The Art of Arabic Cooking

For many years as a nonprofit educational organization, the Arab-American Fund of Georgia (AAFG) provided financial and material support to organized groups, schools, institutions and similar educational and cultural bodies to promote the history and culture of the Arab Middle East.

The concept of establishing a comprehensive educational center focused on Arab culture was presented to AAFG. The board supported this unique concept, and in 1999.

It established the Committee for the Alif Institute to raise awareness and funding for the Alif Institute project under the tax-exempt status of AAFG. The committee held three successful fundraising events and worked actively on promoting the project.

On June 2001, the Alif Institute was established in Georgia as a non-profit organization.  By the end of 2002, a commercial property suitable for the Alif Institute was identified.

In March 2003, the two organizations, Alif Institute and AAFG, agreed to join their efforts and purchase the identified property as the site of the future Alif Institute.  Consequently, Alif Institute, inc. was dissolved, and AAFG, Inc. completely adopted the Alif Institute project.

The unequivocal and generous support from the local Arab American community was crucial in purchasing a property with an existing building and an adjacent wooded area for future expansion. Extensive remodeling work was completed by the end of 2003.

On January 17, 2004, the Alif Institute officially opened its doors to the public as a nonprofit education, culture, arts, and enrichment center with a focus on the Arab culture and Arab- Americans.

A three- year strategic plan was completed in October 2009. It included the expanding and improving of programming and for expansion of the facility. Some of the most recent developments include.

• Expansion of the Arabic language program
• Addition of the Enrichment Program that includes classes in oud, music, art, cooking, Knit & Stitch, and calligraphy
• Addition of monthly cultural programs such as the Intercultural Movie & Dinner, the Documentary & Discussion,  and the Books & Bites series
• The Alif Annual Gala event featuring the Arab- American High Achievers Awards (AAHA)
• Atlanta Arab Festival 
• The addition of a new classroom
• Completion of the Event Room
• The hiring of permanent staff