Near East Foundation (NEF)

Helping build more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive communities in the Middle East and Africa through education, community organizing, and economic development

The Near East Foundation helps build more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive communities in the Middle East and Africa through education, community organizing, and economic development.

For nearly 100 years, the Near East Foundation has pioneered innovative solutions to social and economic development challenges impacting communities throughout the Middle East and Africa.

Headquartered in Syracuse, NY, and engaged in a strategic partnership with Syracuse University, NEF is an operational non-governmental organization (NGO) with current programs in nine countries: Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Senegal,  Sudan, and Syria.

In these countries and throughout the region, we work with local partners to directly improve the lives of tens of thousands of vulnerable people each year through initiatives in sustainable agriculture, microenterprise development, women’s empowerment, civic education, and peacebuilding.

Latest news and articles

CAFAESUP:  Empowering farmers through regenerative practices

Interview with Hamis Said Hincha, Project Lead of CAFAESUP, one of the nine winning projects of the RAIN Challenge

Job opportunity: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer to lead the GRP Secretariat. Applications are due by 23:59 GMT on 6 May 2024.

Flood risk communication through mural art

Knowledge into Use recipient, Youth Innovation Lab (YI-Lab), works to bridge technology gaps and empower communities for resilient futures.

GRP Leadership Transition

Nathanial Matthews, CEO of GRP, shares an update about the next step in his career journey.

Advancing equity through food systems transformations

The Seeding equity in African food systems SARA working group shares their insights from a collaborative dialogue between development organisations and funding partners.