The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is pleased to announce that The Columbian Foundation and The Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean have joined the Foundation's Affiliate Organization Program.

Launched in 2022, the purpose of the NIAF Affiliate Organization Program is to partner with local and regional charitable and fraternal organizations to offer support and strengthen ties to the Italian American community nationwide. NIAF affiliate organizations represent Italian American communities across the nation, which exemplify not only the great achievements of our Italian immigrant ancestors but also the current strong ties between the United States and Italy.

"As the premier organization for the protection, preservation, and promotion of the Italian heritage in the United States, the National Italian American Foundation is pleased to welcome The Columbian Foundation and The Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean into our affiliate program," said NIAF Chairman, Robert Carlucci. "The presence and participation of two affiliates in the state of New Jersey will offer NIAF the opportunity to work on grassroots issues, programs, and activities in the state," added Carlucci.

NIAF's Affiliate Organization Program participants have access to vital links to the national Foundation and its network of political, civic, and diplomatic connections in both the United States and Italy. Furthermore, NIAF Affiliates receive discounted NIAF memberships for their individual members, invitations to special opportunities, and access to private events. Additionally, NIAF and its Affiliate Organizations will help promote each other's events and programs. Most importantly, each Affiliate is guaranteed the opportunity for one (1) qualified student representing their community to participate in the annual Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery Program, a two (2) week all expenses paid educational and experiential trip to Italy.

"For 82 years now, The Columbian Foundation has worked to promote Italian American culture and heritage in New Jersey through scholarships, community involvement, and philanthropy," said Livio Cioffi, President of The Columbian Foundation. "We look forward to continuing and expanding these efforts in partnership with the National Italian American Foundation," added Cioffi.

The Board Advisors of The Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean (IAATO), Gregory Frasca and Robert Labella, issued a statement expressing their enthusiasm to join the program as well. "We are pleased and proud to announce that our association has joined NIAF's Affiliate Organization Program. The Board members were very enthusiastic about being part of the Foundation on an affiliate level, and together we're planning to expand on a number of philanthropic endeavors and Italian cultural events," said Frasca and Labella.

To learn more about the NIAF Affiliate Program, contact NIAF Director of Public Affairs and Development Anthony O'Boyle at [email protected] or by phone at 202-939-3109.