History :
The Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) established in 1977 is a non profit organization that was formally created by royal decree under the name of "Queen Alia Welfare Fund " with the aim of improving the quality of life of under-privileged members of the Jordanian society on a sustainable basis.  Through its large national network of Community Development Centres across the Kingdom, and a variety of donor-funded projects and programmes, the Fund took major successful strides achieving a position of pre-eminence in human development in Jordan. The Fund Chaired by HRH Princess Basma bint Talal was the first non-governmental organization (NGO) in Jordan to address development issues at a national level. 

The Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) is Jordan’s largest NGO dedicated to promoting development in poor, marginalised and under-served communities through the enhanced participation and empowerment of Jordanians. 

JOHUD reaches out across the kingdom through its network of 50 community development centres (CDCs), providing the backbone of JOHUD’s grassroots development work.  Each CDC is locally managed, offering programmes tailored to meet the particular needs of the community.  JOHUD gains its greatest strength from its 8,000 volunteers- mainly women and young people- whose energy and commitment drives the programmes at the CDCs.  JOHUD develops the management and leadership skills of its CDC staff and partners in development.  Main centres, in turn, play a consultative role in running sub-centres in their area.  Over recent years, JOHUD and the CDC network have devolved more responsibility and rights to the local level.

JOHUD was the first NGO to address development issues in Jordan concentrating on providing basic relief services in the late 70s.  In time, JOHUD became a recognized leader in the field of social development, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and sustainability in a range of projects and programs carried out with the community-based partners.
  
JOHUD supports integrated development solutions through a combination of direct service delivery, project implementation and advocacy for policy and process change.  It is JOHUD’s mission to continuously identify obstacles Jordanians face and to find ways to increase their opportunities and choices.

Mission :
JOHUD strives to impact the best development practices nationally, drawing on its experience and local presence, while creating opportunities for Jordanians to play a central role in shaping the country’s future.
JOHUD aims to:
• maintain a leading national role in advancing sustainable human development, contributing to the achievement of national goals of equitable growth and development
• demonstrate good practice in community development, by putting people at the centre of development, empowering Jordanians to play a central role in shaping their future

JOHUD’s particular assets:
• Physical outreach and facilities (CDCs)
• Social networks and position of trust
• Knowledge of the field
• Human and organisational resources at the grass-roots
• Strong management capacity
• Links to national and international entities
• Ability to link theory and practice

JOHUD’s Approach :
JOHUD adopts a rights-based approach to human development, where the equality of people and their right to the essential components of a healthy and fulfilled life is the main goal. In all aspects of its operations, JOHUD aims to
• Expand choices and opportunities
• Enhance participation and social inclusion
• Promote sustainable livelihood strategies
• Enhance access to basic services
• Improve the quality of life for poorer and marginalised people

JOHUD Operational Program :
JOHUD implements human development projects and programmes with both international and national partners.  JOHUD promotes an integrated holistic approach to development in all its activities and creates synergies between programmes to enhance positive outcomes.  JOHUD clusters its programmes in thematic areas.  This allows staff to concentrate their energies in sectors where they wish to build technical expertise and in-depth understanding.

Based on an analysis of the current and emerging external environment and building on its existing programme, JOHUD works within eight main thematic areas that ‘capture’ the majority of its current portfolio of operations. 

Main thematic areas :
• Economic empowerment
• Women’s rights and advocacy
• IT for development
• Natural resource management and sustainable livelihoods
• Youth participation
• Early childhood development
• Governance and local development
Health and well-being