NEF 2005 Annual Report - Near East Foundation
NEF 2005 Annual Report - Near East Foundation
NEF 2005 Annual Report - Near East Foundation
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This has been another momentous year for <strong>Near</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Foundation</strong>. Not only did we mark the close of our<br />
ninth decade, we also implemented important structural and organizational changes at <strong>NEF</strong>. The growth of<br />
our field programs has been consistent and rewarded by new grants in places like Palestine, Egypt, and<br />
Morocco. However, it has been a struggle for our fundraising, which mostly takes place here in the United<br />
States, to keep pace with this expansion.<br />
Consequently, <strong>NEF</strong>’s Board of Directors made a number of difficult decisions, including strict budget<br />
controls, cuts in spending, and contracting our office here in New York to make the best use of our limited<br />
resources. <strong>NEF</strong> President Ryan LaHurd and I went to Cairo in January to talk with our Egyptian staff about<br />
implementing these cuts. Each manager understood the necessity and timeliness of the measures, and<br />
worked wholeheartedly to implement them. Despite the challenges, <strong>NEF</strong> continues project exploration,<br />
including in Armenia, Sudan and in Ethiopia, where we received government registration as an international<br />
NGO this year.<br />
Not just content with cuts, however, we have stepped up our fundraising efforts, both on the Web, through<br />
personal contacts, and with our loyal donors. Your support has helped <strong>NEF</strong> reach this 90th year milestone.<br />
Now we hope that you will help us, not just in monetary support, but in talking about <strong>NEF</strong> with your friends, in<br />
your giving circle, at the gym, or at your place of worship. We would be happy to provide you with a speaker,<br />
should you request one. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways that any organization becomes<br />
known.<br />
At this time, the American people are both curious about—and confused by—what is happening in the<br />
Middle <strong>East</strong>. Having spent more than two decades in the region, working first as an archaeologist in Iran and<br />
Jordan, and since 1986, with <strong>NEF</strong>, I have to say that never before have I seen the kind of mutual<br />
misunderstanding which now exists. <strong>NEF</strong> is the only organization I know which can become a bridge of<br />
understanding between our peoples.<br />
Thank you for your continuing support, which has helped <strong>NEF</strong> reach this remarkable 90th anniversary year<br />
in its service to the Middle <strong>East</strong> and Africa. Our partnership is more important than ever to the people we<br />
serve during these difficult times in the Islamic world.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Chair<br />
Editor: Andrea M. Couture<br />
• Designer: Ellen Scott