The Asia Foundation

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia. Informed by six decades of experience and deep local expertise, our work across the region addresses five overarching goals—strengthen governance, empower women, expand economic opportunity, increase environmental resilience, and promote international cooperation.

Headquartered in San Francisco, The Asia Foundation works through its 19 offices across Asia Pacific and Washington, DC. Working with public and private partners, the Foundation receives funding from a diverse group of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.

Internationally recognized for our commitment to the region’s development, we bring together local individuals, communities, and governments who are shaping Asia’s future. Our approach is nuanced and multi-dimensional. A particular strength is our ability to navigate Asia’s political context for reform and development. Engaging our longstanding and ever-expanding networks, nurturing new talent and rising young leaders, and drawing on our deep regional knowledge, we play a catalytic role in advancing Asia’s development and social progress.

Our work remains as urgent and relevant today as was when we were established in 1954. Asia continues to face critical issues that threaten the aspirations of billions. Communities remain impacted by the lack of access to justice, rising inequality, pervasive subnational conflicts, challenges of urbanization, violence against women, and a closing space for civil society. Left unaddressed, these challenges threaten Asia’s many political and economic gains and undermine its future prospects.

Learn more about the issues central to The Asia Foundation’s programs and impacts.