About The Asia Foundation
Who we are
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by decades of experience and deep local expertise, our work across the region is focused on good governance, women’s empowerment and gender equality, inclusive economic growth, environment and climate action, and regional and international relations.
Headquartered in San Francisco, with an office in Washington, DC, The Asia Foundation works through its network of 18 country offices across Asia and the Pacific. Working with public and private partners, the Foundation receives funding from a diverse group of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals. In 2022, we provided $86.7 million in direct program support and distributed textbooks and other educational materials valued at $2.4 million.
Annual Report
Our approach
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.
Strategy2025
We are pleased to share our 2025 strategic roadmap that encourages growth in our areas of strength while allowing flexibility and welcoming the changes in the region and varying local conditions.
What we do
Our work remains as urgent and relevant today as was when we were established in 1954. The Asia-Pacific region continues to face critical issues that threaten the aspirations of billions. Communities remain impacted by the lack of access to justice, by 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.
Our partners
We work closely with a diverse range of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, emerging Asian donors, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector to address the critical issues facing the Asia-Pacific region. These dynamic partnerships and donor resources are essential in support of programs in our 18 country offices and making an impact across a dynamic and developing Asia-Pacific.
Our vision
A peaceful, just, and thriving Asia.
Our mission
The Asia Foundation improves lives, expands opportunities, and helps societies flourish across a dynamic and developing Asia. We work with innovative leaders and communities to build effective institutions and advance pathbreaking reforms. Together with our partners, we are committed to Asia’s continued development as a peaceful, just, and thriving region of the world.
Our values
Our core values are a shared foundation manifested in each of our different country offices and local settings. These principles are a common thread to guide our programs, our partnerships, our institutional culture, and our approach and decisions made by our staff.
Trust and partnership | Our operations and programs reflect the integrity and accountability of our staff who are trusted by individuals and institutions across the Asia Pacific.
Longstanding presence and commitment | We have made history through far-reaching reforms and inclusive development and will continue to value a forward-thinking approach in the years ahead.
Deep respect for local context | We are immersed in the social, political, environmental, and economic realities in the region and informed by a community-led approach.
Inclusion of differing views | We believe in the importance of myriad perspectives and encourage inclusive dialogue and engagement to nurture homegrown talent and ideas.
Innovating and adapting for impact | We are known for our ability to identify, respond, and iterate rapidly to issues and events affecting the places and communities where we work.
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