The health, safety, and security of our staff and grantee partners are the highest priorities of the Inter-American Foundation.
Already vulnerable communities in Latin America and the Caribbean now face increasing food insecurity, health risks, loss of livelihoods, and increased violence risks due to COVID-19. Our grantees are on the front lines helping these communities survive the pandemic. They are also looking to the future to restart their economies and rebuild their communities.
We are funding grassroots organizations as they:
 Support immediate response to help keep communities healthy, safe, and informed. |
 Invest in recovery activities that will help people earn a living, return to school, and access basic services. |
 Bolster longer-term resilience among already underserved communities against economic, social, and environmental shocks. |
By meeting immediate needs and promoting emergency preparedness, we are strengthening local organizations and their communities to weather this and future crises.
IAF Investment by the Numbers
IAF investment in COVID-19 response
people benefitting
organizations funded
countries
Combating COVID-19 at the Grassroots
Partnering to Respond to the COVID-19 Crisis
In the wake of COVID-19, we have broadened our alliances with current partners to help at-risk communities adapt and recover. We have also identified promising new private sector partners and funding opportunities to scale our efforts even further.
Community Resilience in the Time of COVID-19: Lessons from the 2017 Mexican Earthquakes
For international humanitarian relief, it may seem faster and more efficient to respond with a “one-size-fits-all” approach to disaster recovery. But communities that lead their own solutions are more engaged throughout recovery, ultimately rebuilding stronger.
Engaging Youth in the COVID-19 Era and Beyond: Insights from Mike McCabe, USAID’s Senior Advisor on Youth
A former IAF foundation representative shares how the pandemic is affecting youth and how funders can help youth reach their potential.
Carrying the Load: A Haitian Grantee’s Tenacity through a Decade of Natural Disasters
From earthquakes to floods and now COVID-19, Haiti has been severely tested over the past few decades. Through it all, however, one thing remains constant—the resilience of the Haitian people.
Guidance for Grantee Partners
Issued March 26, 2020
As we confront the challenges of COVID-19 right here at home in the United States, we can only imagine the challenges it poses for you and your communities. We are thinking of you, your staff, and organizations. Many of you are often the first responders—sometimes the only
responders—in emergency situations like these. And we know how daunting and draining these moments can be for everyone.
Please count on the IAF as you rethink your programming in this new context, whether through the pandemic or during its aftermath. In the coming days, Local Liaisons and Foundation Representatives will be reaching out to learn about your specific challenges, concerns, and ideas you may have about adjustments to your planned activities. Please do not do anything that puts you or the communities you serve in harm’s way to meet grant obligations.
Meanwhile, here in Washington, we are working remotely and will continue to do so through the foreseeable future. We are not traveling or holding any in-person meetings or events, just as we have encouraged our colleagues in countries to do, following local health guidelines. That being said, our virtual community is as strong as ever and we hope yours is there too. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to resilient and empowered communities, no matter what tomorrow brings us. We look forward to continuing working with you in these difficult times. Please do not hesitate to contact us and let us know how you are doing.
All the best,
Paloma Adams-Allen
President and CEO
Inter-American Foundation
U.S. Government Sources of Information on COVID-19
Coronavirus.gov: Find the most recent official information, curated by the White House’s COVID-19 Task Force.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Get official medical information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
U.S. Government Response to COVID-19: Learn how the Federal Government is responding in the United States and around the world.
Recent News and Stories
Give Peace a Chance
Grantees in our Colombia peacebuilding initiative raise awareness about human rights, prevent violence, promote economic opportunities, and support community involvement in local development plans.
Building Park Benches (and Community Trust) in El Salvador
In an area known for its high homicide rate, young Salvadorans are reclaiming public spaces to gather and reconnect neighborhoods.
Building Community Resilience in Eastern/Southern Caribbean: An IAF-USAID Joint Initiative
Small island nations in the Caribbean constantly face the risk of natural disasters. But with preparation, their communities can withstand and bounce back quickly from these disasters. That's why we're launching a three-year, $5 million joint initiative with USAID: Building Community Resilience in the Eastern & Southern Caribbean.