History and mission of the NAFThe Netherlands-American FoundationFounded in 1921, the NAF is the leading bilateral foundation initiating and supporting high-impact exchange between the Netherlands and the United States, including the NAF/Fulbright Fellowships and programs in the arts, business, public policy and historic preservation. NAF activities provide donors and recipients with access to a broad network of educational, cultural and business organizations that exemplify Dutch and U.S. excellence in a number of disciplines.
Mission
Building on the enduring heritage and values shared between the peoples of the Netherlands and the United States, the Netherland-America Foundation (NAF) seeks to further strengthen the bonds between our two countries through exchange in the arts, sciences, education, business and public affairs.
History
The NAF was founded by visionary leaders in 1921. Edward Bok, celebrated publisher of the Ladies’ Home Journal, served as its first president. Bok and his colleagues - including Franklin D. Roosevelt - were determined to build the NAF into an activist organization. Business, government and academic leaders served as presidents, among them: Thomas J. Watson, founder of IBM; the Hon. William C. Redfield, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and Dr. A.J. Barnouw, Queen Wilhelmina Professor at Columbia University.
Inside the NAF
Day-to-day activities are run by an executive director and a small staff, in close consultation with an executive committee of the board of directors. More than 50 volunteers serve on the board and standing committees. For more information, visit www.theNAF.org
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