The Association of Foundations (AF)

Networking was a concept virtually unheard of in the 1970s. It was an unfamiliar concept to non-government organizations (NGOs) in the Philippines until the Association of Foundations (AF) came to be.

Established in November 1972, AF is the country’s first network of NGOs. Its mission is enabling its member foundations to develop sustainable programs that serve their communities. Through the years, AF has become a bridge to grant opportunities, a capacity builder, a data bank, a consultant, and an advocate of key issues relevant to the sector. It is committed to the constant growth and professionalism of its member foundations as they continue to improve the quality of human life.

AF has a diverse membership united in its desire to address various development challenges in the country. Member organizations come from all over the Philippines—from a highly urbanized Metro Manila to the northernmost province of Batanes down to the southern island of Mindanao. They include the experience-rich smaller organizations with a strong presence in remote rural areas to the bigger and resource-rich non-profit institutions and corporate foundations. They are involved in education, health and nutrition, capacity building, microfinance, children’s welfare, corporate social responsibility, social services, disaster risk reduction, climate change and other socio-cultural development initiatives.

AF is the only umbrella organization of Philippine foundations recognized by the Council on Foundations (USA)