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

Protecting the shea tree: Securing women’s futures

Empowering women through shea tree mapping for resilient futures

From Seeds to systems: Inspiring collective change

Interview with GRP’s Knowledge Officer Amanda Jonsson on how local initiatives are shaping pathways to more sustainable futures

Two job opportunities: Human Resources (HR) Manager and Operations and Grants Manager

Apply by 3 April to join the GRP team

Advancing climate and livelihood solutions in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region

We are pleased to announce the 21 finalists of the second round of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs (HKH-ICE 2.0).

Meet the RISE Urban Innovation Challenge grantees

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