2013 Top-Rated Nonprofit

International Child Art Foundation

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Arts & Culture, Arts Education, Education, Elementary & Secondary Schools, International, International Peace & Security, Literacy, Visual Arts

Mission: The ICAF nurtures our children's creativity and develops bonds with their creative peers around the world for global understanding and leadership.

Community Stories

38 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

5

Writer, Former staff

Rating: 5

11/22/2015

The ICAF has a long and distinguished history of serving as the world's premier promoting organization for children's art and sport. To be involved with the ICAF is to have one's finger on the pulse of tomorrow-in-the-making, child by child. For the adult, this comprises an education in children's psychology above and beyond any offered by college or university. Yet in the very infrastructure of ICAF's organization is the concern for and template of, the true child's world. As this world unfolds through children's creativity and the essence of sport, the ICAF offers us the hope to dream in highest tangible terms. ICAF is the precursor organization working to unite the children of tomorrow - and the adults they become- in a lasting embrace.

2

haohaoken Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/08/2018

Joined ICAF in summer 2012, I was responsible for its Chinese development. Dr. Ishaq had a clear view of bringing Chinese children to the ICAF family. I established ICAF's Chinese social network presence with the assistance of more than 70 volunteers I recruited from 33 universities in China. After more than 20 years' cultivation, Dr. Ishaq and his team has brought Arts Olympia and ChildArts Magazine to the world front.
2012年的夏天,我加入了ICAF的家庭,主要负责基金会在中国的发展。 Ishaq博士十分期待中国儿童一同参与进ICAF的大家庭。在来自中国33所大学的70多名志愿者的协助下,我协助ICAF建立了其在中国社交网络的宣传平台。经过20多年的培育,Ishaq博士和他的团队成功地将Arts Olympia和ChildArts杂志带到了世界前沿。

2

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/23/2017

They hold many great events for children and students who hold an interest in not only arts but sports. They provide creative outlets for multitudes of people and hold many different types of creative events and contests.

1

Ashfaq I. Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/27/2016

"Spirit of Christmas"
These three handcrafted works were donated by the artists to the ICAF under a program organized by Duna Group, manufacturer of high density CORAFOAM®— an innovative substrate used in aerospace, architecture, and design industries. The “Christmas is Believing” masterpiece comes from Mike Szczoczarz in Bedford County, Massachusetts, the “Little Drummer Boy” from Joe Putjenter in Omaha, Nebraska, and the “Believe in the Magic of Christmas” from Mike Loary in Dover, New Hampshire. These works say it all for all of us. To donate visit http://icaf.org/support

3

Mrsduro Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/07/2016

I am currently a Law Clerk at ICAF, and it has been such an amazing experience. The organization keeps talented individuals challenged, and also recognizes the value of children with different talents and skills.

The director (Dr. Ashaq) communicates an inspiring vision for talented children. He is personally committed to the growth of ICAF, as well the progess of past and present interns in their career paths.

2

Maya C. Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/06/2016

I am currently a summer intern for ICAF. It is such a privilege to work with an organization that cares so much about children and all of their artistic abilities. It is very important for children to be able to express themselves and this organization encourages them to do so through art. Creativity is important for children and it is great to know there are organizations out there that care.

4

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/30/2015

ICAF dedicated their entire activity to art and creativity. They promote artistic projects for talented children and give them the opportunity to meet and learn from each other. International Child Art Foundation is all about multiculturalism and do their best to shape the people of tomorrow through inspirational activities. Their most ambitious project, World Children's Festival, is a highly attended international event that occupies a great place in the lives of aspiring and creative children all over the world. They value diversity, cultural expression and education. I participated in the World Children's Festival two times, and a couple of days there influenced me for the years to come. I met people from places I did not even dare to dream about visiting, I gained artistic knowledge and I evolved as a person.

3

Lily S Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/29/2015

I am an Intern of ICAF since August 2013. I'd say this has been and will always been my longest internship ever. This is the place where you never want to leave, with a super amiable leader, extremely vibrant team and a vision that contributes greatly to the world's children and creative education!

Previous Stories
3

General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/31/2013

This is a really fascinating organization. I have seen so many incredible art works from children and the Arts Olympiad festival is more than just an art festival: it does enhance creativity through many kinds of activities! Thanks for International Child Art Foundation, which serves for such a long time to contribute to the world's most important career. I really admire it.

3

Olivia S. Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/21/2015

I spent a year interning with ICAF and it was a valuable and eye-opening experience. The organization promotes creativity from a young age and uses this creativity as a unifying source of peace and understanding for children across the globe.

4

mwang10 Former staff

Rating: 5

11/17/2015

It's nice to work there. i love the sweet, quiet, and colorful work environment there. Everyone is so kind and love to help each other.

2

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/06/2015

I am now working as an accountant in this organization and both colleagues and boss here make me feel really comfortable and happy. The workload is not very heavy. This kind of good working atmosphere benefits me a lot and really helps me improve my efficiency and communication skills.

3

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/06/2015

Working as an intern at the international child art foundation has been a great experience. I am learning skills in communications and marketing through social media. I am also meeting an interesting group of people. The atmosphere is comfortable but productive.

5

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/05/2015

Art, though undeniably valuable and often goes hand in hand with creativity, is still an underrated area. I am glad to finally find an organization that supports and promote art among children around the world. International Child Art Foundation’s art programs (such as the Art Olympiad) are great activities for the youth to express and develop their artistic and creative sides freely. ICAF is a great organization to volunteer or donate for!

3

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/05/2015

I had experience with ICAF, and worked as a China Program Coordinator. We want to bring the Chinese children with international children together via creativity and arts. I enjoyed working here and would love to help more children know that what their imagination and creativity can help to make everything better. Please support us.

4

Writer Donor

Rating: 5

11/04/2015

This ICAF is a great organization that helps our children with arts education. It also connects them with children in other countries through activities and events. Every year I donate whatever I can because arts organizations need parents support.

Parent1962 General Member of the Public

Rating: 1

02/08/2015

A dear old friend came to spend the summer in Washington DC and intern for this organization. She was the victim of sexual harassment and intimidation and only worked there for one day. Steer clear.

Comments ( 1 )

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ICAF 10/27/2015

Why slander the purity of a charity with a baseless lie about "old friend" on "first day"? For serious charges courts of law exist in our country, so to accuse from behind the cover of anonymity that this site provides is cowardly. Not to see any goodness in oneself is bad enough, to defile the goodness in others is pathological behavior.

1

hycabby Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/04/2013

I began this internship about 2 months ago and I am enjoying my job and having a great experience at ICAF. As a training ground of my career and development, I used my bilingual skills to reach out Korean companies and schools (I am originally from South Korea). By promoting connections with worldwide charities and advancing international connections, I have learned creating connections with different communities and enhancing collaborative skills. More importantly, I learned about myself to see what I am going to pursue for dream in the future. I am very positive about that those young and ambitious students would love to work with ICAF staff and to take great opportunities to see the directions of your career path. Work conditions are relaxed and very flexible so that you can always have a nice talk with people around you and there will always be someone to help you.


cposey90 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2013

I've been involved with the arts ever since I was little kid. I volunteer as a mentor and was the president of a club servicing students with learning disabilities to convey their emotions through the art projects. ICAF allows me to be in a diverse environment that supports creativity within children. ICAF challenges me on a daily bases to think of art and creativity in a different way and how it impacts the world around us. I have been volunteering at ICAF for a year and each time I come into the office, I look forward to doing different activities with the staff and other volunteers.

3

Claire21 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2013

I am a current George Washington University student studying international affairs interning here at ICAF and I have loved every day of it. Every member of the team here is all passionately working towards the same goal of spreading the values of a creative mind and self-expression in children. Dr. Ishaq is extremely dedicated and constantly brainstorming with us new ways to expand ICAF's reach. I it is a great experience to be part of this process. As an international Affairs major I enjoy working with a non-profit that operates internationally and using the globalized world to spread such amazing values. I grew up attending small schools that always emphasized the arts and creative expression, so it is really rewarding to be a part of an organization that is making it possible for children all over the world to develop to their full artistic, creative, and innovative potential.

kdriley Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2013

I came to D.C. from California for an internship program and after talking to many of the other students I came with, I feel so lucky that I got an internship here at I.C.A.F. Even though the organization has an international impact, the office is small and it is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world. I am currently doing outreach to schools on the West Coast for the Arts Olympiad and learning a lot about how non-profits operate. The chairman Dr. Ishaq is also very personable and makes an effort to facilitate interns' professional growth. I love working here!"

2

Ozilkawakami Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2013

I am a currently Arts Olymiad officer at this organization. My given task is to invite as many Japanese students in the U.S as I can to the Arts Olympiad program that will be held in 2015. I found this job very fascinating so far because I can provide great art opportunities for the students from my home country to participate in the program that will improve the participants' creativity and prevent them from obesity. It is a totally innovative idea and I am glad I have a chance to work at ICAF to support the program.

1

Miseon Kim Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2013

International Child Art Foundation is always the best organization which help kids with not only art and creavity but also obesity. The organization has innovative art lessons which combine art and sports. Also the Arts Oylmpiad and World Child art festival bring children from all over the world together and help them to understnad each other's culture. I have been here since this september. I really enjoy working here and appreciate to be involved to make a change for children in the world.

2

Turquoise Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2013

I work as in intern at ICAF, I am an Arts Olympiad Officer and my job is to connect international schools and children to our program. I must say I am really impressed with what they have been doing here for the past 15 years. This small organization is truly dedicated to nurturing creativity in children. There is no other organization like it, it is truly a unique experience working for them. They are extremely passionate about what they do and I only wish to help them with their future endeavors.

3

Yuxuan Chen Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2013

International Child Art Foundation has always been serving as the best organization to encourage the children's creativity and empathy through a series of activities and programs, among which the Arts Olympiad is the most well-known, influential and wonderful. I have been interning here as a program officer for over two months and there is no doubt I am experiencing the best time in my life and learning so much in an interesting and inspiring way.

2

Kay18 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2013

The international child art foundation is one if the most caring non-profits I have encountered. This foundation truly wants to help expand the creative minds of children all over the world. I feel like this is the only place where I will be able to meet representatives from all over the world who actually care about children arts as well. As a theatre major, interning here has also expanded my creative mind as well. Further, I have learned to be less selfish and to out those who are going to change our future first, which is our youth.

3

Bonmots Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2013

I started interning for the International Child Art Foundation since November of last year. I was drawn to the ICAF's mission, and I wanted to contribute to the organization.

In my experience of volunteering for the ICAF, I could see how the ICAF has helped and inspired children and grownups alike all over the world. It was very fulfilling to know how much the ICAF have helped children, and how much the ICAF is appreciated. I look forward to volunteer for the ICAF again during the upcoming World Children's Festival.

3

japanicaf Donor

Rating: 5

07/02/2012

I was always interested in ICAF's involvement for Children's Art especially in the field of Art for Peace and Healing Arts Program. I am a donor for the latter. ICAF had set this Program after the tragic 9.11. It has also helped the children after the Hurricane Katarina, children of Haiti and Chile, and now, the ICAF branch is helping the children of Japan. The program is a noble one and should be recognized by as many people as possible. I have admiration for Dr. Ishaq's strong aspiration to do his best for the children--who is our *future*.

3

hisarak Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

06/17/2012

I had a chance to attend the World Children's Festival inviting the winners of the International Children's Art Olympiad hosted by International Child Art Foundation. It was very interesting to see children of different cultures, languages, backgrounds work together to reach the goal such as creating a mural or a pyramid. Another interesting aspect was the performance of children. I particularly enjoyed those by African and Indian children. I thought they were very original and showed the country color with much pride. It suddenly hit me that language was not necessary in Art or Performance. Congratulations to Dr. Ishaq, chairman, and all the members who had made and will make the World Children's Festival possible. It must take a lot of time and energy to have it once in four years at the Washington Mall. The children will remember the experience for the rest of their life and will be able to live with confidence leading to a successful future.

5 icafrene

icafrene Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/12/2012

I was a representative of Japan for the 2nd Arts Olympiad held in 2003 at the Washington Mall. I hardly spoke any English, but was fascinated to be introduced to a buddy from Iowa and made several American and International friends there. I am on ICAF Youth Board and wanted the other Japanese children to benefit from WCF: so with Dr. Ishaq (founder & chairman)'s permission, I started ICAF Japan. In 2011, I took the delegation to DC where the children had a splendid opportunity of international communication, homestay along with a privilage to see the ambassador. Upon our return, I had already planned an "Encouragement Art" exhibition at the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Arts. We had full cooperation from ICAF DC, and had exhibited the winning works as well as encouragement art scrolls created by attendees of the 4th WCF. It was a big success attracting more than 3000 people in 6 days. International Child Art Foundation is the most unselfish and self-giving organization I have ever seen.

6

Tomoki S. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

05/29/2012

I manage on-line art gallery for children around the world called "Color Balloons"(http://colorballoons.net/) from Apr. 2012. At the beginning of this website, I find out this great NPO, and was deeply impressed with their activity and mission. Recently, I display many awesome artworks provided by the courtesy of ICAF Japan on my website, all of the artworks are really brilliant and give us peaceful mind. I want to cooperate their activity in one way or another now.

1

Ed G. Client Served

Rating: 5

05/17/2012

ICAF has helped my son grow his mind via the use of the arts. He attended the 3rd Arts Olympiad and World Children's Festival in Washington DC in July of 2007. Since then he has worked with ICAF and has been given the opportunity to be a part of two great conferences. The first was a youth panel at 2008 World Cultural Economic Forum in New Orleans, LA. The second was the Global Competitive Forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2010. At both of these events he was given the opportunity to speak in from of many dignitaries and business people. They were also given the opportunity to create some inspired artwork that was presented to various dignitaries. Both of these events have changed Nick's life, as he has learned a great deal about different cultures. Dr Ishaq and his staff have always done a fabulous job with their dedication to the children of our world.

3

Christer E. Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/15/2012

I participated on the World Children's Festival last year together with students and teachers from two schools in Sweden. What impressed me most was the dedication Dr. Ashfaq Ishaq and his voluntary organization showed for arranging the event. We were hosted in two wonderful and caring families who works for the US Coast Guard. They opened their homes and gave us memories for life. The contact started with a humble mail request by Dr. Ishaq for running a creative activity on the festival for the children. If you really want peace on earth and want to make a difference is this an organization who knows how to do it. Our children is the future and we have to nurture their creativity and empathy. Let's meet on the World Children's Festival in 2015 and make sure to donate and support the organization by participating in their activities and spread their messages every day.

Previous Stories
2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/08/2012

The organisation made it possible for our delegation from Sweden to participate on the World Children's Festival with a creative activity. We got contact with two amazing host families who took care of everything during our visit during the festival days. This was a memory for life and the friendship build new bridges between countries and people.

4

Snedzelskyi Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/15/2012

I have worked and volunteered with ICAF beginning in 2007. That was the year of their quadrennial World Children's Festival - a gathering of kids from around the world that both awed and inspired me. As a Youth Board member, I was invited to help organize their next festival - 2011 - and provide a workshop. Overall, ICAF has certainly changed my life and the way I see art and diversity and how I interact and work with children.

3

snode001 Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/15/2012

Every four years, the International Child Art Foundation (ICAF) offers an amazing opportunity for children around the world to visit the United States capitol for the World Children's Festival, a comprehensive arts fair specifically geared toward kids' social and artistic development. This effort by ICAF is unparalleled, and I've seen, firsthand, the impact this organization has on young people across the globe.

3

Helena2 Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/15/2012

It was a great experience, I had the opportunity to get to know how a nonprofit organization works and I had the joy to see how many children around the world see arts and sports.

5

veejay123 Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/15/2012

amazing organization! helps so many children. it is a great place to work for!!

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