AGA KHAN FOUNDATION USA

AGA KHAN FOUNDATION U.S.A. Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA), established in 1981, is a private, non-denominational, non-profit international development organization committed to alleviating poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy, primarily in Africa and Asia. Its mission is to strengthen the capacity of grassroots communities to solve their own problems and to promote opportunities that lead to long-term improvements in their income, health, education and the sustainability of local institutions and the environment. The Foundation supports community-based programs in the areas of health, education, rural development and civil society. Aga Khan Foundation is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private development agencies working to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in Africa and Asia. The agencies’ mandates range from education, health and culture to the promotion of private sector enterprise and rural development. AKDN works in over 30 countries for the common good of all citizens, regardless of their gender, origin or religion. As an integrated network, AKDN creates a synergy of specialized expertise and resources with broad development goals to build self-sustaining institutions that can respond to the challenges of social, economic and cultural development. Inspiration for the creation of AKDN institutions is rooted in the ethic of compassion for society’s most vulnerable. The Network’s agencies work for the common good of all citizens, regardless of their gender, origin or religion. Improving the quality of all human life with dignity and respect is a core value that bonds the AKDN institutions together in common vision. Together with its sister agencies, the Foundation promotes tolerance for pluralism in ideas, cultures and peoples. Aga Khan Foundation was established in Geneva, Switzerland in 1967 by its hairman, His Highness the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, who have a long tradition of philanthropy, volunteerism, self-help, education and social welfare. The Foundation currently supports over 140 development projects in 16 countries. In addition to its Geneva headquarters, the Foundation has branches and affiliates in the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States