Aga Khan Foundation

About Us

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private, non-denominational, international development organization that works to address the root causes of poverty. Founded in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, the foundation is a core agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Mission and Vision

AKF’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all, regardless of faith, origin, or gender. Its approach is to empower communities to become self-reliant. The foundation operates with the core values of human dignity, compassion, self-reliance, and pluralism, working to build a future where everyone can thrive together. A central tenet of its philosophy is that development is most sustainable when it is community-driven and holistic, encompassing social, cultural, and economic dimensions.

Areas of Focus and Programs

AKF’s work is concentrated in some of the most remote and resource-constrained areas of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It addresses poverty through a wide range of interconnected programs across seven key areas:

• Agriculture and Food Security: Promoting sustainable farming practices, increasing food security, and improving nutrition for families.
• Civil Society: Strengthening community institutions and civil society organizations to foster resilient and pluralistic societies.
• Climate Resilience: Helping communities adapt to the challenges of climate change through protective infrastructure, clean energy initiatives, and eco-friendly businesses.
• Early Childhood Development: Giving children the best possible start in life by supporting families, teachers, and health workers.
• Education: Improving access to quality education for children and youth, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and teacher training.
• Health and Nutrition: Working to improve health and well-being by enhancing access to integrated health services and supporting nutrition and sanitation initiatives.
• Work and Enterprise: Fostering entrepreneurship, skills development, and access to finance to create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youth.

AKF also manages several multi-country initiatives, such as “Schools2030,” a global education program that supports teacher-led innovations, and “Accelerate Prosperity,” which helps to grow new markets and create jobs by inspiring rising entrepreneurs.

Funding and Partnerships

The work of the Aga Khan Foundation is made possible through a variety of partnerships and funding sources. It collaborates with governments, multilateral organizations, private foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Its partners include major international bodies and donors such as:

• British International Investment (BII)
• Global Affairs Canada
• The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• The European Union
• The World Bank

These partnerships are crucial for designing, implementing, and funding innovative development projects. The foundation also works closely with other AKDN agencies, bringing a broad range of expertise and resources to its programs.