The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) believes in creating a hemisphere of opportunity, for all. We work across Latin America and the Caribbean to make our region stronger — more healthy, peaceful, just, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for current and future generations. For 60 years, we have served the most vulnerable communities, investing resources throughout the hemisphere. We partner with and enable civil society, governments, and the private sector for the greater good of the region.
With 60 years of experience across Latin America and the Caribbean and strong partnerships with local communities, civil society, and public and private sectors, we have an impeccable track record of success with extensive in-country networks and sound financial controls. We are uniquely positioned to develop and implement adaptable programs across multiple technical areas, quickly deploy to any country in Latin America and the Caribbean and activate existing local networks, measure and evaluate our impact with comprehensive performance indicators, and communicate our progress through integrated communications strategies.
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.
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