Michel Issa Foundation
Local development, lasting impact.
Founded in 2012, the Michel Issa Foundation is an independent Lebanese NGO honouring the legacy of Michel Issa — working with communities across the country to advance education, livelihoods, and environmental stewardship.
Our Mission
Where the family's gratitude takes form.
The Michel Issa Foundation was created to give back to the communities that shaped the family — and through them, to all of Lebanon. We work with municipalities, universities, civil society, and local actors to build programmes that take root and last.
Our approach is patient. We start from what each community already has, listen to what is missing, and design with the people who will carry the work forward.
Our Three Pillars
How we work.
Socio-economic development
Supporting livelihoods through micro-lending, small-business support, and partnerships that strengthen the local economy in towns across Lebanon.
Education & youth empowerment
Investing in continuous learning, skills, and innovation — including the Continuous Learning & Innovation Centre in Amchit, established with academic partners.
Environmental sustainability
Reforestation, road-side planting, and environmental protection programmes carried out hand in hand with municipalities and the Ministry of Agriculture.
A Message from the President
On giving back, with intention.
“When we created the Foundation, we wanted to do something more than simply donate. We wanted to build — patiently, locally, and in a way that respects the communities we work with.”
“Every project we support is chosen because it carries the chance to outlast us. That is the standard we hold ourselves to, and the one our father would have wanted.”
— Dr. Toni M. Issa, President, Michel Issa Foundation
MIF in Numbers
What the work looks like, today.
40+
Projects since 2012
110+
Towns reached
13
Districts
30+
Institutional partners
11,000+
Direct beneficiaries
Flagship Programmes
A few examples.
LIFT — micro-lending for small businesses
A micro-lending programme run in partnership with Vitas, supporting small businesses in their hometowns across Lebanon.
Continuous Learning & Innovation Centre
A centre based in Amchit, dedicated to continuous learning, entrepreneurship, and innovation, established with academic and incubator partners.
Civil Defense rescue capacity
Marine and land rescue units established and equipped for the Lebanese Civil Defense in Amchit.
Reforestation & road-side planting
Long-term planting programmes carried out with the Ministry of Agriculture and local municipalities, restoring trees along public roads and in public spaces.
Our Partners
Built with others.
The Foundation works alongside more than thirty institutional partners — public, private, academic, and civil society — that bring expertise, reach, and continuity to its programmes.
Partner logos to be added.
Get involved.
We welcome enquiries from partners, funders, and organisations whose work aligns with the Foundation's mission.