Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL)

The Canadian Foundation for the Americas is an independent policy institute, based in Ottawa, that fosters informed analysis and debate on social, political and economic issues facing the Americas. We support a greater understanding of these issues in Canada and throughout the region.

FOCAL was founded in 1990 and has a full time staff of approximately 15 people. The Board of Directors provides strategic guidance to the organization and its activities.

Program Areas

• Poverty and Inequality
• Private Sector, Trade and Economic Development
• Inter-American Affairs
• Governance and Democracy
• Research Forum on Cuba
• Internship Program

Financial Support
FOCAL receives funding from a number of sources, including: the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC), other Canadian government departments, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Ford Foundation, and the Organization of American States (OAS).