Our Vision
We envision a world in which active philanthropy measurably improves the lives of the poor and disadvantaged in developing world communities.
Our Mission
We fund US-based non-profit organizations who partner with poor communities in the developing world to improve their health, education and incomes, while strengthening local capacity to sustain their benefits.
Our Values
At the core of our mission is the concept that charity alone isn’t enough. We must take charity to a level that delivers measurable and sustainable change that is “owned” by the project participants and that leaves broad, lasting benefits. We prioritize the principles of self-determination, local engagement, and sustainability, both as means to and ends of our philanthropic goals. More and more, this requires grant-maker and grantee to share a common view of the challenges, optimal solutions, and ultimate objectives of our partnering efforts.
Learn About Our Application Process
Our Team
Board of Directors
Letitia K. Butler
Board Chair
Grants Committee
Matthew H. Hurlock
Secretary
Grants Committee
John D’A. Tyree
Treasurer
Chair of Finance Committee
Douglas P. Walker
Board Vice-Chair
Chair of Grants Committee
Directors Emeritus
Gary Dicovitsky
Staff
John D. Carrico II, CPA
Accounts Manager
Kathy Gaiser
Grants Administrator
Our History
The International Foundation was created in 1948. Like other early foundations, our purpose was “to promote, foster, encourage and further non-profit, non-sectarian and non-political educational, medical, philanthropic, humanitarian, scientific and literary enterprises of all kinds.”
In its many years of grant making, the International Foundation has worked with thousands of US-based 501(c)3 organizations to bring knowledge, resources and compassion to individuals and communities around the world. Our strategic mission has evolved in concert with the exponential growth in the United States non-profit sector and rapid evolution of the discipline of international development.