Please note that if you have a question in addition to those found below, feel free to contact us at: info@foundationforfuture.org

1. What is the purpose of the Foundation for the Future?

The Foundation for the Future was created to support civil society organizations in their efforts to foster democracy and freedom in the broader Middle East and North Africa.

2. In what countries will the Foundation operate?

The Foundation will operate in the following countries and territories: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, and Yemen.

3. Why was the Foundation for the Future created?

The Foundation for the Future was created in response to calls by regionally-based civil society organizations for mechanisms to provide resources to support the expansion of their activities and capacities in order to support regional reform efforts.

4. What kind of work will the Foundation do?

The Foundation will be primarily a grant-making institution. Qualifying grant recipients will be indigenous civil society organizations striving to promote freedom and democracy in the broader Middle East and North Africa. The Foundation will also support and undertake activities such as research, network development, technical assistance, and outreach.

5. By whom was the Foundation created?

The Foundation was created by consensus between the indigenous civil society organizations and the donor states.

6. What countries are providing support to this effort?

To date, confirmed pledges have been made by the following: Bahrain, Denmark, European Commission, Greece, Hungary, Jordan, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Discussions are in progress with a number of other governments from both outside and inside the region that are supportive of this effort.

7. Who is on the Board of Directors of the Foundation for the Future?

The following are on the Board of Directors: Anwar Ibrahim (Chairman), Rahma Bourqia (Vice Chair), Bakhtiar Amin, Andreu Claret, Kamel Abu Jaber, Ibrahim Kalin, Sandra Day O'Connor, Abdul Rahman Al Rashed, Naguib Sawiris, and Cornelio Sommaruga. Brief biographies of the members of the Board are available.

8. What are the Foundation's main funding source(s)?

To date, funding has come from governments who made pledges at the Forum for the Future in Manama, Bahrain. In the future, we anticipate additional funds from other governments (including countries from the region), civil society organizations, foundations, institutions, and individuals interested in fostering the growth of democracy and civil society in the region.

9. Where is the Foundation for the Future located?

The headquarters of the Foundation is located in Amman, Jordan. There is currently a branch office in Washington DC.

10. Does the Foundation for the Future work outside of the broader Middle East and North Africa?

No, the foundation is intended to be by, of, and for the people of the region. The Foundation for the Future will not give funding to civil society organizations from outside the region.

11. What types of groups will qualify as potential grantees?

Potential grantees are regionally-based, independent civil society organizations, including non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and professional associations. The Foundation will not support terrorist organizations, illegal entities, their surrogates, or those using or advocating the use of violence in pursuit of their objectives.

12. How can I apply for a grant?

The Foundation has issued its first request for grant proposals (RFP), which can be found. The RFP provides information on topics, qualifying organizations and how to apply.

13. What is the relationship between the Foundation for the Future, the Forum for the Future, and the Fund for the Future?

The Foundation for the Future is an outgrowth of the Forum for the Future, but the two will be completely independent of each other. The Fund for the Future, announced on the same day as the Foundation for the Future, will be a separate institution intended to help small and medium-sized business enterprises in the region.

14. Is the Foundation for the Future officially affiliated with any governments?

No. The Foundation is an independent, indigenous organization. No Board member may be an active member of any government.