The Iraq Foundation is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization. The Foundation was established by Iraqis in 1991 as an independent, non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-ethnic organization. Our mission is to promote democracy, human rights and civil society in Iraq.

From 1991-2003, IF worked with the Iraqi expatriate community and the Iraqi Kurdish population in northern Iraq. Our projects included publications, seminars and workshops, research and documentation, civil society strengthening and human rights advocacy. In June 2003, the Foundation opened its offices in Baghdad, Iraq and has transferred most of its activities and projects to Iraq. To facilitate our work, IF opened an additional office in the Southern governorate of Basra in 2005.

We work largely with Iraqi NGOs and cooperate with relevant government institutions. To achieve our goals, we utilize a variety of tools such as training workshops, conferences, publications, and radio and TV programs. We aim to be inclusive of all regions in Iraq.

Mission Statement:
The Iraq Foundation works for democracy and human rights in Iraq and for improving the lives of Iraqis.

Goals
Our efforts are directed to achieving the following goals:
Fostering the development of institutions of civil society in Iraq through training and education and empowerment programs;
Working with Iraqi communities and international organizations to develop strategies for Iraq’s transition to a pluralist democracy;
Working with Iraqi civil society organizations to promote human rights education and protections; and
Promoting the equal participation of Iraqi women and minorities in the public and private sectors of Iraq.

Background
The Iraq Foundation is a non-profit, 501(C)3 corporation, working for democracy and human rights in Iraq, and for a better international understanding of Iraq''s potential as a contributor to political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The Foundation was established in 1991 by Iraqi expatriates with the purpose of working with Iraqis and non-Iraqis in promoting its vision. The Foundation is non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-ethnic, and is not affiliated with any other organization or political party.

All contributions to the Iraq Foundation are tax-deductible in the US.

Philosophy
With its educated population and oil reserves, Iraq commands considerable human and natural resources and enjoys a tradition of intellectual and economic prominence in the Middle East. A peaceful Iraq can serve as a stabilizing force and as a catalyst for security and economic prosperity in the region. However, Iraq will only live in peace within its borders and with its neighbors once democracy and accountable government are established. The Iraqi people will only flourish when their civil and human rights are respected.