In the early years of Taiwan's modernization efforts, the Asia Foundation relied on scholarship funding and contributions to assist in the development of Taiwan's human resources and the creation of a national social system. The efforts of the Asia Foundation helped Taiwan become the success story it is today; an illustration of development in Asia.

Asia Foundation accomplishments in Taiwan include:

• Assisting in the creation of Academia Sinica's Institute of Ancient Languages, Institute of Economics, Institute of Ethnology, and Institute of Modern History.
  (1954-1979)
• Financing the establishment of the Tax Reform Committee and the training programs for the Ministry of Finance. (1956-1973)
• Assisting in the National Palace Museum's relocation to Wai-shuang-hsi and the construction of the museum's the first exhibition hall. (1957-1965)
• Promoting sociology research programs by financing the establishment of a Department of Sociology at National Taiwan University and Tunghai University, as well as a Graduate School of Sociology at Soochow University. (1960-1981)
• Funding U.S. study tour and research projects for training professionals at the Community Study & Training Center. (1972~1973)
• Financing the Legal Services Centers operated by the Comparative Law Association in Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. (1973-1980)
• Supporting women's rights by financing the early Taiwanese feminist movement: creating the Women's Research Institute at National Taiwan University and educating women on revised family law in Civil Code. (1974-1994)
• Financing the historical protections and the community developing committee's research projects for Lu Kong. (1977-1978)
• Financing the construction of the Legislative Yuan's computer network system and funding U.S. study tours for newly elected legislators. (1983-1988)
• Funding three U.S. exchange tours for the political cartoonists. (1983-1988)
• Funding Consumer's Foundation's publications and promoting the international exchange. (1983-1990)

The Asia Foundation has also supported international exchange programs, allowing students, professionals, and outstanding foreign affairs reporters to expand their potential and promote cross-cultural interaction. Through such exchanges, Taiwan has greatly benefited in the areas of advancing governance, economy, and society.

Overall, the Asia Foundation has for more than 40 years provided Taiwan with over 3,000 grants; half of these grants have been awarded to individuals and organizations.