The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) The official NIAF page.
(1186)

Based in Washington, D.C., NIAF’s mission is to serve as a resource for the Italian American Community; to preserve the Italian American heritage and culture; to promote and inspire a positive image and legacy of Italian Americans; and to strengthen and empower ties between the United States and Italy.

The language of your ancestors is waiting for you. 🇮🇹NIAF has partnered with Società Dante Alighieri to offer virtual It...
06/24/2026

The language of your ancestors is waiting for you. 🇮🇹

NIAF has partnered with Società Dante Alighieri to offer virtual Italian courses for every level, beginner through advanced. Small class sizes, expert instructors, and real phrases Italians actually use.

Connect with your heritage. Speak with confidence. Registration is open now.

All course details here: https://www.niaf.org/niaf-societa-dante-alighieri.../

The NY Yankees Italian Hat Nights! 🇮🇹⚾️🇺🇸Celebrate your Italian heritage with the New York Yankees! With each ticket you...
06/23/2026

The NY Yankees Italian Hat Nights! 🇮🇹⚾️🇺🇸

Celebrate your Italian heritage with the New York Yankees! With each ticket you will receive a FREE New York Yankees hat with the Italian flag.

NIAF has partnered with the Yankees for this game. So, not only will you get a free hat but a portion of the proceeds from each ticket will go directly to NIAF! Make sure to select "National Italian American Foundation" at check out.

Don't wait! Purchase your tickets today: https://www.gofevo.com/group/Italianflag

**This event is not operated by the National Italian American Foundation and hats are not available for individual purchase.

A full tuition scholarship to study in Rome!NIAF has partnered with Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma to offer up to ...
06/23/2026

A full tuition scholarship to study in Rome!

NIAF has partnered with Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma to offer up to four full-tuition scholarships for American students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, starting September 2026.

The scholarship covers full tuition plus approximately 40% of living expenses for the three-year program, taught 100% in English, right in the heart of Rome.

Made possible by the generosity of Celeste and Tom Cox (in honor of Daniel Megliola), Joan Lacagnina, and Frank and Terri Schifano, this is a life-changing opportunity for the next generation of Italian American scientists and engineers.

The application deadline is July 9, 2026.

Apply here: https://www.niaf.org/.../scholars.../niaf-ucbm-scholarships/

Pope Leo XIV visited Mother Frances Cabrini's birthplace in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, northern Italy, to honor the first Am...
06/22/2026

Pope Leo XIV visited Mother Frances Cabrini's birthplace in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, northern Italy, to honor the first American saint as a model for Christians caring for migrants in need. The pontiff, whose grandfather was from Sicily, called on young people to learn about Cabrini's life and missionary spirit in today's world.

Cabrini, an Italian immigrant who became a naturalized U.S. citizen, dedicated her life to serving Italian immigrants in America, building schools, hospitals, and orphanages across the globe. Pope Leo's visit affirms his commitment to continuing her legacy of faith and service to those in need, connecting Italian American heritage with the Church's enduring mission.

NIAF celebrates the profound influence of Italian Americans on the global stage and their legacy of compassion that continues to shape our world.

When U.S.-Italy relations dominated the headlines last week, Corriere della Sera — Italy's most-read newspaper — turned ...
06/22/2026

When U.S.-Italy relations dominated the headlines last week, Corriere della Sera — Italy's most-read newspaper — turned to NIAF. The bond between our two peoples endures.

06/22/2026

Meet Isabella Braschi, a Voyage of Discovery participant with roots in Toscana! 🇮🇹🇺🇸

Growing up Italian American means carrying a connection to Italy before you ever set foot there. For Isabella, this summer made that connection real. In her interview, she reflected on what it feels like to be surrounded by people who share her passion for Italy and her heritage, and what it means to experience the country your family comes from firsthand.

Her advice to the next group of VOD participants? Live in the moment.

About the Program: NIAF’s Amb. Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery is a fully funded educational travel program that brings college students with Italian roots to Italy each summer to explore their heritage, connect with the country’s culture and history, and meet fellow students who share their background. Participants travel, learn, and experience Italy not as tourists, but as people who belong to it.

We are so proud of Isabella and every scholar who made VOD 1 ‘26 unforgettable. Stay tuned for more stories from this summer’s program. 🇮🇹

We celebrate the extraordinary life of the Honorable Frank J. Guarini, Jr. — decorated World War II veteran, seven-term ...
06/21/2026

We celebrate the extraordinary life of the Honorable Frank J. Guarini, Jr. — decorated World War II veteran, seven-term U.S. Congressman, and a former President and Chairman of NIAF who gave decades of his life to advancing Italian culture in America.

Born in Jersey City to a family from Molise, Italy, Congressman Guarini lived 101 remarkable years. He championed the Italian language, fought to reinstate the AP Italian Language and Culture exam, and built lasting institutions at universities across the U.S. and in Rome.

At our New York Gala this past April, we were proud to welcome him as the oldest living former Member of Congress. His legacy lives on in every student who studies Italian, every institution that bears his name, and every Italian American who walks proudly in this country.

Riposa in pace, Onorevole Guarini.

Buona Festa del Papà! Happy Father’s Day! Italy marks Father’s Day on March 19th, St. Joseph’s Day. Here in the U.S., we...
06/21/2026

Buona Festa del Papà! Happy Father’s Day!

Italy marks Father’s Day on March 19th, St. Joseph’s Day. Here in the U.S., we celebrate today, and NIAF is honoring the Italian American fathers and father figures who passed down more than traditions. They passed down identity.

A work ethic. A story about the village your family came from. A love of family that shows up in everything from Sunday dinners to the way we show up for each other. These are the small, constant ways our fathers kept our heritage alive.

Tell us: how has your father shaped your connection to your Italian roots? Share a memory below.

Always & Forever 🇮🇹🇺🇸
06/20/2026

Always & Forever 🇮🇹🇺🇸

Tom Dreesen was more than a performer — he was family. A Chicago-born U.S. Navy veteran who rose from humble beginnings ...
06/18/2026

Tom Dreesen was more than a performer — he was family. A Chicago-born U.S. Navy veteran who rose from humble beginnings to become Frank Sinatra's opening act for 14 years, Tom was one of the most beloved comedians of his generation — a fixture on The Tonight Show, a pioneer of American stand-up, and a devoted supporter of our nation's veterans.
To us at NIAF, he was also a loyal and generous friend. For decades, he graced our stages across the country — performing, emceeing, and headlining tributes that brought our community together.
We are honored to have known him. Rest in peace, Tom. 🕊️

Address

1860 19th Street NW
Washington D.C., DC
20009

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12023870600

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF):

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category