The Charities Aid Foundation of America (CAF) is an intermediary global philanthropic organization that acts as a pass-through group for donors to 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

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}

1. “CAF America – Give Anywhere.” CAFAmerica.org. Accessed January 5, 2026. https://cafamerica.org/.
2. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Charities Aid Foundation America. 2023. Part III – Statement of Program Service Accomplishments, line 1.
3. “Give Now.” CAF America.org. Accessed January 5, 2026. https://cafamerica.org/give-now/.
4. “How We Work.” CAFAmerica.org. Accessed January 5, 2026. https://cafamerica.org/how-we-work/.
5. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Charities Aid Foundation America. 2023. Part III – Statement of Program Service Accomplishments, lines 4a-4c.
6. Ndoye, Adja. “Cultivating Climate Resilience in Rural Mexico.” CAFAmerica.org. Accessed January 5, 2026. https://cafamerica.org/story/cultivating-climate-resilience-in-rural-mexico/.
7. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Charities Aid Foundation America. 2023. Part I, lines 12, 18, 22.
8. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990-PF). Open Society Institute. 2011. Part XV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
9. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990-PF). Open Society Institute. 2013. Part XV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
10. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990-PF). Open Society Institute. 2014. Part XV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
11. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990-PF). Open Society Institute. 2015. Part XV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
12. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990-PF). Open Society Institute. 2016. Part XV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
13. “Jessie Krafft.” LinkedIn. Accessed January 5, 2026. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-krafft-94726039/.