Our Purpose
& Aspirations
We envision a world where every Afghan can thrive, lead, and inspire. The Afghan Future Fund (AFF) creates sustainable pathways for displaced and at-risk Afghans through world-class education, skills training, and career development.
Born from crisis, we focus on long-term impact—empowering Afghans to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. By connecting talent to opportunity, AFF nurtures a new generation ready to lead, contribute, and uplift Afghan voices worldwide.
How We Started
Launch of AFF
In the wake of the fall of Kabul, Afghan Future Fund was launched by the Yalda Hakim Foundation (YHF), in collaboration with the philanthropy of Eric and Wendy Schmidt to respond to the urgent need for support among displaced Afghan students and professionals.
AFF launched a major humanitarian evacuation and resettlement effort, relocating nearly 3,000 vulnerable Afghans to safety in Albania. What began as an emergency response evolved into a long-term empowerment program, providing refugees with housing, healthcare, education, legal aid, and pathways to resettlement, education, and employment.
First Scholarships Awarded
We partnered with global institutions to provide full scholarships to Afghan students, helping them continue their education and rebuild their futures. 100 students were funded in 2022 and another cohort of 100 students joined for 2023-2024 to 40 U.S. colleges and universities across 23 states
Student Evacuation and Education Continuity
AFF facilitated the evacuation of over 100 students from the American University of Afghanistan, enabling them to safely continue their studies at the American University of Iraq – Sulaimani. The students are now pursuing degrees in fields such as computer science, business, and political science, ensuring their academic journeys remain on track despite the crisis.
Expansion of Educational Opportunities
- We started the second round of the Qatar Scholarship for Afghans Project, admitting about 100 students to universities in the US, Canada and Europe.
- Ventures Beyond Borders (VBB), an initiative incubated by AFF, was launched as an independent non-profit.
- AFF and No One Left Behind (NOLB) initiated America’s Allies Scholarship Program (AASP), supporting education for Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders living in the United States.
Growing Impact Across Our Programs
- VBB’s Bootcamp and Accelerator programs supported more than 100 refugee and displaced founders across four countries.
- The second round of AASP awarded more than $100,000 in scholarship funding to students.
- Twenty-nine QSAP scholars carried out year-long civic engagement projects through the Qatar Connections Civic Engagement Fellowship.
Vance Serchuk
Meet Our Team
Our leadership and advisory team brings together seasoned professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, and advocates—all committed to the mission of supporting Afghan talent. Each member contributes deep expertise, global networks, and a shared dedication to rebuilding futures and nurturing Afghan potential.
Wilson Shirley
Nadima Sahar
Yalda Hakim
Andrew Moore
Arezo Kohistany
Our Support Network
