About Our Organization

Integrated Development Foundation (IDF)

Brief History

The Story of IDF: Innovation in Action
Born out of a passion to eradicate poverty, the Integrated Development Foundation (IDF) began its journey in 1992, spearheaded by visionary leader Zahirul Alam. Starting with a seed capital of just $7,500 from Grameen Trust, IDF piloted the groundbreaking Grameen Microfinance Model in the rugged, remote hills of Bandarban. This ambitious experiment soon gained traction, attracting support from global development partners like Sida, UNICEF, AusAID, and Deutsche Bank, propelling IDF’s reach across Bangladesh.
Over the decades, IDF has evolved into a powerhouse for sustainable development, tackling poverty head-on by blending financial inclusion with transformative programs in education, health, agriculture, renewable energy, and more. From empowering farmers with innovative agricultural solutions to bringing solar energy to the most isolated communities, IDF turns challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.
Today, IDF’s impact spans 21 districts, with over 135,000 members benefiting from its programs. Its unique ability to combine grassroots innovation with a global perspective has redefined what’s possible for the underprivileged, offering them the tools to not just survive, but thrive.
With a commitment to leaving no one behind, IDF continues to write a story of hope, empowerment, and progress, proving that when we join hands, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome. The journey forward is not just about alleviating poverty; it’s about building a future where opportunity knows no bounds.

Integrated Development Foundation (IDF)

Our Founder

Zahirul Alam, Founder and Executive Director of the Integrated Development Foundation (IDF), is a dedicated advocate for poverty alleviation and community empowerment in Bangladesh. His journey began as an assistant to Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus at Chittagong University, where he contributed to the development of the transformative Grameen Bank model. With a Master’s degree in Economics, Mr. Alam further enriched his expertise at the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) and the International Labor Organization (ILO), addressing critical issues like income inequality and rural development. In 1992, guided by a vision of a self-reliant and inclusive Bangladesh, Mr. Alam founded IDF to serve the underserved. Through innovative programs in microfinance, education, renewable energy, and healthcare, IDF has reached countless individuals, fostering resilience and opportunities in some of the country’s most remote regions. Mr. Alam’s passion lies in bringing people together to create meaningful change. He firmly believes that when communities, organizations, and individuals join hands, even the most complex challenges can be overcome. His life’s work continues to inspire hope and collaboration, proving that with compassion and commitment, we can move forward together toward a brighter future for all.

Our Mission

To combat poverty in the impassable hilly regions and underserved areas of Bangladesh by organizing communities and providing them with capital and various social safety net services essentially health, safe water, sanitation, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, education, housing, solar power, risk coverage and protection etc. for their socio-economic development.

Our Vision

“To create comfortable poverty free Bangladesh.”

Recognition

In 2004 IDF won the prestigious ‘Pioneer in Microcredit Award 2004’ bestowed by Grameen Foundation, USA.
IDF received Most Promising Partner Award from IDCOL in 2004.
US based Forbes magazine rated IDF as one of the top 50 MFIs in the world and 6th in Bangladesh in 2007.
Baby Chakma, an IDF Micro-entrepreneur won the Citi best entrepreneur Award in 2008.
IDF won the City Award as the ‘Best Microfinance Institution of the year 2015 Bangladesh.
Recognized as ‘Best Tax Payer of the year 2016-17’ in Bangladesh.

Let us go forward in this battle fortified by conviction that those who labour in the service of a great and good cause will never fail.

Key Achievements

IDF has supported more than 500,000 members, with 70% successfully lifting themselves from the poverty line, creating a path toward sustainable livelihoods.
IDF has delivered vital and affordable healthcare services to over 2.2 million people, ensuring access to quality health services to the poor communities.
IDF has awarded around 5000 scholarships, empowering poor students to continue their educational journeys and become tomorrow's change makers.
IDF proudly established the Halda Research and Training Center, boosting the productivity and sustainability of the Halda River, a lifeline for many people.
IDF with the assistance of PKSF established “Halda River Research Laboratory” in the Zoology department of Chittagong University.
IDF contributed largely to the preservation, development, and expansion of the unique and indigenous Red Chittagong Cattle, an internationally recognized cattle variety.
IDF has established a farmer’s residential training center with demonstration farms in 12 sectors in Khagrachari.
IDF developed a model of Integrated Farm, showcasing the future eco-friendly agriculture practices in appropriate areas.

Integrated Development Foundation (IDF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating poverty in the remote, hilly, and underserved regions of Bangladesh.

About Our Organization

Integrated Development Foundation (IDF)

Brief History

Integrated Development Foundation (IDF)

Our Founder

Our Mission

Our Vision

Recognition

Let us go forward in this battle fortified by conviction that those who labour in the service of a great and good cause will never fail.

Key Achievements

Useful Links

What We Do

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