AAI Foundation

About AAIF

A not-for-profit affiliate of the Arab American Institute (AAI), the Foundation supports programs that promote greater awareness of Arab Americans in the United States, demographic research and international outreach. The AAIF serves as the primary national resource on the Arab American experience for the media, academia, government agencies and the private sector. Through its numerous outreach programs, the AAIF builds leadership skills among students and young professionals and informs the American public, government agencies and organizations about the contributions and concerns of Americans of Arab descent. In the wake of the tragic events of September 11, the foundation launched a number of ambitious educational and humanitarian initiatives that garnered national prominence.

Click here to make a donation to AAIF

Youth Leadership Opportunities

AAIF provides cash awards, internships, scholarships, and leadership training for young Arab Americans on the basis of their interest in public and community service. For more information please email Kyle Haley at khaley@aaiusa.org.

Education

AAIF produces educational materials on the role of the Arab American community in American society. AAIF also provides links to some of the better educational materials on Muslims in America and on the Arab World and Islam.

Outreach

AAIF outreach efforts include presentations to inform the American public and Arab visitors to the United States about ethnic identity of Arab Americans and their contributions to American civic life, government service, business and professional life, and education. AAIF reaches out especially to American law enforcement agencies and educators to help them develop positive ways of interacting with the Arab American community.

Demographics and Census Information Center

The US Census bureau has designated AAIF as the only Census Information Center dedicated to analyzing data on Arab Americans. AAIF is also part of The Working Group on Ancestry in the U.S. Census, a national coalition of ethnic organizations interested in the effective collection of Census data on the question of ancestry. Click here to see Demographic profiles on Arabs in America.

Cultural Heritage Programs

Muhammad Ali, Her Majesty Queen Noor, and AAI President James Zogby at the 2004 Kahlil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards

The Kahlil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards are named for the world-renowned Lebanese-born author of The Prophet whose work underscored his respect for the dignity of man, his belief in the sanctity of individual freedom, and his universal love of humanity. The awards further symbolize Gibran’s pride in his Arab heritage and respect for the freedoms that he found in the United States.

At the annual Gibran Awards Gala, AAIF honors individuals, corporations, institutions, and communities for their work in promoting greater understanding and appreciation of diversity and inclusion. For details and more photos of this and previous years’ Gibran Awards Galas, click here.

Cultural Tribute Events

Every four years, AAIF hosts cultural tribute events at both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. These receptions expose delegates from around the country to the richness and diversity of the Arab American community, spotlight the host cities’ Arab American communities, and honor Arab American elected officials and delegates. The 2004 events were attended by almost 2,000 delegates, party officials, journalists, and local community members from Boston and New York.