Private Sector Development
Inclusive Economic Development
Lebanon
Overview
Near East Foundation began operating in Lebanon in 1918 and became a registered non-governmental organization in 2005. In 2015, NEF established a permanent presence in Lebanon in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. Since then, NEF has helped 21,000+ vulnerable refugees and Lebanese access services and information, gain new skills and create sustainable livelihood opportunities, and we have provided 7,000+ people with business development grants.
In 1930, NEF worked with the American University of Beirut (AUB) to establish the Institute of Rural Life, which still exists today as AUB’s Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. The Institute was designed to work directly with farmers to improve crop production and animal husbandry. It also organizes agricultural education for schools, child welfare programs, and farmers’ cooperatives.
In the 1980s, NEF began supporting a range of local development projects in coordination with Lebanese civil society organizations (CSOs). These projects focused on vocational education, agricultural and rural economic development, and micro-credit.
In recent years, NEF’s work has focused on providing business development services paired with protection and mental health support that are accessed through Siraj centers. By investing efforts into strengthening the capacity of local organizations who can independently continue offering services, more individuals will have access to engaging in safe ways to earn an income, support their families and improve their lives.
