Who we are

Our Mission

At the Near East Foundation, we work alongside communities impacted by conflict, injustice and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and the Caucasus to collaboratively create opportunities for people to learn new skills and access resources that will reshape their lives.

Drawing on 100+ years of experience, we combine local expertise with pioneering solutions to bring stability and prosperity to people, now – and for generations to come.

Through inclusive and innovative programs, our mission is to help create sustainable impact that contributes to long-term resilience and community empowerment.

Our Vision

NEF’s work is based on a conviction that a person’s ability to play an active role in the progress of her or his community hinges on certain opportunities and tools: the knowledge to participate in civic and economic life, a voice in public decisions, and the means to make a meaningful living. We call this Knowledge, Voice, Enterprise.

KNOWLEDGE

Expanding knowledge and skills to fully participate in civic and economic life.

VOICE

Ensuring a voice in public decisions that affect individual and community well-being.

ENTERPRISE

Creating opportunities to earn a safe, sustainable, and dignified living wage.

Our History

In 1915, a group of ordinary citizens were horrified to hear of genocide in Armenia. Moved by what they saw, they immediately set out to help. Together, they raised millions of dollars in relief funds, rallied brave overseas volunteers, and mobilized their communities like never before – saving
the lives of more than one million refugees.

More than one hundred years later, the Near East Foundation, as it is now known, continues to help the people of Armenia, as well as other countries in the Middle East, Africa and the Caucasus.

Our Partners

NEF is grateful for the valued partners who make our work possible.

Our Team

Our team has been formed with great professionals and is committed at all times to our mission. Take a look at the people that make up our team.

NEF Team

Our team's mission is to build more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive communities through education and economic development.

Board of Directors

The mission of our management team is crucial to the smooth running of NEF's organization. Get to know our directors in depth.

Our Structure

NEF functions as a family of entities which includes NEF UK, NEF Belgium and the US-based NEF.

While legally and financially independent, the three entities function as a single organization, sharing staff and resources to advance NEF’s shared mission and strategy while mobilizing a global community of supporters.

Imagine a world where all people can recover from crisis and overcome barriers to their success. Together, we are creating that world.

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