Who We Are

Learn about this devoted and impactful organization, and see how FOT meets its goals to identify and support worthy projects in Tanzania, collect and disseminate information on the life, culture, and development of Tanzania, and bring together those interested in supporting the country.

Vision:

A Tanzania where everyone can prosper.

Goals:

FOT's overall goal is to improve life in underserved Tanzanian communities by supporting tangible and significant development projects in a manner that builds on and fosters a cooperative relationship between Tanzanians and Americans. 

FOT furthers this overall goal by:

• Identifying and supporting worthy projects in Tanzania
• Collecting and disseminating information on the life, culture and development of Tanzania
• Bringing together people interested in supporting Tanzania

We are all volunteers in the organization and operate out of the Washington, DC area, but with members throughout the U.S. and abroad. As our DC members are in close proximity to the Tanzanian Embassy, we have a good relationship with the Tanzanian Ambassadors to the United States and their staff.

Karibu sana to the Friends of Tanzania (FOT) website. FOT was established in 1991 as a means for Tanzanians and non-Tanzanians to work together, learn from each other, and support worthy projects in Tanzania -- giving back to a country we have come to love. Many of us (nearly 250 current members all over the U.S.) are Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Other members are former Teachers for East Africa, or volunteers from various secular or religious organizations. More recently, travelers or commercial sector visitors and employees who formerly lived in Tanzania have become members of FOT. Additionally, we have always welcomed Tanzanian Nationals, several of whom have served on our Board and Committees and who are vital to our success.

Friends of Tanzania is an all volunteer, a non-profit charitable and educational organization, a 501(c)(3). We have recently implemented a new membership model – free lifetime membership!  Please join [make this a link to Join] if you are not already a member. To support our work in Tanzania, as well as maintaining our website and covering administrative costs, we do encourage you to donate. A substantial portion of all donations received from FOT members goes to support development projects in Tanzanian communities. In recent years, FOT has been able to send $20,000 - $30,000 to support such projects, with an additional $10,000 - $15,000 given by members for very specific projects as a part of our Member Designated Program. Since our founding in 1991, through the generosity of its members, FOT has funded over $930,000 in community-based projects. We invite you to read on and explore who we are, what we do, and how you can get involved.