African Development Foundation

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is an Independent United States Government Agency that provides grants of up to $250,000 to community groups and small enterprises that benefit under-served and marginalized groups in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The African Development Foundation measures grant success in terms of jobs created and sustained, increased incomes levels, and improved social conditions. In 2010, African Development Foundation budgeted over $20 million for project grants in 20 countries. An additional $4.5 million was budgeted for African-directed partner organizations that provide technical design and implementation support for the African Development Foundation's grantees.

History

Created by an Act of Congress in 1980, the African Development Foundation began program operations in 1984. It has since provided financing to more than 1,500 small enterprises and community-based organizations.

The budget of the African Development Foundation is funded through annual United States government appropriations for foreign operations. The African Development Foundation is governed by a board of directors that includes seven members who are nominated by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate.