IFS MEMBERS

Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives

At the International Federation of Settlement Houses and Neighborhood Centers (IFS), we believe in the power of collaboration to create a more inclusive and equitable world. For over a century, we’ve united settlement houses, community and neighbourhood centres, community organisations, and changemakers across the globe to drive meaningful social change.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to foster inclusivity, innovation, and solidarity among communities worldwide. With a presence spanning 6 continents, 30 countries, and over 11,000 members, we are proud to be a global network dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities.

Call To Action

Our Shared Mission

We strive to build an inclusive global community by empowering, inspiring and connecting people working locally for social justice.

We are dedicated to building an inclusive global community by empowering, inspiring, and connecting individuals and organizations working locally to advance social justice

Our Shared Vision

A network of thriving local communities united and connected to nurture social justice, global wellbeing, and human rights.

We envision a network of thriving local communities, united and connected to nurture social justice, global well-being, and the protection of human rights.

Our Shared Values

At the heart of everything we do are the values that guide our work and define who we are:


Social Justice: Advocating for fairness and equity in all communities.


Inclusivity: Embracing diversity and ensuring everyone has a voice.


Empowerment: Supporting individuals and organizations to create meaningful change.


Collaboration: Fostering partnerships to amplify impact.


Community Building Strengthening connections to create resilient, thriving communities.


Respect for Diversity: Celebrating the unique perspectives and experiences of all people.


Human Rights: Championing the dignity and rights of every individual.

Strengthening Members, Transforming Communities


We provide comprehensive services to equip our members with the resources and support needed to drive meaningful change in their communities.

Together, we amplify our collective voice to shape policies that promote social equity and inclusion, driving meaningful change on a global scale.

We cultivate meaningful partnerships and joint initiatives among members, fostering peer support and collective solutions to shared challenges.

Through tailored educational opportunities and mentoring programs, we empower members with the skills, knowledge, and guidance needed to excel in community development.

Our network thrives on collaboration—offering members access to valuable resources, best practices, and tools to strengthen local initiatives and inspire innovation.

Our Strategic Approach

We are guided by four key pillars that shape our work and amplify our impact:

Building Relationships: 

Strengthening connections within our global community to foster collaboration and solidarity.

shared knowledge :

Sharing resources, best practices, and training to empower our members.

Advocacy: 

Amplifying voices for social justice, human rights, and inclusivity on a global scale.

Organizational Development: 

Ensuring long-term sustainability and growth to maximize our impact.

Our History

From our founding over 100 years ago to our current global presence, IFS has been at the forefront of empowering communities and driving social change.

Explore Our History →

Our Leadership

Our dedicated leadership team brings decades of experience and a shared passion for creating positive change. Together, they guide IFS in achieving its mission and vision.
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United Nations

Join us in our mission to influence global policies and foster sustainable development through our active role with the United Nations ECOSOC.
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Join Us

Be part of a global movement dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
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