Founded in 2003, New Field Foundation grew out of the commitment and interests of our founding board of directors, who between them have more than 80 years of community-based grant-making experience and knowledge. Inspired by the changes they saw from people organizing in their own communities worldwide, New Field board members decided to focus on women and their families who are using peaceful and creative ways to overcome poverty, violence and injustice in their communities.

Recognizing the severe situation facing rural women and their families in many parts of Africa and the emerging leadership of African women to bring about change not only for themselves but for their families and communities, New Field decided initially to concentrate our resources on initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa.