Near East Foundation 2015 Annual Report
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Centennial Celebration<br />
The <strong>Near</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Foundation</strong> held its Centennial Gala in October<br />
<strong>2015</strong> in New York City to mark 100 years of service and<br />
pioneering work in the Middle <strong>East</strong> and Africa.<br />
In commemorating its history, NEF paid tribute to the many<br />
individuals who have contributed to its legacy throughout the<br />
years. The evening’s reoccurring theme focused on NEF’s<br />
Centennial Initiative, which was launched to help Syrian and<br />
Iraqi refugees, as well as vulnerable members of their host<br />
communities in Jordan and Lebanon, build economic resilience<br />
through small business development, financial literacy, conflict<br />
management, and social networking.<br />
The evening also highlighted NEF’s newly formed<br />
partnership with 100 LIVES—the Gratitude Scholarship<br />
Program, valued at nearly $7 million over eight years. NEF and<br />
100 LIVES will provide 100 academic scholarships to youth<br />
from the Arab Middle <strong>East</strong> who have been affected by conflict,<br />
displacement, and poverty. The scholarships will provide talented<br />
young people with an opportunity to receive an internationalcaliber<br />
education at one of the United World College schools.<br />
“The <strong>Near</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Foundation</strong> is proud to celebrate its centennial<br />
anniversary by enabling 100 driven and in-need students to<br />
receive a world-class education. We are excited to join 100<br />
LIVES in rewarding talented students and future leaders the<br />
opportunity to excel and succeed.”<br />
Charles Benjamin, NEF President<br />
3 | NEF <strong>2015</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong>
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