Inter-American Foundation 2011 in Review

摘要

This is the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) Annual Report for FY 2011. The Inter-American Foundation, an independent foreign assistance agency of the United States government, provides grants for grassroots development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Created by Congress in 1969, the IAF responds directly to grassroots groups and the organizations that support them. It also encourages partnerships among community organizations, businesses and local government directed at improving the quality of life for poor people and strengthening democratic practices. To contribute to a better understanding of the development process, the IAF shares its experiences through its publications and in a variety of fora. The Inter-American Foundation is governed by a board of directors appointed by the president of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Six members are drawn from the private sector and three from the federal government. A president, appointed by the board, serves as the Inter-American Foundations chief executive officer, managing a staff of 47 employees based in Arlington, Virginia. Congress appropriates funds annually for the Inter-American Foundation. The IAF also has access to the Social Progress Trust Fund administered by the Inter-American Development Bank and consisting of payments on U.S. government loans extended under the Alliance for Progress to various Latin American and Caribbean governments. Since 1972, the IAF has awarded 4,981 grants valued at more than $680 million. Together, the IAF and its grantees have improved the conditions of hundreds of thousands of poor families in communities throughout the hemisphere.