AKF Annual Report - Aga Khan Development Network

to local governments through collaboration on development issues. It also
provides fund-raising advice and contacts to current and former recipients
of its grants through its civil society activities.
The Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan
Fund for the Environment is a new
centre for environmental activities,
formed by the merger of the
Bellerive Foundation and the AKF.
In its new form, the Fund’s activities
will highlight the linkages between
poverty and the penury of natural
resources. It will promote the management
and development of sustainable
natural resources through
education, area development and
related research that addresses
existing or emerging issues in the
developing world.
Through endowments and capital investments, AKF helps to ensure the
viability of these institutions. For example, it has aided community preschools
in Africa build endowments. AKF’s support extends to the creation
of civil society institutions, including pre-primary, primary, secondary, technical
and professional schools; maternity homes, hospitals, research centres; and
sports, recreation and cultural centres.
AKF both implements projects and makes grants. Most Foundation grants
are made to local field-based organisations. When an appropriate partner
for a programme does not exist, the Foundation will create one – such as
its rural development programmes – or manage the project directly. Over
the years, AKF has built a solid reputation for accountable management of
grants within a clearly defined thematic strategy and geographic focus.
His Highness the Aga Khan, who founded AKF in 1967, provides regular
funding for administration and programme initiatives as well as contributions
to its endowment. The Ismaili community contributes invaluable volunteer
time, professional services and substantial financial resources. Other funding
sources include more than 60 national and international development
agencies and many thousands of individual and corporate donors. In 2006,
with a budget of US$ 153 million, AKF funded projects in 18 countries.
The Foundation is committed to sharing lessons from its field experiences
through collaboration, public dissemination and policy dialogue. Models
that the Foundation has promoted have been adapted and replicated by
governments and international donors across a spectrum of environments
and economies.
The Foundation is based in Geneva, Switzerland, with branches and
affiliates in Central and South Asia, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa,
Europe and North America. In every country, the Foundation works for
the common good of all citizens, regardless of gender, origin, religion or
political association.
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