Global Initiatives
The future of our world is only as equitable as we make it
What We Do
At the Kuwait-America Foundation, we strongly believe that we all have a role to play in creating a positive impact locally and globally. Accordingly, we partner with organizations in the United States and around the world to support communities in need and to nurture future generations. Launched in 2005 by Sheikha Rima Al-Sabah, UNHCR National Goodwill Ambassador and wife of the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait in Washington, D.C., the Kuwait-America Foundation’s annual gala dinners are one of the important ways we work to build partnerships and support projects aligned with KAF’s overall mission.
Each year, an organization with years of experience is chosen as a beneficiary of funds raised by the Kuwait-America Foundation for causes ranging from assisting refugees to building schools, providing quality healthcare, protecting the environment, supporting America’s wounded warriors, and providing microcredit loans as well as graduate studies scholarships to women from the Arab world. Once the funds have been raised, a gala dinner is hosted in gratitude to sponsors, and to honor those whose outstanding efforts have demonstrated a commitment to humanitarian action.
Where We Work
With the help of our strong partner organizations and sponsors, the Kuwait-America Foundation has been able to provide support to people and projects around the globe.
Our Impact
Partnerships
Supporting communities in need looks different in each country. Our organizational partners determine the nature and methods of assistance required for the people and places we support. Our partners work directly with communities to meet their needs and to bring about their desired impact. We commend their work and can trust in our knowledge that there are people and organizations we can count on to help us co-create brighter futures for all.
2020 Beirut Emergency Fund
In light of the deadly explosion that rocked Beirut, Lebanon on August 4th, the Kuwait-America Foundation partnered with Lebanese diaspora organizations, SEAL , LIFE, LebNet — joined by Jamhour Alumni (in Europe and the US) to form a unified humanitarian effort under the Beirut Emergency Fund 2020, collaborating with Impact Lebanon on the allocation and disbursement of funds. The partnership raised nearly $9 million for Lebanon.
2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, & 2024 - UNHCR
Between 2015-2024, the Kuwait-America Foundation raised over 22 million dollars for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in its efforts to provide assistance and education to Syrian and Ukrainian refugees.
2014 Bob Woodruff Foundation
In 2014, the Kuwait-America Foundation raised over half a million dollars to benefit Bob Woodruff Foundation in support of its mission to ensure injured veterans and their families are thriving long after they return home. At the gala held on October 5, 2014, White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough was the Keynote Speaker; ABC's Bob Woodruff was the Humanitarian Award Recipient; CNN's Jake Tapper served as Master of Ceremonies; and the MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band was the Musical Guest.
2013 CURE Epilepsy
In 2013, the Kuwait-America Foundation helped raise funds to benefit CURE Epilepsy and its mission is to find a cure for epilepsy, by promoting and funding patient-focused research. At the gala dinner held on November 3, 2013, Susan and David Axelrod were the Humanitarian Award recipients and Lee and Bob Woodruff served as Masters of Ceremonies.
2013 “Educate and Empower”
In 2013, the Kuwait-America Foundation raised nearly $1.5 million to benefit Georgetown University and the establishment of an endowment fund that will provide graduate studies scholarships to promising students from the Arab world based on merit and need. At the "Educate and Empower" gala held on June 9, 2013, US Secretary of State John Kerry was the Humanitarian Award recipient and Keynote Speaker; actress Catherine Zeta-Jones was the Distinguished Public Service Award recipient; and NBC's Andrea Mitchell served as Master of Ceremonies.
2012 Susan G. Komen for the Cure
In 2012, the Kuwait-America Foundation celebrated the 30th anniversary of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and its fight against breast cancer.
2012 “Campaign for Our Future”
In 2012, the Kuwait-America Foundation helped raise funds for the See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. At the gala dinner held on October 15, 2012, President Bill Clinton and Dr. Maya Angelou were the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers
2012 “Sowing the Future”
In 2012, the Kuwait-America Foundation raised over $2 million to benefit Women’s World Banking (WWB) and the creation of endowment funds that will provide microcredit loans to women in Egypt, Tunisia, and Lebanon. At the "Sowing the Future" gala held on March 11, 2012, actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman was the Humanitarian Award recipient; and NBC's David Gregory served as Master of Ceremonies.
2011 “Enduring Support”
In 2011, the Kuwait-America Foundation raised nearly $3 million to benefit the USO's Operation Enduring Care, a $100 million initiative to support America’s wounded warriors move from the battlefield to a full and productive future. The "Enduring Support" gala, held on March 6, 2011, celebrated the 70th anniversary of the USO and the 20th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait by Allied Coalition Forces. President Bill Clinton was the Keynote Speaker; Actor Ben Affleck delivered Special Remarks; and MSNBC's Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski served as Masters of Ceremonies.
2010 “Journey for Peace”
In 2010, the Kuwait-America Foundation raised over $2 million to benefit the Central Asia Institute and its mission to build schools and promote girls' education in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. At the "Journey for Peace" gala held on March 7, 2010, Secretary John Kerry delivered Special Remarks; UN Messenger of Peace actor Michael Douglas presented the award; musical legends Ashford and Simpson performed; and CNN's Dr. Fareed Zakaria served as Master of Ceremonies.
2009 “Act for Earth”
In 2009, the Kuwait-America Foundation raised over $1.8 million to benefit Conservation International in support of their efforts to harness nature as a solution to climate change. The “Act for Earth” gala, held on April 22, 2009, celebrated Earth Day. At the event, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was an Honored Guest and Humanitarian Award recipient; actor Leonardo DiCaprio was an Honored Guest and Environmental Leadership Award recipient; and world-renowned musician and composer Marvin Hamlisch performed.
2008 “Stand for Africa”
In 2008, the Kuwait-America Foundation raised over $1.6 million to benefit Malaria No More in support of its comprehensive approach to reducing malaria in Africa. At the "Stand for Africa" gala held on March 12, 2008, President George W. Bush was the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker; Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and First Lady Laura Bush were the Honored Guests and Distinguished Speakers; and world-renowned Grammy award winner Youssou N'Dour performed.
2007 “Healing for Peace”
In 2007, KAF raised more than $1.4 million to benefit Project HOPE and the development of the Basrah Children’s Hospital in Iraq, which addresses the needs of Iraq’s most seriously ill and injured children, with a special focus on children with cancer. At the “Healing for Peace” gala held on March 7, 2007, First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice were the Honored Guests and distinguished speakers, and country music star Randy Travis performed.
2006 “Bridges Of Hope”
In 2006, KAF raised more than $1.2 million to benefit UNICEF in its efforts to improve educational opportunities for children in Afghanistan, especially girls. The “Bridges of Hope” gala, held on March 8, 2006, celebrated International Women’s Day and the 60th Anniversary of UNICEF. At the event, First Lady Laura Bush was the Humanitarian Award recipient; Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was the Public Service Award recipient; UN Messenger of Peace actor Michael Douglas was the Private Citizen Award recipient; and ABC’s George Stephanopoulos served as Master of Ceremonies.
“A Tribute To Friendship”
In 2005, KAF expanded its efforts globally by partnering with organizations to assist refugees, improve education, provide quality healthcare, and fight poverty and disease worldwide. In 2005, KAF raised more than $1 million to benefit USA for UNHCR in its efforts to assist Iraqi refugees, mainly women and children, wishing to return home. At the “Tribute to Friendship” gala held on March 9, 2005, Former Secretary of State Colin Powell and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie were the Guests of Honor and Humanitarian Award recipients.
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What does it take to change the world?
Program Director, Shereen Abdel-Nabi is dedicated to building a future grounded in equity for all.