This has been another momentous year for Near East Foundation. Not only did we mark the close of our ninth decade, we also implemented important structural and organizational changes at NEF. The growth of our field programs has been consistent and rewarded by new grants in places like Palestine, Egypt, and Morocco. However, it has been a struggle for our fundraising, which mostly takes place here in the United States, to keep pace with this expansion.

Consequently, NEF’s Board of Directors made  a number of difficult decisions, including strict budget controls, cuts in spending, and contracting our office here in New York to make the best use of our limited resources. NEF President Ryan LaHurd and I went to Cairo in January to talk with our Egyptian staff about implementing these cuts. Each manager understood the necessity and timeliness of the measures, and worked wholeheartedly to implement them.  Despite the challenges, NEF continues project exploration, including in Armenia, Sudan and in Ethiopia, where we received government registration as an international NGO this year.

Not just content with cuts, however, we have stepped up our fundraising efforts, both on the Web, through personal contacts, and with our loyal donors. Your support has helped NEF reach this 90th year milestone. Now we hope that you will help us, not just in monetary support, but in talking about NEF with your friends, in your giving circle, at the gym, or at your place of worship. We would be happy to provide you with a speaker, should you request one. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways that any organization becomes known.

At this time, the American people are both curious about—and confused by—what is happening in the Middle East.  Having spent more than two decades in the region, working first as an archaeologist in Iran and Jordan, and since 1986, with NEF, I have to say that never before have I seen the kind of mutual misunderstanding which now exists. NEF is the only organization I know which can become a bridge of understanding between our peoples.

Thank you for your continuing support, which has helped NEF reach this remarkable 90th  anniversary year in its service to the Middle East and Africa.  Our partnership is more important than ever to the people we serve during these difficult times in the Islamic world.

Sincerely,

Chair