Interfaith America
Eboo Patel, Founder and President
Democracy

Interfaith America (IA) inspires, equips, and connects leaders and institutions to unlock the power of interfaith cooperation, fostering pluralism and strengthening American democracy.
Year Founded: 2002
Interfaith America (IA) believes that embedding pluralistic values within higher education, civic, and corporate institutions can combat polarization and foster a more inclusive democracy. Through thought leadership, institutional partnerships, and leadership development, IA cultivates bridge building at scale—shaping mindsets, transforming norms, and embedding pluralism in systems to foster understanding and cooperation.
Interfaith America’s action-oriented model distinguishes it from peers by integrating cross-sector partnerships, narrative change, and leadership development to drive systemic change. The organization’s proven ability to influence institutions and shape the national discourse on pluralism aligns with New Profit’s Democracy strategy to strengthen civic capabilities and reimagine what’s possible in a diverse democracy.
Interfaith America is headquartered in Chicago and operates nationally, with partnerships at more than 500 campuses and civic institutions across the United States.
Led by Founder and President Eboo Patel, a nationally recognized voice on religious pluralism, and CEO Adam Phillips, a seasoned executive focused on organizational growth and culture, IA is guided by a strong, tenured leadership team and a strategic, engaged Board.
Impact Highlights:
- IA’s Team Up initiative has supported bridge-building projects in 60 communities and catalyzed collaboration among some of the largest national service organizations –the YMCA, Catholic Charities USA, and Habitat for Humanity.
- The organization’s Emerging Leaders Network includes over 2,300 alumni advancing interfaith cooperation in their communities.

Eboo Patel
Founder and President