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
Creating Opportunities for Honduran Youth to Thrive at Home
In a context like Honduras in which violence and poverty abound but jobs do not, how do young people find hope? Many IAF grantees have been working to provide it.
On the Road with the IAF
Looking for scenes of beauty and strength during these challenging times? In early March 2020, several IAF staff members traveled to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Lucia to visit potential grantee partners. Get a peek into community-led innovations in the Caribbean through their photos.
“We Can Get Through This Together”
We are living through a historic, global crisis and many wonder how we—especially the most vulnerable among us—will recover and rebuild afterwards. We recently spoke with Steve Vetter, a former IAF leader, who recalled another time in the IAF's history when grantees displayed resilience in the face of disaster.