Niagara Foundation was founded by a group of businessmen in Chicago in 1997 as Niagara Educational Services, Inc., a non-‐profit organization dedicated to innovation and revitalization in education. NES initiated tutoring programs in mathematics, computer education, SAT/ACT, TOEFL and foreign languages. In 2000 Niagara Educational Services opened Science Academy of Chicago, a primary school emphasizing excellence in science, mathematics and technology. Niagara Educational Services proceeded to expand its efforts in the areas of community service and interfaith dialog, finally establishing Niagara Foundation in 2003 as yet another contribution to America’s multicultural heritage and as a way of celebrating and building upon those universal human values shared by the Turkish and American People. In an effort to extend its services to the greater Midwest, Niagara Foundation opened up twenty-‐two branches in nine Midwestern states.
Niagara Foundation’s mission is to serve societal peace, love, and friendship wisely and compassionately in support of human dignity and the common good by striving to bring forth the common values of humanity; values such as understanding, tolerance, respect, and compassion.
In a world where even the farthest point is within an arm’s reach, it is impossible to live anywhere without experiencing diversity. In order for everyone to live peacefully, it is important for individuals to rise above differences that drive us apart or set us against each other. Niagara Foundation envisions a community in which people from all walks of life interact with each other and cooperate to serve their communities, thereby strengthening civil society and promoting the development of human values.
Niagara Foundation is dedicated to “promoting global fellowship” and it provides a ground for com-‐ munities to exchange ideas in a healthy environment. In order to exercise its mission, Niagara Foundation organizes dinners, panels, conferences, luncheons, lectures, community service, and intercultural trips.