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

Launch of the Climate Resilience Awards for Business- open until 18th October

WBCSD and GRP have launched the Climate Resilience Awards for Business to spotlight companies that advance climate resilience through innovative approaches, collaboration, and measurable impact across operations, supply chains, and communities.

Resilience for nature: Maasai community-led conservation in Kenya

A resilience roadtrip that offered a first-hand look at how traditional knowledge and local stewardship are not only preserving ecosystems but also revitalising rural economies and identities.

TECH4Resilience Challenge: Harnessing AI to tackle climate and humanitarian crises

TECH aims to convert seed-level AI innovations that address climate-related emergencies and humanitarian challenges into scalable, sustainable solutions that strengthen preparedness and response.

Where innovation meets inclusion: Meet the finalists of the RISE Urban Innovation Challenge

15 initiatives advancing inclusive, climate-resilient urban futures through innovation, collaboration, and community-led solutions.

Testing the Resilience Science Must-Knows with inclusive climate finance experts

Reflections from the Resilience Science Must-Knows workshop in Amsterdam.