Academy for Educational Development (AED), founded in 1961 (Washington, DC), has over 250 programs in 150 countries with a focus on improving education, health and economic opportunities for the least advantaged in the USA and developing countries around the world.

AED’s annual budget of over $335-million provides assistance in projects related to HIV/AIDS, education, economic development, environment, energy, health, leadership, democracy and youth programs. In addition to the USA, AED works in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Some of the many projects include:

* Africa- Malaria:  AED’s NetMark project (funded by USAID and private sector partners) - Since 2003, NetMark’s partners have delivered over 23 million insecticide-treated nets to vulnerable people in Africa and have educated over 100-million people on the benefits of using the nets. Netmark countries include Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

* Nigeria: Supporting national and local capacity to provide HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and treatment services to the Nigerian working population.

* Ecuador: Local Business Development Project.

* Jordan: Clean water projects mobilizes all sectors of society to create a water-efficient culture.

* Kenya: Speak for the Child Program supports families in western Kenya improve the lives of children orphaned and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Other programs deal with issues such as scholarships for girls, child health education, preventing HIV/AIDS, clean water, improved breastfeeding practices, conflict resolution, microfinance lending, gender equity, improving teaching and education, promoting sustainable energy sources, and supporting children with disabilities.

Information on donating or program details can be found on their website.