Since 1992, CAF America has been helping people in need throughout the world, inspiring generations of donors across the corporate and private space, to be bolder and more innovative in their grant making, by making grants directly to charities around the world.

NO TITLE – The United States Ends the COVID Health Emergency
As the United States declares an end to the COVID health emergency, CAF America stands as a beacon of resilience, having facilitated over $74 million in impactful grants dedicated to alleviating the hardships caused by the pandemic.
One Year Later: The Russian Invasion of Ukraine
CAF America marks the 1-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine with over $37 million granted to charities supporting Ukrainians in need. Our donors have funded 998 grants to 78 charities in 14 countries. This includes over $3.75 million in grants to charities incorporated in Ukraine itself. Over the past year Poland emerged as a hub for humanitarian action with over $10 million granted to 22 organizations, along with bordering countries such Bulgaria, Czechia, Austria, Romania, and Hungary receiving a total of $2,042,890 in the past year for supporting response and humanitarian efforts. Learn more here: https://www.cafamerica.org/one-year-after-the-invasion-of-ukraine/
CAF America Mobilizes Support After the Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
A powerful 7.8 earthquake rattles Türkiye and Syria, leaving devastation in its wake. In response, CAF America swiftly mobilizes, gathering vital resources to aid those affected by this disaster. We’ve facilitated grants to help rebuild the lives of affected citizens. Discover how you can make a difference today by visiting this link: https://www.cafamerica.org/turkiye-syria-response/

Robynn Benner Celebrates 10 Years of Service
CAF America celebrates our Sr. Director of Program Services Robynn Benner’s 10 years of service. Robynn joined the CAF America family in 2013 as a Grants Officer and transitioned to our CAF Canada operations full time in 2019. Her leadership and dedication have driven the organization’s growth, facilitating charitable support for causes via project work. She now oversees our CAF Canada Project Team, guiding Canadian philanthropists in global project funding and Project Agreement creation. Learn more about Robynn here: https://www.cafamerica.org/staff/robynn-benner/
Celebrating Nicole Varner’s 10 Years of Service
CAF America celebrates Vice President of Technology & Cybersecurity Nicole Varner’s 10 years of service. After joining CAF in 2012, Nicole rose through the ranks of due diligence and client management positions to take on CAF America’s technology development, driving the enhancement and implementation of new systems and technology-based services. Her strategic leadership has allowed CAF America to strengthen our programming and become an industry leader in the areas of technology and cybersecurity. Learn more about Nicole here: https://www.cafamerica.org/staff/nicole-varner/
NO TITLE – Philanthropy Committee Established
The Board of Directors establishes the CAF America Philanthropy Committee.
International Grantmaking Symposium
CAF America held our seventh International Grantmaking Symposium (IGS) in a virtual setting, focused on the topic of grantmaking for disaster response and recovery. As we navigate an era marked by unprecedented challenges, the symposium stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration. Over 40 of seasoned philanthropists and visionary leaders gather in this virtual space to share insights, strategies, and best practices.
Char Mollison Becomes Board Chair
In early 2022 CAFA welcomed Char Mollison as our new Board Chair. Char boasts an impressive career spanning over 35 years, distinguished by her adept management and advisory roles within nonprofit organizations. With a remarkable 17-year tenure at the Council on Foundations and Independent Sector, she has been an influential figure in the realm of grantmaking and nonprofit collaboration.
Char’s extensive expertise extends to academia, as she has been a dedicated instructor of graduate courses in nonprofit management since 1997. As a Senior Fellow at George Mason University’s Center on Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Social Enterprise, she continues to shape the sector’s future through her guidance and teachings. Char’s impact also resonates globally, as she’s lent her insights to NGOs, government officials, and nonprofit leaders across diverse regions. From championing women’s rights at WEAL to her board service at Wise Giving Alliance and Partners of Tanzania’s Relief and Development, Char Mollison’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the nonprofit landscape. Read more about Char here: https://www.cafamerica.org/staff/char-mollison/
Rob Buchanan Retires as Chair
Rob Buchanan retires as Chairman of the CAF America Board of Directors. Now a valued Allied Professional, Rob brought a wealth of experience and leadership skills to CAFA. He previously presided over the El-Hibri Charitable Foundation and led initiatives in disaster response and cross-border grantmaking. With a notable background including roles at the Council on Foundations, Oxfam America, and EarthAction, Rob is a dedicated advocate for philanthropic and international efforts. Learn more about Rob and his outstanding accomplishments here https://www.cafamerica.org/staff/rob-buchanan/.

NO TITLE – CAF America Reaches $650 million in Contributions in One Fiscal Year
On April 28, 2023, CAF America proudly marks a historic milestone by surpassing the remarkable threshold of $650 million in contributions—a testament to our unwavering commitment to positive global impact. This achievement comes merely 12 months after reaching the $600 million mark, showcasing our continued dedication to fostering meaningful change on an even greater scale.
CAF America Celebrates our 30th Anniversary
CAF America celebrates its 30th anniversary marking the anniversary of three decades of unwavering commitment to donors and the global charitable causes they champion.
NO TITLE – 600 million
CAF America celebrates crossing the $600 million contributions threshold for the first time in its history.
NO TITLE – $550 million
CAF America proudly celebrates crossing the $550 million contributions threshold for the first time in its history.
NO TITLE – $500m
CAF America commemorates a historic achievement—the surpassing of a monumental milestone: $500 million in contributions, a landmark moment in our journey of impact and philanthropy.

CAF America and our Partners Respond to the Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine
In February 2022, a grave humanitarian crisis unfolded as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced countless Ukrainians to flee their homes, seeking refuge across Eastern Europe. In the face of this dire situation, CAF America took swift action, curating specialized resources to aid compassionate donors in providing crucial support to those affected.
Explore our dedicated initiative and join us in making a difference for the resilient Ukrainian people.

2021
CAF America quickly exceeds contribution thresholds of $300 million on January 14, $350 million a month later, and $400 million on March 18.
Nonprofit Leadership Recognition
Our President and CEO, Ted Hart, has been recognized as one of Virginia’s 18 most powerful #nonprofit leaders by Virginia Business Virginia 500—The 2020 Power List. Watch the video above to learn more about Ted and his significant contribution to CAF America!
Lebanese Red Cross Partnership
In August 2020, CAF America partnered with the Lebanese Red Cross to raise money to provide humanitarian relief following a devastating explosion impacting over 300,000 people.
COVID-19 Reports
In May, CAF America releases the first in a series of reports entitled “Charities Facing COVID-19 Worldwide.”
Contributions in Succession
CAF America reaches a number of contribution milestones in quick succession. On April 3, CAF America crosses the $150 million contributions threshold for the first time in its history, and just five days later, on April 8, it crosses the $200 million contributions threshold. Twenty-two days later, on April 30, the $250 million contribution threshold is crossed.

Australian Bushfire Relief
CAF America creates the Australian Bushfire Relief Fund to accept donations in support of organizations responding to the early 2020 wildfire crisis across Australia’s Eastern Coastal Areas. Donors contribute more than $3 million to relief efforts. This paves the way for its work responding to the COVID-19 pandemic only months later.

GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency
In July, CAF America achieves the Platinum Seal of Transparency with GuideStar. This is the Highest Level of Recognition offered by guidestar.org, a compendium of information about nonprofits.

CAF America Publishes Its First Book
In June, CAF America publishes its first book “Cross-Border Giving: A Legal and Practical Guide”. The book is intended for international philanthropy professionals, but is relevant to any person or organization working across borders.
A Logo Refresh
In May, CAF International adjusts its branding to include new logos with a cleaner and more modern look.


The First International Grantmaking Symposium (IGS)
In June, CAF America hosts its first International Grantmaking Symposium in Washington DC in partnership with the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. The IGS is a forum for discussion about trends in domestic and cross-border philanthropy, and best practices and tools to ensure compliance with international and domestic laws.

Celebrating International Philanthropy
In January, CAF America hosts its first Annual “Celebration of International Philanthropy” event at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center at the Great Hall of China. The event is a way to celebrate the inspirational and important work that donors and charity partners are doing to make the world a better place.

Giving Back to the Community
CAF America establishes an employee benefit which encourages its employees to volunteer their time to local charities, and provides paid leave for them to engage in projects that benefit the community. CAF America honors the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance by painting and improving the Dunbar Alexandria Olympic Boys and Girls Club.
The Helen Rinker Ashley Fund
On March 28, Ted Hart makes his first visit to Voditsa, Bulgaria to review projects funded by CAF America’s Helen Rinker Ashley Fund, a donor-advised fund created in the name of the daughter of two Bulgarian immigrants to the U.S. who bequeathed a portion of her estate to help improve the lives of people in her parents’ homeland.

Rob Buchanan Becomes President
On March 7, Rob Buchanan becomes President of CAF America (the position’s title was later changed to “Chairman” in 2017, and the CEO became “President and CEO”).

CAF Canada Establishment
On February 13, 2014, CAF Canada is officially established, providing the same tax-advantaged, regulatory-compliant domestic and international program services that CAF America is recognized for to Canadian businesses and individuals. The first ever meeting of the CAF Canada Board of Directors is held in Toronto CA.

2013
In March, CAF America sponsors its first large national conference, the Grant Managers Network (GMN) conference, in St. Petersburg FL.
July 2012
In July, two U.S. citizens come to CAF America seeking to make a tax-deductible donation of international property. The transaction becomes known as “The Acapulco Donation.” CAF America finds a solution to this complex transaction, with mainstream media coverage establishing CAF America as recognized leader in global philanthropy.

Ted Hart Becomes CEO
In March, Ted Hart is hired as CEO. Under his leadership, CAF America begins to implement its organizational paradigm for success, the “Three Rs” of regulatory compliance, reputation protection, and risk mitigation.


Susan Saxon-Harold’s Leadership
Susan-Saxon Harold is hired as President and CEO, serving from 2002–2011. It is under Susan’s leadership that CAF America becomes known for its knowledge of international regulations surrounding charitable giving, including investment in a grantmaking database and global vetting services.
USA Patriot Act
The USA PATRIOT Act, passed on October 26, 2001, creates a significant regulatory responsibility on international financial transactions.

Augmented Regulatory Environment
In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the regulations surrounding international charitable donations become broader, and scrutiny of these transactions become much more intense. For CAF America, the tightening noose of regulatory compliance is a chance to demonstrate the organization’s expertise, and the burden is turned into an opportunity to expand and deepen its knowledge of the augmented regulatory environment.

1999
CAF America’s first subsidiary, Southampton Row Trust Limited (trading as the CAF American Donor Fund) is established as a dual US-UK registered charity to serve philanthropists with dual tax liabilities.

Open for Business
CAF America registers with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s State Corporation Commission as a non-profit corporation doing business in Virginia.

A Name Change
CAF renews its Delaware registration, officially changing its name to “Charities Aid Foundation America”.

IRS Determination
In April, CAF America is issued an IRS determination letter, recognizing the organization as a tax-exempt public charity.