Story perspectives

Qatar Foundation Halts U.S. Operations, Cuts NYC School Funding

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Qatar Foundation International will wind down U.S. operations, ending its funding to NYC schools.
The foundation funded a Brooklyn elementary school that displayed a map of the Arab world omitting Israel after giving over $1 million to city schools.
An earlier investigation found nearly $100 billion of Qatari investment in U.S. education, defense and other sectors and attempts to sway politicians, suggesting the wind-down reflects concern over rising scrutiny.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 Qatar Foundation’s proposal led Georgetown University to open its School of Foreign Service branch in Education City, joining four other U.S. campuses. Qatar had become the largest foreign donor to U.S. academia, giving $4.7 billion from 2001-2021. Today, political scrutiny that led Qatar Foundation International to withdraw from New York City schools echoes concerns over foreign-funded education projects.

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Story summary

Qatar Foundation International will wind down U.S. operations, ending its funding to NYC schools.
The foundation funded a Brooklyn elementary school that displayed a map of the Arab world omitting Israel after giving over $1 million to city schools.
An earlier investigation found nearly $100 billion of Qatari investment in U.S. education, defense and other sectors and attempts to sway politicians, suggesting the wind-down reflects concern over rising scrutiny.

1 / 2