Mission

Founded in 1975, The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) serves as a major advocate in Washington, DC for nearly 25 million Italian Americans, raising the prominence of all things Italian in American culture and society, and making Italian American part of the national conversation. NIAF is dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and culture of Americans of Italian descent, the nation's fifth largest ethnic group. NIAF: provides educational and scholarship opportunities; promotes the history, heritage and accomplishments of Italian Americans; serves as a liaison between the Italian American community and the government; ensures a realistic portrayal of Italian Americans in the media; serves as a liaison between Italy and the United States; and serves as a clearinghouse of information on Italy and on Americans of Italian descent.