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

The rise of regenerative farming in Ikunu, Githunguri Sub-county

In this photo story, Benedict Isiaho of CAFAESUP, one of the RAIN Challenge winners, describes how the project is implementing regenerative agriculture to foster sustainable food systems within communities

Meet the RAIN Round 2 Shortlisted Candidates 

23 seed-level initiatives have been selected as part of RAIN Challenge Round 2 and over the next several months will work in collaboration with GRP to receive tailored mentoring and leadership training. 

#Art4Resilience: Knowledge Into Use Awards

This year, we are excited to announce the third round of the awards! The "Knowledge into Use" awards provide a unique opportunity to ignite resilience, celebrate creativity, and embrace innovation in engaging with the latest resilience evidence.

From Crisis to Stage: ‘Burnt’ Captures Resilience in Cameroon’s Climate Crisis

Introducing a Knowledge into Use project utilising theatre as a platform to exhibit resilience within their community, while also addressing issues of climate change and conflict.

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