Intolerance, clannishness, and lack of understanding are a threat to the fabric of all societies. Far too often oppositional identities and hostility toward the religious other are a source of these conditions, rather than the solution to them. Without listening, understanding and compassion, individuals and communities are at risk of not meeting their full human potential. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including superiority complexes, lack of opportunity to grow, and poor mental and physical health. Billions of philanthropic dollars flow to religious institutions each year, but relatively few dollars are spent on work that crosses religious and ideological divides.

The Osprey Foundation recognizes an emerging cultural shift to a pluralistic world which seeks conversation, shared life, and problem-solving within and across religious traditions, across categories of belief and non-belief. We affirm that respecting religious diversity, maturing in one’s own faith and extending goodness to all community residents makes a community stronger, more resilient, more compassionate, and more willing to work for peace with dignity and justice. Our ecumenical and interfaith (E&IF) work has a geographic focus in the U.S., Latin America and the Middle East.

We work with partners that grow the capacity for mature understanding and articulation of one's own faith and faith traditions.

We support E&IF organizations that provide opportunities for interfaith gathering, study, healthy relationships and community building.

All our work in this area aims to develop human potential, promote peace, and advance gender equality and socio-economic justice.