In Washington, D.C. in 1991, a group of Iraqi expatriates – including current IF president and former Iraqi Ambassador to the United States, Rend al-Rahim – discussed the formation of an organization that would mobilize the people of Iraq to actively engage in their government, and instill the roots of democracy in this wounded nation. Operating under the name, “Free Iraq Foundation,” with the help of a small grant, the group began circulating a newsletter throughout Iraq called “Iraqi Issues”. With that, the Iraq Foundation was born.

Over three decades later the Foundation has evolved tremendously, conducting humanitarian relief efforts, training Iraqi parliamentarians, empowering Iraqi women and enhancing the capacity of ordinary Iraqis to help their neighbors and country as a whole.

Today, we thank all of those who have taken part, enriched our journey and have helped us reach our goals and stride for new ones. We hope our work has served as an inspiration to yours, to help the oppressed, defenseless, and less fortunate, not only in Iraq, but wherever they may be.

The Iraq Foundation (IF) is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization and a registered CSO in Iraq. IF was established in 1991 with a mission to promote democracy, human rights and civil society in Iraq. The Iraq Foundation (IF) is Iraqi-founded and Iraqi-led; it is independent, non-partisan, and espouses the principle of pluralism in its.