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

Call for proposals for innovations across the Global South now open

We are launching an Innovation Challenge call to support bold, locally led solutions that strengthen resilience, protect ecosystems, and create sustainable opportunities for communities.

Protecting shea trees: Securing women’s livelihoods

Learn how protecting shea trees sustains livelihoods, strengthens rights, and empowers women

Advancing women’s rights to strengthen shea enterprises

In northern Ghana, digital mapping and access to finance are helping women shea producers like Adisah Zakaria turn invisible work into recognised assets, unlocking income, efficiency, and opportunity.

Bridging the gap: Scaling climate-resilient agriculture

Bridge funding helps transform RAIN innovations into scalable solutions that drive resilience and sustainable growth

Protecting the shea tree: Securing women’s futures

Empowering women through shea tree mapping for resilient futures