IFES is a nonprofit democracy development organization that works to give people a voice in the way that they are governed. Formerly the International Foundation for Election Systems, IFES is the world’s premiere election assistance organization, providing countries with the technical advice and tools they need to run democratic elections. Our work is nonpartisan and also includes projects that:

• Help citizens participate in their democracies
• Increase politicians' accountability to the electorate
• Strengthen government institutions

Since its founding in 1987, IFES has worked in more than 100 countries - from developing democracies such as Liberia, to mature democracies such as the United States. Every IFES project is staffed by local personnel and our team partners with local organizations. With this homegrown approach, IFES ensures that the expertise it offers fits the needs of the country or client and that the benefit of assistance outlasts the life of the project.

IFES is registered in the United States as a 501(c)3 organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Funding Sources and Contracting