III 

116TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 297 

Commending the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on the occasion of its 

50th anniversary for its significant accomplishments and contributions 

to the economic and social development of the Americas. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

JULY 31, 2019 

Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. CRUZ, and Mr. 

KAINE) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 

Committee on Foreign Relations 

RESOLUTION 

Commending the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on the 

occasion of its 50th anniversary for its significant accomplishments and contributions to the economic and social 

development of the Americas. 

Whereas December 30, 2019, marks the 50th anniversary of 

the establishment of the Inter-American Foundation (referred to in this preamble as the ‘‘IAF’’), an independent 

Federal agency in the United States that prioritizes sustainable, community-led development across Latin America and the Caribbean; 

Whereas the IAF was created under section 401 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1969 (22 U.S.C. 290f) ‘‘to achieve 

conditions in the Western Hemisphere under which the 

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•SRES 297 IS 

spected and under which all men will be afforded the opportunity to develop their potential, to seek through gainful and productive work the fulfillment of their aspirations for a better life, and to live in justice and peace’’; 

Whereas the IAF invests in effective grassroots solutions that 

promote prosperity and peace, and advance the growth of 

democratic institutions; 

Whereas the unique development model of the IAF, applied 

through more than 5,000 community-led grants, has empowered millions of marginalized and underserved people 

in the Americas to achieve dignified livelihoods, effective 

civil engagement, and safer, more peaceful, and more just 

communities; 

Whereas the IAF’s model— 

(1) has demonstrated that making direct grants to 

grassroots groups and civil society organizations in underserved and vulnerable communities is cost-effective; 

(2) fosters self-reliance by requiring grantees to mobilize local resources for their own projects and by connecting them to networks of new partners; 

(3) leverages additional resources from private and 

community partners; and 

(4) incentivizes broad civic engagement and local 

ownership of community development; 

Whereas the IAF—by investing in grassroots approaches that 

create businesses, jobs, and leadership opportunities in 

communities—reinforces the commitment of individuals 

to strengthening their own communities; 

Whereas investments made by the IAF have created an extensive network of grassroots innovators and changemakers who— 


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•SRES 297 IS 

(1) are positively disposed to the United States; 

(2) are better positioned to partner with other 

United States Government agencies and other public and 

private funders; and 

(3) have gone on to leadership roles at the local and 

national levels; 

Whereas investments made by the IAF have improved the 

quality of life and democracy in the Americas by 

strengthening the capacity of individuals to participate in 

civic life, engage constructively with their local officials, 

and hold their governments accountable; 

Whereas, by listening and responding to the priorities of communities and investing in projects that utilize and validate local knowledge and expertise, the IAF has fostered 

trust and goodwill with the people of Latin America and 

the Caribbean; and 

Whereas the IAF’s support of community-led efforts designed 

to increase opportunities for development and the 

strengthening of civil society and democratic governance 

has advanced the national interests of the United States 

and promoted democratic values across the Western 

Hemisphere: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) commends the Inter-American Foundation 

3 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its estab4 lishment for its significant contributions to strength5 ening democracy, peace, and economic and social de6 velopment in Latin American and the Caribbean; 

7 (2) recognizes that the bottom-up approach of 

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1 uals in marginalized and underserved communities 

2 to be leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and change3 makers in development processes; 

4 (3) recognizes that the Inter-American Founda5 tion advances the foreign policy of the United States 

6 Government and contributes directly to the national 

7 interests of the United States; and 

8 (4) commits to continue to support the vital 

9 work of the Inter-American Foundation as an inde10 pendent agency. 

Æ 


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