The idea of the Arab Foundations Forum (AFF) emerged from a number of Arab foundations and was established out of the need for a networking structure for foundations in the Arab region to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of strategic philanthropy . AFF originated at the Welfare Association, which assisted in its creation and has been nurturing its development. The initiative dates back to 2007. From its start, AFF has been an effort to bring more synergy, responsibility and responsiveness of the Arab foundations in the region. AFF´s imperative has been to see foundations working together, setting a standard for transparency and accountability in the region in order to create sustainable, vibrant and open society.