Visionaries in Congress created the IAF 50 years ago to advance a simple idea: a little support provided directly to local organizations can go a long way in helping create thriving communities. Over the decades, we are proud to have supported the efforts of more than 5,000 of these communities in 32 Latin American and Caribbean countries as they seized opportunities and confronted economic shocks, political uncertainties, and natural disasters.
This past year was no exception. In 2019, we awarded $18.5 million through grants, partnerships, and investments to 97 grassroots organizations, bringing our total active portfolio of IAF investments to $85.5 million in 24 countries.
Recent News and Stories
Why are we so proud to celebrate our 50th? Just listen to our grantee partners…
To launch our series on 50 years of grassroots successes, we explore why our grantees consider us one of the best funders of international development, according to the Center for Effective Philanthropy survey on grantees’ perceptions of their funders.
The Inter-American Foundation Launches its First Impact Investment in a Central American Microcredit Lender
The IAF launched its first-ever impact investment in Empresa para el Desarrollo (EDESA) in Costa Rica on January 30.
In It for the Long Haul: Community Foundations and Resilience in the Face of Disaster
Two years ago today, Mexico was hit by earthquakes that resulted in the loss of more than 365 lives. The Inter-American Foundation and our partners stepped in to support community foundations and strengthen their local leadership.