We Are Family Foundation

We Are Family Foundation

Abbreviation	WAFF
Formation	July 22, 2002; 22 years ago (2002-07-22)
Founders	Nancy Hunt (president) Nile Rodgers (chairman)
Legal status	501(c)(3) organization
Headquarters	New York City
Area served	Worldwide
Website	www.wearefamilyfoundation.org

We Are Family Foundation (WAFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by musician Nile Rodgers and his life partner, Nancy Hunt. Based in New York City—and established in the wake of the 9/11 attacks—WAFF recognizes, funds, and mentors youth leaders who work to bring about positive change. As of 2023, its programs included Three Dot Dash, which funds and mentors young people leading projects that address issues related to basic human needs, such as food, water, and shelter; the Youth To The Front Fund, which supports activists under the age of 30 and youth-led organizations fighting systemic racism and inequality; and Youth To The Table, which brings youth delegations to gatherings including the United Nations General Assembly, the Conference of the Parties and the World Economic Forum.

We Are Family Foundation has funded 16 elementary schools in Mali, Malawi, Mali, Nepal and Nicaragua in partnership with the international non-profit, buildOn. Young people from seventy countries have participated in the foundation's programs.

In January 2024 the World Economic Forum announced that Rodgers would receive its 2024 Crystal Award. Presented during the opening session of the event, the announcement stated that Rodgers would be recognized for his "efforts to make the world a more peaceful, equal and inclusive place through his music, his commitment to fighting systemic racism, inequality and injustice, and by championing innovative youth voices." ^[1] WAFF and UNESCO signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize a partnership to foster youth empowerment and combat discrimination globally in September 2024.^[2]