready to make a difference and join this incredible team, mark your calendars and stay tuned. ➡️ Want to be notified about applications when they are available? Join our newsletter via the link in our bio under “All Things AACO”.

🎉📚 A huge congratulations to our 2024 Scholarship Recipients! These outstanding Afghan-American students come from wide range of disciplines and schools across the country, making us so proud of their achievements. Since our scholarship program began in 2018, it has remained the only one exclusively dedicated to supporting Afghan-American students. This wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering generosity of our donors. Your support is helping these students achieve their dreams and build a brighter future. Thank you for believing in them! ____________________________________ #afghanamerican #aaco #scholarships #afghanamericancommunityorganization #aacoscholarship #sophiaandsabrinascholarship

No matter the outcome on Tuesday, one thing is clear—our community will need each other more than ever. On Wednesday, November 6th, we invite you to join us and connect with fellow Afghan-Americans in cities across the country. This is a chance to come together, reflect on the election results, share personal stories, and talk about how we can support each other and move forward as a community. Please RSVP using the link in our bio. We look forward to seeing you there and continuing to make our voices heard—at the ballot box and beyond.

This conference would not have been possible without the generous support from our donors and we wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of them for their partnership. And a special thank you to our gracious hosts at the UCSD ASA. See you all next year in...👀 ____________________ #AACO #AAC #AAC2024 #AfgAm24 #AfghanAmericanCommunityOrganization #AfghanAmericanConference #AfghanAmerican #AfghanAmericanCommunity

A message from AACO Board Chair and Neurosurgeon Dr. Ali Aziz-Sultan ahead of #GivingTuesday!

Join us in our partnership with @neurokids50 to support life-changing training and treatment for children suffering from Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. To

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