The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is dedicated to building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous hemisphere—because when Latin America and the Caribbean thrive, so does America. For 60 years, PADF has worked to create opportunities and address challenges that impact the entire region, fostering healthier, more just, peaceful, resilient, and sustainable communities. By strengthening the hemisphere, we protect shared values, promote stability, and enhance prosperity for generations to come.
With 60 years of experience across Latin America and the PADF’s six decades of experience across Latin America and the Caribbean have positioned us as a trusted leader in advancing regional security, economic growth, and good governance. With robust partnerships spanning civil society, governments, and the private sector, we deliver results through innovative programs and unmatched in-country networks. Our expertise allows us to rapidly mobilize resources, adapt to diverse challenges, and implement solutions that drive measurable, lasting impact. We uphold the highest standards of accountability and communicate our success with transparency—because every step we take toward a stronger hemisphere is a step toward a safer, more prosperous future for all.
The Organization of American States (OAS) creates the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) in support of President John F. Kennedy’s Alliance for Progress. PADF is established to complement programs of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Peace Corps, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) by mobilizing private sector support for community-based initiatives.
The OAS names PADF a “special purpose foundation” and a “service foundation,” recognizing its focus on poverty alleviation and services to the poor. PADF registers with USAID as a private voluntary organization and achieves consultative status with the United Nations.
PADF begins agriculture and rural development projects in Eastern Caribbean, Honduras, and Belize.
PADF’s work on municipal development begins in Argentina, Guatemala, Peru, and other countries as the organization launches first efforts to build linkage between local governments and NGOs.
PADF launches a remittance-based economic development initiative that supports U.S.-based immigrant groups from El Salvador, Haiti, and Mexico who are working to improve education and infrastructure, generate jobs, increase incomes, and provide sustainable opportunities for communities in their countries of origin.
The Colombian government expands its partnership with PADF by providing funds for developing micro-enterprises among the country’s displaced population and for implementing income generation projects with Afro-Colombian and indigenous groups. Colombia turned to PADF because of our proven track record of delivering results in challenging environments and our 50 years of experience of working with micro and community enterprises in many different settings throughout the Americas.
PADF continues to deliver on its mission to create a hemisphere of opportunity, for all. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PADF quickly pivots to address the most pressing needs, from health and nutrition, to virtual STEM education and job creation.
