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 network of offices in 18 Asian countries and in 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. In 2020, we provided $78.6 million in direct program support and distributed textbooks and other educational materials valued at $5 million.

A peaceful, just, and thriving Asia.

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 path-breaking reforms. Together with our partners, we are committed to Asia’s continued development as a peaceful, just, and thriving region of the world.

In an increasingly complex and changing world, we believe that a peaceful and engaged Asia is of critical global importance. These core values continue to define our work in the 21st century.

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, 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.