Charities Aid Foundation of America

While it is an international organization, it has a 501(c)(3) American-based branch, operating as “CAF America,” which exists to facilitate American donor grants to its affiliated groups. ¹

Background

The Charities Aid Foundation of America is a global philanthropic organization that acts as a pass-through group for various international charities, principally those dedicated to “sustainability,” “social purposes,” and other left-of-center priorities. ^{1 2}

While it is an international organization, it has a 501(c)(3) American-based branch, operating as “CAF America,” which exists to facilitate American donor grants to its affiliated groups. ¹

CAF America is based in Alexandria, Virginia. ¹

Grantmaking

Donors interested in using CAF America, the American branch of Charities Aid Foundation of America, as a grantmaking facilitator are offered the options of making a one-time online donation to a CAF America partner or project; making a donation to its donor-advised fund (DAF); making an “offline” donation via check, crypto, stock, or other non-cash assets; or making a donation to its “disaster relief” program. ³

CAF claims to disburse more than $1.4 billion to nonprofit groups each year. ⁴

In 2023, CAF America disbursed $778,654,873 to its DAFs (which it claims made 146,000 grants in fiscal year 2024), made 1,331 in donor advised gifts worth a total of $79,547,074, and allocated $43,159,056 to its “Friends Funds” program which permits international organizations to solicit support from American donors. ⁵

One of CAF America’s spotlighted projects as of January 2026 was a “climate resilience” effort in rural Mexico spearheaded by El Maiz Mas Pequeno A.C., which seeks to transform school buildings into “hubs of climate adaptation.” ⁶

Financials

In 2023, Charities Aid Foundation of America reported revenues of $951,859,237, total expenses of $911,493,403, and net assets of $431,911,867. ⁷

Funding

From 2011 to 2016, Charities Aid Foundation of America received at least $19,140 from George Soros’ Open Society Institute (now known as the Open Society Foundations) through its matching-gift program. ^{8 9 10 11 12}

Leadership

As of 2026, Charities Aid Foundation of America was led by president and CEO Jessie Krafft, who has a background in Latin American nonprofit work. ^{4 13}