The Michel Issa Foundation for Local Development (MIF), established on January 14, 2012, by Dr. Toni Issa under Registration Notice 71, is dedicated to fostering sustainable and inclusive local development across Lebanon. Initially created as the corporate foundation of IPT Group, MIF has evolved into a leading national non-governmental organization, delivering impactful, community-driven projects focused on economic growth, education, environmental sustainability, and civic engagement.

OUR MISSION: EMPOWERING LEBANON FROM THE GROUND UP
MIF’s mission is to create sustainable and inclusive local development by empowering communities to actively participate in the growth of their own hometowns and regions. Through strategic partnerships with civil society, local governments, and international organizations, MIF implements socio-economic, environmental, and educational initiatives that build resilience and ensure equitable opportunities for all communities.
With a vision of thriving local communities across Lebanon, MIF champions the role of individuals, local authorities, and civil society in shaping a more balanced and opportunity-rich future. The Foundation operates with strong values of integrity, inclusivity, teamwork, and community-first innovation, ensuring all its programs reflect both local priorities and national development goals.

DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES
MIF focuses on a set of strategic pillars designed to achieve long-term, measurable impact:

-Promoting Sustainable Local Development: Supporting economic initiatives and infrastructure improvements to stimulate local job creation and enhance quality of life.
-Strengthening the Capacity of Local Communities: Empowering communities, particularly women and youth, through skills development, entrepreneurship training, and resource accessibility.
-Inspiring Community Engagement: Fostering active participation and a sense of belonging by involving local stakeholders in project planning and decision-making processes.
-Unlocking Local Potential: Identifying regional strengths and investing in impactful, context-relevant projects.
-Advancing Administrative Decentralization: Enhancing responsive and effective local governance through support for decentralized decision-making structures.
-Fostering Cross-Regional Collaboration: Facilitating partnerships, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives between different regions and organizations.
-Leveraging International Expertise: Building international partnerships to integrate global best practices and sustainable development strategies within Lebanon.